This cocktail is an ode to every thing Summer -- sweet, woodsy, with just the right amount of wonder. The earthiness of the sage plays beautifully with the spices from the gin. Feel free to leave out the gin for a mocktail or even replace soda water with tonic water for a bit more sweetness.
BLACKBERRY SAGE SPRITZERS:
(makes 2 cocktails)
- 3 oz. good quality gin
- handful of blackberries, washed
- 1 bottle soda water
- 1/2 cup ice
- 3 oz sage simple syrup (recipe below)
- fresh sage and blackberries for garnish
In a shaker, muddle the blackberries and add the simple syrup. Add gin and ice and shake well. Strain into two highball glasses and top off with the soda water. Garnish with fresh sage and blackberries and serve immediately.
To make the sage simple syrup:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup fresh sage leaves, roughly chopped
Combine sugar and water in a small pot and heat over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add sage leaves, stir until leaves are submerged. Allow leaves to steep for 15-20 minutes and strain into a glass tupperware container and place in the fridge until ready to use.
Can last in the fridge for up to 1 month or frozen in ice cube trays for later use for ice teas, flavored waters and cocktails.
