Last of the Oaxacans
A modern classic that brilliantly substitutes the gin in a traditional Last Word with the smoky complexity of mezcal.
33%
ABV
medium
Difficulty
coupe
Glass
Flavor Profile
History & Heritage
“The Last of the Oaxacans was created in 2016 by Rick Dobbs at his bar, The Last Word, in Livermore, California. The cocktail is a direct variation on the classic Last Word, with the innovation of replacing the traditional gin with mezcal. The name is a clever play on the name of the bar and the origin of the base spirit, with Oaxaca being the primary region for mezcal production in Mexico.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Chill a coupe or Nick & Nora glass.
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
Double-strain into the chilled glass.
Garnish with a maraschino cherry.
Glassware
Served in a chilled coupe or Nick & Nora glass
Garnish
A high-quality maraschino cherry
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
The equal-parts formula creates a perfectly balanced cocktail where no single ingredient overpowers the others.
A vigorous shake and double-straining are crucial for a silky-smooth texture.
Use a high-quality mezcal with a balanced smokiness to complement the other ingredients.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Last of the Oaxacans.
Last Word
The original, made with gin instead of mezcal.
Changes
Naked and Famous
A modern classic in its own right, made with mezcal, yellow Chartreuse, Aperol, and lime juice.
Changes
More to Explore
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Green Chartreuse Naked and Famous
A bold, herbaceous variation of Joaquín Simó's modern classic, substituting Green Chartreuse for Yellow to create an intense, vegetal, and profoundly complex equal-parts cocktail with assertive mezcal.
Mezcal Mule
A bold and smoky reinterpretation of the classic Moscow Mule, where complex mezcal transforms this refreshing ginger beer highball into a contemplative craft cocktail experience.