maple sage old fashioned
One Monday afternoon I sipped on a glass of this Maple Sage Old Fashioned and ate a slice of apple coffee cake. A blissful aside in an otherwise stressful day.
Perhaps I should’ve burned some sage instead of steeping it in a cocktail, but you know, sometimes you just need the comfort of a glass at hand rather than a whimsical cure for your woes. I, like anyone, am human. I usually outsmart my own impulses, but I give in to some. Occasionally the answer to an episode of severe anxiety is not to eat a healthy snack and take a shower. Sometimes it’s to sit down for a still moment and enjoy treats.
Obviously, I’m not a medical professional and I am fortunate enough to self-manage most of my anxiety manifestations, but if you’re like many and find it difficult to justify an indulgence, I’d offer you permission to not feel guilty. For myself, I was running about like a roach without a head all day and participated in a nice graceful meltdown, and that break was the only one I had all day to figure out a way to slow my breathing. It was nice. It’s okay to say yes to your cravings.
I love this drink for its ease of creation. All you need are the basic bartender’s ingredients for an old fashioned plus a quick sage-infused maple simple syrup. I highly advocate for a pitcher version of this drink for the holidays.
To make the syrup, bring equal parts maple syrup and water, and a few sage leaves, to a simmer. Take the pan off the heat and steep 10 minutes to infuse the sage undertones. Throw out the sage leaves.
In a cocktail shaker, add a couple tablespoons of syrup (two was good for me, but if you need more sweet, add a bit more), lemon juice, bourbon, and orange bitters. Throw in some ice, shake it up, and pour into a pretty cocktail glass. Lay a sage leave and maybe a cinnamon stick overtop. Enjoy with a slice of Chai Bourbon Pumpkin Pie, since said coffee cake isn’t posted yet. Wink.
While I adore this time of year (but Starbucks, November 4 is too early for all the holiday shit and Christmas music blaring through the storefront), I know not everyone finds comfort in togetherness. Likewise, some might find comfort in a companion but can’t find it. I’ve been in both camps, so while I often splay jokes and put myself forth as a charming (ha) but rather cynical character, some of the emotions behind the outward portrayals are less than savory and pure. I struggle as anyone else does, sometimes not as bad, sometimes worse. Behind the swearing and the screen, I’m a skin-and-flesh human just as you and you and you. If you’re in a corner of your head you don’t want to be and can’t get past the funk, asking for help isn’t ungraceful or weak. It’s important. That’s why certain modes of communication and certain job fields exist. To help you.
Asking for help. I’ll toast to that.
Tried this recipe out? Leave a comment below with your thoughts, and don’t forget to come say hi on Instagram and show me what you made!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 4 sage leaves
- 1/2 oz lemon juice
- dash orange bitters
- 1 1/2 oz bourbon
- sparkling water, to top
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup, sage leaves, and 1/2 cup of water to a gentle simmer. Remove from the heat and let steep 10 minutes. Discard the sage leaves.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine 2-3 tablespoons of maple sage syrup, lemon juice, bitters, and bourbon. Add ice and shake until cold, then pour into a cocktail glass. Top with sparkling water and garnish with a sage leaf and cinnamon stick, as desired.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 4 sage leaves
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups bourbon
- 1 tsp orange bitters
- sparkling water, to top each glass
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, heat the maple syrup, sage leaves, and 1/2 cup of water to a gentle simmer. Remove from heat and steep 10 minutes. Discard the sage leaves.
- In a large pitcher, stir together the maple sage syrup, lemon juice, bourbon, and bitters. Chill until ready to serve. Add ice to individual glasses and top each with sparkling water, as desired.
