Cranberry Sage Cocktail
This Cranberry Sage Cocktail is re-created from Seasons 52, one of my favorite restaurants. It was a leap of faith and I’m so glad I tried it; it’s one of my favorite holiday libations!
A few years ago I had the pleasure of being invited to dinner at the Seasons 52 restaurant near me in Park Meadows; a large shopping complex north of where I live. A friend and I enjoyed an amazing lunch and the restaurant was gracious enough to provide me with the recipe for the cocktail we enjoyed so that I could re-create it and share it here.
Time got away from me and that did not happen, but I did recreate one of the dishes I enjoyed there another time, this Sonoma Goat Cheese Torta; each time I go I want to make EVERYTHING! They might be a chain but their seasonal variations make their dishes fresh and delicious…worth seeing if you have one close to you.
Why did I not get this drink finished pronto? I had one concern and I’m glad I checked. It was late in the cranberry season and since this was a Cranberry Sage Cocktail I thought it behooved me to check on the availability of one of my favorite berries.
Good thing too…the season was waning and I was told at three different places that it would not be a given that shoppers would still be able to find fresh cranberries. I punted, did the layered goat cheese appetizer instead and saved that cocktail until later…and then forgot about it!
No time like the present right? This Cranberry Sage Cocktail is so good and so beautiful and just perfect for the season we’re in; I know you’ll love it too. It’s a gin based cocktail and I simply love the combination of gin with it’s juniper tones with the freshness and tartness of cranberry as evidenced by this Cranberry Gin Fizz, another perennial holiday favorite.
I’m certainly not late this time around; as a matter of fact the timing couldn’t be better since this cocktail is perfect throughout the holiday season and would be a beautiful addition to your holiday tables; while I might serve it for Thanksgiving as well, I think the color and flavors are also perfect for Christmas and through the New Year.
I’m reminded too of how much I enjoyed that trip to Seasons 52 and need to get back soon. The name is not just a moniker, they truly change their menu with the seasons. Their menu offerings combine fresh ingredients with fantastic presentations and will leave you wanting for more.
This cocktail was a hit and I’m hoping will be back in their rotation every holiday season but if you’re not near one or are like me right now, sitting in your fuzzy robe trying to ward off the chill, make one of these Cranberry Sage Cocktail from Seasons 52 at home and I’ll join you. Cheers!
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Cranberry Sage Cocktail
Ingredients
- 8 blanched cranberries cook in boiling water just until you hear the first one pop; remove and put into iced water immediately
- 4 sage leaves
- 4 lime wedges
- 1 oz simple syrup boil equal parts water and sugar til sugar dissolves, remove from heat and cool
- 4 oz white cranberry juice
- 4 oz gin
For Garnish:
- Fresh Cranberries
- Sage leaves
Instructions
- Muddle the cranberries, sage, lime, and simple syrup in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Add the simple syrup, cranberry juice and gin and fill with ice.
- Shake approximately 10 times until container is ice cold.
- Fill glasses with ice and strain cocktail over ice to fill. Garnish with additional cranberries and sage leaf.
Thyme, basil, and rosemary are all fine, but I’m not sure why I’ve never thought to experiment with sage before. It is imperative for me to do so now. Sage is one of my favorite herbs, and I use it frequently in savory dishes.
Think you could make in a large batch?
Sure! You can typically increase the volume of almost any drink that you want, the only ingredient that you would ever want to wait until serving would be something carbonated and this cocktail doesn’t even have a carbonated addition so you’re good to go.
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I would like more information about this, because it is very nice., Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed this drink at Seasons 52 in Tampa, Florida but it also had lime juice and they used candied sage leaves?
They did do candied sage leaves but I didn’t bother; not sure it’s worth the hassle for me. No lime juice…but there are fresh limes in the recipe that get muddled at the beginning.
So I found the card with the recipe…and by card I mean the waitresses business card so little tiny printed recipe on back. I found the addition of a lime wedge but it was not called for in the instructions so I missed it. That’s been rectified. I still won’t candy the sage or ask readers too; seems an unnecessary step!
Yummy!! This looks so good
Well, I’m so happy that you saved this lovely recipe! I adore using fresh herbs in cocktails. Thyme, basil, rosemary, sure but I don’t think it’s ever occurred to me to give sage a try! Now I definitely need to. Sage is a favorite of mine but always in savory applications. Lovely!
REALLY pretty drink! Love the garnish — so perfect for the season. This is a good one — thanks.