On Friday nights (almost without fail) we frequent the swanky steakhouse and bar located directly across the street. We look forward to this event all week long. Not for the steak – although, it IS TRULY the best filet I’ve ever had in my life – but for the people. We are both severe introverts, but transform into amazing extroverts in this circular bar, people watching environment. We become “ambiverts” and our transformation, along with the company we keep becomes magical. Time flies, hours pass, and we enter into a different world.
Within that world we have our favorite bar staff and waitstaff. Almost family, if you will, along with our “chosen family” of friends and patrons.
As I watch the diners and drinkers, I often eye those two working so hard behind the bar. This bar, you see, will kick your ass on a Friday night. It’s one of the busiest in town. Sweat on the the brow, demands from all ends, they somehow survive.
And, the end up creating and crafting some pretty exquisite cocktails.
Inspired by these mixologists, smoking rosemary for a favorite drink, I took it upon myself to create this: Smoked Sage Blueberry Bourbon Cocktail.

The smoke of the glass and the sage adds just enough “snuff” to the sweet medley of bourbon and blueberries.

You’ll also want to pair this with Blueberry Sage Lamb Loin with Roasted Farro & Blueberry Stilton. Trust me.

Smoked Sage Blueberry Bourbon Cocktail

3 leaves fresh sage
2 oz. bourbon
splash of simple syrup
4-5 blueberries
ice

Light the sage leaves on fire to smoke (on a heat proof plate) and immediately cover with a domed glass (snifter) to capture the smoke. Let sit for 3 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine the bourbon and syrup with a bit of ice in a large glass and allow to sit for those 3 minutes, gently agitating.

Invert the sage smoked glass and strain the bourbon mixture into the glass, adding the blueberries and smoked sage. Serve immediately.