Sweet Whisky Sage

When looking for a great cocktail balance is key. Any cocktail will balance spice notes, sweet notes and alcohol. When thinking seasonally, as most foodies do, the spices of the season come into play; and therein lies the reason for a sage based cocktail. Between Thanksgiving and Christmas sage is “in season”, not so much as a growing season, but rather a popular time to cook with the herb.

The sweet pomegranate notes from grenadine match well to blend with the herbacious sage. A woody note or two combined with a swift punch from the whiskey combines to make one great cocktail. Topping the concoction off with club soda offers a pleasant fizziness. Ginger ale can be substituted for those who prefer a sweeter cocktail.

Ingredients:

2 oz whiskey

2 sage leaves

2 oz club soda or ginger ale

2 dashes (1/4 tsp.) grenadine

Garnish with a cherry

Directions:

Add sage leaves and muddle in bottom of mixing glass

Incorporate whiskey, grenadine and ice; shake.

Double strain into a rocks glass, top with ginger ale or club soda.

This drink is great around this time of year, with the addition of a touch more grenadine it could easily pass for a Halloween specialty. Not all Halloween cocktails need to utilize dry ice and smoke machines. With that said, if you are more interested in what is in your glass rather than impressing your guests with an over the top visual display, give this drink a chance next time you sit down for a relaxing evening.