Paul Kushner
The Smoking Blackberry Sage Margarita is a captivating and aromatic twist on the classic margarita. Combining the tartness of blackberries with the herbal notes of fresh sage, this cocktail is sweetened with a touch of maple syrup and balanced by the bold flavors of silver tequila and lemon juice. The dramatic presentation, with a smoking dried sage garnish or a cube of dry ice, makes this drink a showstopper.
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Ingredients
- 2 oz silver tequila
- 1 oz lemon juice
- 0.25 oz maple syrup
- 5 fresh sage leaves
- 8 medium blackberries
- 1 dash orange bitters
- Blackberries and Dried sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
- In a cocktail shaker, muddle the blackberries and fresh sage leaves together until they are well broken down and fragrant.
- Add the silver tequila, lemon juice, orange bitters, and maple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously to blend the ingredients and chill the mixture.
- If using dry ice, place a small cube in the glass and pour the mixture over it. If using regular ice, fill the glass with ice and strain the mixture into the glass.
- For an added smoky effect, light the tip of a dried sage leaf on fire just before serving and allow the smoke to infuse the drink.
- Garnish with a few fresh blackberries and the smoldering sage leaf.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your Smoking Blackberry Sage Margarita!
Notes
- Use caution when handling dry ice and burning sage. Ensure that the dry ice is food-grade and that the sage is extinguished before consuming.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup to suit your taste.
- For a more intense blackberry flavor, let the muddled mixture sit for a minute before adding the other ingredients.
- Serve in a chilled glass to enhance the refreshing quality of the cocktail.
Tasting Notes
The Smoking Blackberry Sage Margarita is a bold and aromatic cocktail that marries the tartness of blackberries with the earthy, herbal notes of fresh sage. The silver tequila provides a strong, smooth base, while the lemon juice adds a refreshing citrusy tang. The maple syrup introduces a subtle sweetness that perfectly balances the other flavors. The orange bitters add a layer of complexity, and the smoked sage garnish or dry ice effect adds a dramatic presentation and a hint of smokiness to each sip. This margarita is ideal for those who appreciate a drink with depth, complexity, and a bit of flair.
