I’m raising my chalice in awe of the mystical with this one by New York’s Natasha David, proprietress of the sadly defunct Nitecap bar. She shared a few words of wisdom (which is also the name of another of her sage cocktails) with me about her drink. “The sage is definitely the element of surprise in this otherwise pretty classic sour. Sage has this wonderful earthy, comforting element that I love.” A sagely seasonal whiskey sour to start the new year – that sounds like a wise decision. Cheers!

The Mystical One by Natasha David

2 oz bourbon

¾ oz lime

½ oz cinnamon syrup

3 sage leaves

Small egg white, optional

Muddle sage and syrup in a tin, add other ingredients and shake vigorously with ice. Strain into a coup and garnish with a sage leaf.

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