Ice Cream Dream

The Peacock’s Mint Chip Martini has other cocktails green with envy

By Alison Bailin Batz / Photos Debby Wolvos

Chef Christopher George wears many hats. He is both the executive chef and chief operating officer of Kaufman Hospitality, which includes CHoP, Sea & Smoke, Rock Lobster, Eliva’s, and The Living Room. He also oversees the vision for the brand’s speakeasy-style lounge, The Peacock.

“After passing through a humble corridor at The Living Room, there is a nondescript door with a neon green-lit outline of a peacock above it,” George says. “Those who enter are treated to an experience that touches all the senses.”

Visually, the space is dark and romantic, with a 30-foot bar, bold peacock wallpaper and animal prints, glowing chandeliers and candles, and plush, velour- and leather-draped furniture.

“Our menu was initially a showcase of Prohibition-style cocktails, but as we evolved, we slowly added more experiential drinks, focusing on cocktails with finessed technique and a sense of cheeky fun,” says Geroge, who collaborated with director of operations Jacob Williams and his mixology team on the recently released fall offerings.

The Mint Chip Martini ($15) is among the most popular seasonal spotlights.

It starts with SelvaRey Chocolate Rum by Bruno Mars, a premium, five-year-old single-estate rum. “We combine it with both Giffard Menthe, a French creme de menthe liqueur with a gorgeous burst of peppermint flavor that offers a cooling sensation on the palate, as well as creme de cacao, a non-dairy based liqueur with both chocolate and vanilla notes,” George says.

The ingredients, together creating a gorgeous pastel green hue, are given a hard shake in a tin with ice until frothy and then strained into coupe glass. “Garnished with ample chocolate shavings before delivering tableside, every sip tastes like a boozy Thin Mint milkshake,” George says.

The Peacock, 20751 N. Pima Road, Scottsdale; www.peacockdcranch.com; 480.404.7465.