Oooh boy it has been a busy first couple of weeks of 2017! Let’s all take a breather today and relax with this smoked sage cocktail. There’s bourbon. I promise.
Wowzer it’s been a busy couple of weeks. On top of the insanity at work with both my own job and my husband’s, we are going through the lengthy process of listing the apartment I own in downtown Detroit for sale. We spent a couple of days cleaning and fixing things up before the photographer came yesterday. Last week I mentioned how hard it has been for me to part with this chapter of my life, and sad was the only way to describe how I felt walking out of the loft Wednesday evening.
But all good things must come to an end, and I’m grateful to have this new chapter of my life include a wonderful husband and two lovable puppies! And today, as we have welcomed the new year, I feel like toasting to the next chapter. These smoked sage cocktails are the perfect vehicle to do so!
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Bourbon? Yes, please! First, though, let’s make this simple syrup. It’s got grated ginger and fresh sage, and it’s so tasty that it will be your new favorite simple syrup. Next we pair this with fresh lemon juice and tasty bourbon. Use your favorite bourbon! This is the time – this cocktail is too good to skimp on that cheap stuff, y’all. An egg white, bitters, and fresh sage leaves burnt at the ends for a smoky aroma finish off this beauty. I love the mixture of smelling the smoked herbs with the earthiness of the bourbon. Mmmm!
Related: Indian Winter: A Cardamom Cocktail
Now it’s your turn: what changes are you toasting to this year? Share with me by commenting below!
- ½ cup white sugar
- ½ cup water
- 3 tbsp. ginger, grated
- 6-8 sage leaves, minced
- 1 egg white
- 2 oz. bourbon
- ½ oz. lemon juice
- ½ oz. sage ginger simple syrup
- 2-3 drops bitters
- 2 whole sage leaves
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine white sugar, water, ginger, and minced sage. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and cover with lid. Allow to steep for 10 minutes before straining into an airtight container (such as a mason jar). Allow to cool fully before use. Store in refrigerator for up to 4-6 weeks.
- Fill a champagne coupe with ice water and set aside to chill.
- Add egg white to a shaker and cover with lid. Shake for 20-25 seconds until frothy. Fill shaker with ice and add bourbon, lemon juice, and sage ginger simple syrup. Shake until well combined, about 25-30 seconds. Empty ice water from champagne coupe and strain contents of shaker into chilled glass. Use a lighter to char the edges of two sage leaves and garnish cocktail with charged sage. Enjoy!
Sarah is a food blogger from Metro Detroit who believes that gourmet food should be accessible to all home cooks. 
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