The end of summer is always a little bittersweet for me. After plenty of beach trips and outdoor concerts, it is hard to adjust to the fact that juicy watermelon and grilled corn wont continue to be a huge part of my diet on a daily basis. But there are things to look forward to with fall: apple picking, chicken pot pies, and the crispness of the autumn air. To celebrate this seasonal transition, I wanted to mix up something that was a little earthy but had the freshness of a fading summer. I came up with the unusual combo of kiwi and sage and mixed it with rye whiskey, elderflower liquor, and added a little lemony kick. A wild song of a cocktail that makes you feel like you are wrapping yourself in a warm wool blanket while walking barefoot in the grass. Or if that is too out there for you- bluntly put, it’s a girly way to drink whiskey. Enjoy!

Sage simple syrup is easy to make and gives and earthy edge to this unusual cocktail

Ingredients for the kiwi sage cocktail and a must have bar accessory: the lemon press!

Freshly pressed lemons

Mix up a kiwi sage cocktail to transition into fall weather

Recipe

• 2 oz rye whiskey
• 1 oz sage simple syrup
• 1 kiwi, peeled and sliced
• 1 oz St Germain liquor
• juice of ½ a lemon
• dash of sweet vermouth
• (splash of club soda)

Make sage simple syrup by combining 1 part sugar to 1 part water. Let cool and add at least 6 leaves of sage that you beat up and squeeze a little by hand. This releases the flavor, then stir and let sit for 20 minutes. Place kiwi slices in the bottom of a cocktail shaker and muddle to a pulp. Add remaining ingredients and shake with crushed ice, then top with a splash of club soda. Makes one cocktail.