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Our friend runs a popular Instagram account called Wisecraft Mixology. His unique spin on basic cocktails is truly an art which he showcases with his distinctive photography. Whenever he comes to town, he bottles up a special concoction for me to taste. I think it is to make sure I’m not mad about the endless holes of golf he is about to play with my husband.

The cocktails usually involve a fun twist like flavored simple syrup, unique liquors, or infused alcohol. This margarita is spiced up for the fall season using the underused herb sage. Sage-infused simple syrup adds a subtle earthy flavor. The sage leaf garnish opens up the senses with a fragrant aroma that I can only explain as fresh. Fresh squeezed lime and grapefruit juice adds the tartness I crave in a margarita. I plan to drink this wrapped in a blanket and sitting by a fire on this perfect Tennessee fall evening. Thank you Wisecraft Mixology! My door is always open.

Tequila blanco, sage simple syrup, grapefruit, lime, bitters, sea salt
Sage infused simple syrup is water and sugar that is heated over the stove until the sugar is dissolved. Add sage leaves and let steep for 10 – 15 minutes. Strain sage leaves. That’s it!
Double straining is pouring the cocktail through the strainer at the top of the cocktail shaker and then pouring it through a fine mesh sieve. This ensures that the cocktail is clean and free of pulp bits and seeds.
This cocktail is sophisticated and smooth to drink. It highlights tequila blanco for a pure and clean taste.
Seek out these tequilas from your local liquor store: Lalo, Arette, or Cimarron

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use lime juice from a bottle?

Fresh squeezed is preferred for this cocktail.

What is double strained and how do I do it?

This is a bartending technique where you pour the cocktail through two strainers to make the drink clean and free of any unwanted pulp.

After the cocktail is shaken, it is poured from the Hawthorne shaker (the one on top of the cocktail shaker) and also through a fine mesh strainer before ending up in the serving glass.

Center Sage Margarita

A warm and surprising fall margarita
Servings: 1 cocktail
Prep Time: 15 minutes
For the sage simple syrup: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 cocktail shaker
  • 1 fine mesh strainer
  • 1 cocktail glass of choice
  • 1 saucepan for simple syrup

Ingredients 

  • 2 oz. Tequila blanco
  • 1 oz. freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • .75 oz. fresh lime juice
  • .75 oz. sage syrup, recipe follows
  • 1 dash Peychaud's bitters (optional, but adds a layer of complexity)
  • 1 small pinch sea salt, balances the citrus and herb

For the Sage Simple Syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 12-15 fresh sage leaves

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a shaker filled with ice.
  • Shake vigoursly for 12-15 seconds to aerate and chill.
  • Double strain into a rocks glass over a large ice cube.
  • Garnish with a fresh sage leaf lightly slapped to release oils and a grapefruit peel expressed over the drink and placed on top.

For the simple syrup:

  • Bring the water and sugar to a gentle simmer, stirring until sugar dissolves.
  • Remove from heat and add sage leaves.
  • Cover and steep for 15-20 minutes.
  • Strain out leaves and let syrup cool completely.
  • Store in a sealed glass jar for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Katie’s Tips:
*You can make non flavored simple syrup by omitting the sage leaves. Simple syrup elevates any homemade cocktail by adding sweetness without and balances other flavors in a drink.
*Follow Wisecraft Mixology on Instagram for cool pictures and great tips. 
*I used thisjuicer for squeezing juice from limes. 
*These are nice ice trays to keep in your freezer for large block ice cubes for cocktails.  
Made it? Tag @katieskitchencounter on Instagram. I’d love to see!

Fall has arrived here in Tennessee. Try this cocktail a your next outdoor fireside hang.