Smokescreen Cocktail: Another Gem from Cocktail Codex Book

Death and Co was one of the first truly great NYC cocktail bars I visited.

We were trying to get into PDT, and with insane wait times, we were lucky to get seated a few doors down with little wait at Death and Co.

While you don’t hear about it quite as much as you used to with so many new bars opening up – it’s still one of the very best places in New York to get a good drink.

Like, a really good drink.

Around a year ago when I picked up their second book, the Cocktail Codex, I naturally had high expectations.

Well, turns out my expectations weren’t high enough. The book is that good.

It’s so good, that I even listed it as my favorite cocktail book on the market.

Literally, every time I make a drink out of it, it’s fantastic.

Whether it’s classics like the daiquiri or Aperol Spritz, or unique creations like today’s cocktail, the Smokescreen – I always know I can count on that book, regardless of what mood I’m in.

Smokescreen Cocktail: It hits ALL the notes

So last night I was sitting at home, as I’ve been doing all week (you know, Coronavirus), and started flipping through the book.

I’m a sucker for smokey, anything so when I saw this drink by Alex Day jump out I was pretty excited.

In part because, I just realized with our early spring here in Portland we actually had some mint growing in the garden, and that was the only ingredient I didn’t think I had.

The Smokescreen is one of those drinks that doesn’t seem like it should work.

It’s a beautiful blend of smokey and blended scotch, herbal green chartreuse, lime, and yes, mint.

It just felt like there was going to be too much going on for it to work.

But oh boy, did it work.

The Smokescreen was smokey without being overpowering, and the mint and simple syrup played beautifully with just enough Chartreuse to balance out the scotches.

I don’t know why I was so surprised at how good this drink was, but it truly was special.

In fact, I think it might be my favorite drink I’ve made from Cocktail Codex yet – which is saying something.

If you’re looking for a summery drink, that still manages to be complex and spirit driven, then I highly recommend you try making a Smokescreen.

Want something that has some similar flavors but requires fewer ingredients? Try a classic mint julep.

If you pick up the book, there’s a sister recipe that switches out the Chartreuse for Absinthe that I’m looking forward to trying out as well.