The Last Palabra Cocktail: The Best Bitters for Tequila

Are you looking for a cocktail that showcases the best bitters for tequila? The Last Palabra is a vibrant, flavorful choice that balances sweet, sour, and herbal notes with a touch of effervescence. This guide provides the complete Last Palabra recipe and teaches you how to master this stunning tequila cocktail. It is the perfect way to use a unique blend of ingredients, including bitters that complement tequila beautifully. This recipe proves that tequila cocktails can be as sophisticated and complex as any other.

What is The Last Palabra Cocktail?

The Last Palabra is a creative twist on the classic "Last Word" cocktail, which is traditionally made with gin. This version substitutes gin for tequila, creating a new flavor profile that is both earthy and bright. The name "palabra" is Spanish for "word," a playful nod to its inspiration. The cocktail’s layers of flavor come from the complex blend of herbal green chartreuse, sweet Luxardo maraschino liqueur, and the distinct taste of tequila, all tied together with the unique notes of El Guapo™ Cuban Bitters.

The Last Palabra Tequila Cocktail Recipe

Here are the exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions for a single serving of The Last Palabra.

Ingredients

• 1.5 oz tequila (we used Olmeca Altos Plata)
• 2/3 oz green chartreuse
• 0.5 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur
• 1 oz Big Easy Prickly Pear Tepache
• 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
• 10 dashes El Guapo™ Cuban Bitters
• Topo Chico
• Luxardo cherries & lime wheels, for garnish

Instructions: How to Make the Last Palabra

Follow these steps to create a perfectly balanced and beautiful cocktail.

1. Add ingredients to a shaker: In a shaker filled with ice, combine the 1.5 oz tequila, 2/3 oz green chartreuse, 0.5 oz Luxardo maraschino liqueur, 0.75 oz freshly squeezed lime juice, and 10 dashes of El Guapo™ Cuban Bitters.
2. Shake to chill: Secure the lid and shake until the outside of the shaker is well chilled (about 15-20 seconds).
3. Strain into a flute: Fine strain the cocktail into a champagne flute.
4. Add the final touches: Pour in the 1 oz of Big Easy Prickly Pear Tepache and fill the remaining space with Topo Chico.
5. Garnish and serve: Garnish the flute with Luxardo cherries and a fresh lime wheel before serving. Cheers!

Choosing the Best Bitters for Tequila

Bitters are concentrated flavoring agents that balance and enhance a cocktail's flavors. While most people associate bitters with whiskey or gin, they are an excellent addition to tequila. Cuban bitters, like El Guapo™'s, work exceptionally well with tequila because their spicy and citrusy notes complement the earthy, grassy, and peppery flavors of the agave spirit. Adding bitters to a tequila cocktail is the secret to adding complexity and depth without changing the primary character of the drink.

Tips for the Perfect Last Palabra

• The Importance of Fresh Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice provides a bright acidity that is essential for balancing the sweet and herbal notes of this drink.
• The Right Tequila: While any quality tequila will work, a clean and crisp blanco tequila is recommended to allow the other ingredients to shine through.
• Fine Strain for a Clean Finish: Fine straining is a key step that removes small ice shards and any fruit pulp, ensuring a smooth and clear texture.

Looking for more cocktail inspiration? Explore our complete collection of recipes and discover your next favorite drink. Have a question? Contact us for assistance, or visit El Guapo’s homepage to explore everything we offer.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Tepache?

Tepache is a fermented beverage made from the peel and rind of pineapples. It is a slightly sweet and acidic drink that adds a unique, earthy flavor and a touch of effervescence to the cocktail.

Why do you add bitters to a tequila cocktail?

Bitters are added to tequila cocktails to add complexity and balance. They can enhance the underlying flavors of the tequila and other ingredients, preventing the drink from being one-dimensional.

What is the difference between this cocktail and The Last Word?

This cocktail is a modern interpretation of The Last Word, which traditionally uses gin as its base spirit. The Last Palabra substitutes gin with tequila, creating a cocktail with a different flavor profile that is earthier and more robust.