Fresh blackberries and sage, muddled with bourbon and lemon, make a blackberry sage bourbon smash that's tart, a little earthy, and too easy to drink. You muddle the fruit and herbs, shake with bourbon and lemon, and you're sipping in no time.
There's something comforting about sage. Whether it's in a rich butter sauce for squash ravioli or adding that classic holiday flavor to Thanksgiving stuffing, I'm there for it.
But sage could use some more love. Compared to its earthy herb siblings - rosemary and thyme - sage probably gets overlooked the most. And it's not just good in, say, a mushroom risotto or a pumpkin pasta dish. Believe it or not, it can work in a cocktail, too.
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In this drink, the deep earthy flavor of sage counters the sharp fruitiness of blackberries while complementing the oakiness of bourbon and maple.
🥂 Why You'll Love This cocktail
- Rich, earthy flavors make this a perfect cozy drink.
- This simple cocktail is great from late summer through winter. It's perfect for sipping by a cozy fire pit, serving alongside your Thanksgiving celebrations, or on a quiet evening with a good book.
- With just a few ingredients, it's easy to prepare. No fancy ingredients or special syrups required.
If you've been here before, you know I love a bourbon cocktail. If you do too, don't miss out on my apple cider whiskey cocktail and cherry whiskey sour. The combo of fruit and bourbon works so well, but it shows up a bit differently in each drink. I also have a recipe for bourbon glazed chicken if you're feeling hungry.
🌿 Ingredients
Key Ingredients
- Bourbon: Use your favorite bourbon whiskey in this cocktail. I like something balanced, smooth, and a little sweet. I tested this recipe with Killington Distillery's Maple Cask bourbon, which is made with Vermont maple syrup. You want those classic oak and vanilla flavors.
- Blackberries: Fresh blackberries are best here, but frozen ones work too. Just let them thaw first, either ahead of time in the fridge or for about 20 minutes on the counter at room temperature.
- Sage: Sage leaves add a savory, earthy flavor that balances the berries and maple and cuts the sweetness. Fresh sage leaves are essential here. Don't try to use dried leaves. If you don't grow your own, fortunately, you can typically find fresh sage in the produce department of the grocery store year-round.
- Maple syrup: Contributes deep sweetness that perfectly complements the bourbon.
See the recipe card below for the full ingredient list and quantities.
🍵 Substitutions & Variations
- In place of sage: Try other woody, earthy herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Mocktail version: Replace the bourbon with an equal amount of strongly brewed black tea.
- For more sage flavor: Instead of muddling the sage, make a sage simple syrup. Add the leaves to a small saucepan with 2 cups sugar and 1 cup water. Gently bruise the leaves, stir, and simmer over low heat for 3 minutes. Let cool completely and use ½ ounce of this syrup in place of the maple syrup. Save extra syrup in the fridge for additional cocktails or to flavor other beverages.
🔪 Instructions
- Step 1: Add blackberries to a cocktail shaker.
- Step 2: Add a few fresh sage leaves.
- Step 3: Add the lemon juice and maple syrup.
- Step 4: Gently muddle a few times to crush the blackberries and bruise the sage to release its oils.
- Step 5: Pour in 2 ounces of bourbon.
- Step 6: Add a scoop of ice to fill about halfway, put the lid on, and shake well for 15 seconds.
- Step 7: Pour the cocktail into your glass. You can strain it if you like, but I don't think you need to.
- Step 8: Add some fresh ice to the glass.
- Step 9: Top off with a splash of sparkling water.
- Step 10: Garnish with sage and a few blackberries.
✨ Top Tip
It's easy (and a bit fun) to get carried away with muddling. But try not to. Gently crush the berries to release their juices, and bruise the sage leaves just enough to infuse flavor-no need to pulverize anything.
🍳 Equipment
Cocktail shaker: Use a mason jar if you don't have a shaker handy.
Muddler: Use to smash the blackberries and press the sage to release its oils. You can also use a pestle or a small wooden spoon if needed.
🙋🏻♂️ FAQ
Nope. Whatever you have on hand is fine, such as seltzer, club soda, or tonic water. You're just adding a bit of bubbles to finish off the drink.
Fair concern. With bourbon and maple syrup, it could seem that way. But the blackberries are tart, and the sage is a little savory, so it all balances out. However, you can use less maple syrup or leave it out if you prefer.
Sure. A typical cocktail shaker can hold a double batch. Prepare it in the same way, just double the ingredients and divide it into two glasses.
🥩 Pairing
Try pairing this cocktail with one of my other recipes:
📖 Recipe
Blackberry Sage Bourbon Smash
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
A 5 minute blackberry sage bourbon smash with fresh berries, sage, and lemon. Tart, earthy, and perfect from late summer through winter.
Ingredients
- about 8 blackberries
- 8 fresh sage leaves
- ½ ounce maple syrup
- ½ ounce fresh lemon juice
- 2 ounces bourbon
- ice
- sparkling water of choice
Instructions
- Add 6 blackberries, 6 sage leaves, maple syrup, and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker. Gently muddle the ingredients.
- Pour in the bourbon and enough ice to fill the shaker about halfway.
- Shake well for 10-15 seconds, then pour into a chilled glass. If you prefer, you may strain the cocktail.
- Top with a bit of fresh ice (more if you strained it) and finish with a splash of sparkling water.
- Garnish with a couple of fresh blackberries and sage leaves. Serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Drinks, Fall, Holidays
- Method: Shaking
- Cuisine: American
🍹 Related Recipes
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