Let’s Get Blitzen: Cocktail Advent Calendar – Day 2 – Blackberry Sage Smash. It’s the first Monday in December, which probably means that a) you’ve already mentally checked out of work for the year, b) are contemplating which body part you can sell to afford Christmas presents or a 10-pound turkey in this economy, and c) you’re craving a refreshing cocktail come 5 o’clock.
I’m here to help. Subscribe to my mailing list for a free step-by-step guide for selling pictures of your feet on the internet. Just kidding. I can help you with item “c” and quench your thirst with this easy-drinking tequila cocktail.
Blackberries, honey and sage make for a compelling flavour combination which melds well with the grassy notes of a good quality tequila blanco. I always recommend looking for an additive-free tequila that is 100% agave, without added vanilla which is often used to mask a subpar spirit. When it comes to additive-free tequila blanco, I like Elevacion1250 and Siempre.
For this smash, you’ll want to ensure you muddle the blackberries and sage until the fruit is nice and juicy. An effective muddle that doesn’t bruise delicate herbs like mint or sage but still succeeds in working fruit into a pulp involves downward pressure with a twist. You don’t need to pulverize the contents of your shaker tin with a jackhammer motion – just press and twist, repeat.
I’d like to thank my model, Michael, for his assistance in creating the glamorous holiday party scene I wanted to capture for this shoot. Naturally, as art imitates life, I’m his co-star in the gold two-piece set.
We’ve restricted our wardrobe budget over the past year as we’ve prioritized bigger renovation projects at our place, like the ongoing major bathroom renovation that has me on the brink of insolvency, and our constant improvements at our luxury vacation rental, The Sheldon Manor.
Speaking of which, if you’re looking for a cozy winter escape within 1-hour drive, I highly recommend camping out at The Sheldon Manor and enjoying breakfast in the formal dining room with the wood-burning fireplace keeping you warm, taking in the expanse of stars from the hot tub, or cuddling up in the sunroom with a good book and uninterrupted views of Big Rideau Lake. The Manor is the original farmhouse in the area, built in 1865, and is full of Canadian charm – and it sleeps 12, plenty of room for friends/family.
Be sure to tune into my Instagram Stories tonight at 5 p.m. Eastern for a step-by-step cocktail tutorial on how to make your Monday smashingly good.
Cheers, friends!
Blackberry Sage Smash
This easy-drinking smash combines tequila blanco with fresh blackberries, sage, and honey.
- 3 blackberries
- 1 oz honey sage champagne syrup
- 2 oz tequila blanco
- 1 oz lemon juice
- Garnish: two blackberries
- Garnish: sage leaf
- 1 cup honey
- 1 cup champagne or other sparkling wine
- ¼ cup fresh sage sprigs
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Add blackberries and syrup to a shaker tin. Muddle until juicy.
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Add remaining ingredients with ice and shake until well-chilled.
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Strain into a rocks glass over crushed ice.
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Garnish with two blackberries skewered on a cocktail pick and a single sage leaf.
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Combine ingredients in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until fully incorporated – about 5 minutes.
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Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature.
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Fine strain into an airtight container.
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Store in the fridge for up to 1 month.
