Illegal
A modern classic with a rebellious spirit, the Illegal is a smoky and herbaceous twist on the Last Word. By swapping gin for mezcal, this cocktail offers a complex interplay of smoke, sweet herbal notes, and tart citrus in perfect, equal-parts harmony.
Ingredients
- ¾ oz Mezcal
- ¾ oz Green Chartreuse
- ¾ oz Maraschino Liqueur
- ¾ oz Fresh Lime Juice
- Garnish: Cocktail Cherry
Instructions
- Chill the Glass: Place a coupe glass in the freezer to get it ice-cold.
- Combine Ingredients: Add all four ingredients—mezcal, Green Chartreuse, Maraschino liqueur, and fresh lime juice—to a cocktail shaker filled with ice.
- Shake Well: Seal and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds until the shaker is very cold.
- Strain and Garnish: Double-strain the pale green mixture into your chilled coupe glass. Garnish with a single high-quality cocktail cherry.
Pro Tips for Perfection
The Last Word Family: This cocktail is a direct descendant of the Last Word, a Prohibition-era classic. The only change is substituting gin with mezcal. This simple swap transforms the drink from bright and botanical to smoky and earthy, creating an entirely new experience.
Balance is Everything: The "equal parts" formula is what makes this family of cocktails so magical. The aggressive herbal notes of Green Chartreuse, the funky sweetness of Maraschino, the tart lime, and the smoky mezcal all fight for attention but end up in a perfect, complex balance. Don't alter the ratios!