The Smokey Joe's cocktail at The Baxter Inn is a flavoursome take on the Julep

This recipe from The Baxter Inn is equal parts refreshing, complex, and delicious.

The Smokey Joe's cocktail at The Baxter Inn is a flavoursome take on the Julep
Jay Cozma and the Smokey Joe's at The Baxter Inn in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

The Mint Julep is one of the iconic classic cocktails. Made with little more than American whiskey, mint, sugar, ice and love, it's as refreshing as whisky drinks get.

But you don't have to stick to American whiskey, as Jay Cozma from The Baxter Inn in Sydney shows with this drink, the Smokey Joe's. Cozma pulls together Aberfeldy 12, some custom smoked green cardamom water, a little aperitivo-style Italian bitter in the form of Aperol, and sweetness from local honey, to make a riff on the Julep that is equal parts refreshing, complex, and delicious.

The Smokey Joe's cocktail at The Baxter Inn in Sydney. Photo: Boothby
The Smokey Joe's cocktail at The Baxter Inn in Sydney. Photo: Boothby

Smokey Joe's

Ingredients

  • 40ml Aberfeldy 12
  • 20ml Aperol
  • 15ml smoked green cardamom water
  • 10ml lemon juice
  • 10ml Urban Beehive Inner West honey syrup
  • A ginger cube and a mint sprig to garnish

Instructions

  1. Add all ingredients except the garnishes to a shaker with ice.
  2. Shake and strain into a julep cup.
  3. Fill with crushed ice. Dust with icing sugar, and garnish with a ginger cube and a mint sprig.

Where to find it?

You can taste the Smokey Joe's for yourself at The Baxter Inn, 152/156 Clarence St, Sydney, and follow them on Instagram at @thebaxterinnsydney.