Halloween Feature, Day 3: Ghost of Smokey Joe
Day 3 of our Halloween Feature, and this one comes with a ghost story built right in.
Ghost of Smokey Joe is a stirred, spirit-forward drink for people who like their Halloween more speakeasy than haunted house. It's rich, herbal and finished with a wisp of peat smoke.
Who made it
It was created by John Champion, who shared it in a comment on the Minnie the Moocher recipe page at Difford's Guide. The name comes from the Cab Calloway song that followed "Minnie the Moocher," and the drink is a Halloween riff on the Minnie the Moocher cocktail.
The recipe
A generous ¾ oz (25 ml) rye whiskey, ideally 100 proof
⅔ oz (20 ml) dry vermouth
½ oz Bénédictine
1 dash absinthe
1 dash Angostura bitters
½ teaspoon peated single malt Scotch, to float
Stir everything except the Scotch with ice until very cold, then strain into a chilled Nick & Nora glass. Gently pour the peated Scotch over the back of a bar spoon so it sits on top.
Why it works
Rye brings spice, the dry vermouth keeps it lean, and Bénédictine adds honey and herbs. The absinthe is barely there, just a ghost of anise. Then the peated Scotch on top hits your nose first, so every sip starts with smoke.
Bartender tip: Stirred drinks are all about temperature and dilution. Stir for 20 to 30 seconds with plenty of ice, and taste. It should be cold and silky, not hot with alcohol. Want theater? Serve it under a glass cloche filled with smoke and lift it at the table.
Day 4 tomorrow. Looking for a gift for the cocktail lover in your life? Our gift cards cover classes and certification.