Hey, if you’re limiting your Sage consumption to fall holidays featuring turkey then you’re really missing out. Sage cocktails offer a pungent flavor and sharp aromatic potency that’ll really grab your tastebuds.

Today Sage is commonly used in cooking, but like most herbs its roots began with medicinal use. The term Sage actually stems from the Latin word “salia” which mean “to save.” In fact the Greeks and Romans used it cure snake bites while people in the middle ages used Sage to treat everything from colds to epilepsy.

What Does Sage Taste Like?

Sage has a very strong and distinct flavor that I’d describe as piney, with notes of eucalyptus and citrus. Some describe it as “peppery,” but I think that may depend on either the variety or specific batch that you sample. Considered a robust herb, Sage is often used in foods that include poultry, pork and fish.

Generally you’ll find that fresh Sage is very different from the dried variety, which is why you should exclusively use the fresh stuff for Sage cocktails.

How to Pronounce Sage

Thankfully the pronunciation of this term is fairly straight-forward, but for those that are uncertain or other that just want to be titillated by our robotic bartender you can check it out here:

 

2 Sage Cocktails to Get You Started

The distinct, earthy flavor of Sage works well with a number of different cocktails, but you may have to experiment to find the one that hits you just right. I’ve found that Sage offers a nice contrast to sweet or acidic flavors and some of my favorites include Pineapple, Apple and citrus fruits (lemon, lime & orange). Regardless this herb offers a unique flavor that you’ll enjoy.

Note: Each of these cocktails require the preparation of a simple syrup. Frankly we’re not fans of complication, but making it is simple. So don’t be lame and forge ahead…

Sage Beekeeper Cocktail

I introduced this cocktail to the friendly people at my local community garden and it was a big hit. The Sage really pairs well with the fresh orange juice; in addition the honey syrup really gives it a rich flavor that everyone enjoyed.

Ingredients

• 1/2 oz. Honey Syrup
• 1 ½ oz. London Dry Gin
• 1oz. Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
• 1 ½ Fresh Sage Leaves
• Ice
• Orange Twists
• Honey Syrup
  • 1/2 C. Honey
  • 1/2 C. Water

Preparation

Honey Syrup

• Combine All Ingredients in a Small Sauce Pan Over Medium Heat
• Simmer Until Honey is Completely Dissolved
• Remove from Heat & Allow to Cool

Cocktail

• Combine Gin, Orange Juice, Honey Syrup and ½ Sage Leave in a Cocktail Shaker
• Shake Vigorously (20 – 30 times)
• Strain Into Chilled Up Glass (Coupe or Martini)
• Garnish With Orange Twist and Sage Leaf

Apple & Sage Smash

It’s tough to go wrong when pairing Sage and Apple; I think that it’s a great combination that just about everyone can get behind. Although this this version of a smash cocktail requires the preparation of an infused simple syrup, don’t let that bother you. It’s easy and delicious.

Ingredients

• 3-4 Fresh Sage Leaves
• 1 Tsp. Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 Tbsp. Sage Simple Syrup
• 2 oz. Vodka
• Club Soda
• Thinly Sliced Green Apple
• Sage Simple Syrup
  • ½ C. Sugar
  • ½ C. Water
  • 1 Small Handful of Fresh Sage Leaves

Preparation

Simple Syrup

• Combine All Ingredients in a Small Sauce Pan Over Medium Heat
• Simmer Until Sugar is Completely Dissolved
• Remove from Heat & Steep for 1 Hour
• Strain Syrup

Cocktail

• Lightly Muddle Lemon Juice, Fresh Sage Leaves & Apple Slices in a 6 oz. Glass
• Fill the Glass with Crushed Ice
• Add Vodka
• Top With Club Soda
• Garnish With Apple Slice & Sage Leaf