Sage Gibson

COCKTAIL INGREDIENTS:
- 45 ml Sage-Infused Vodka
- 30 ml Dry Vermouth
- 22,5 ml Home-Made Bergamot Liqueur (or 15 ml Italicus)

GARNISH:
- Pickled Onion
- Sprig of Sage

INSTRUCTIONS:
• Combine all of the ingredients in a mixing glass.
• Add ice and stir for 30-45 sec. or approx. 60 revolutions.
• Strain into a chilled cocktail glass.
• Garnish with a pickled onion and a sprig of sage.

INSTRUCTIONS (SAGE-INFUSED VODKA):
• Pick some fresh sage (roughly 1-2 leafy sprigs per 240 ml).
• Steep and infuse vodka (50 % ABV) for 3 days.
• Strain out the sage and enjoy.

Cocktail author: Gary Wallach.

Gibson as well as its famous cousin Martini are well-known cocktails with long and interesting histories. Countless riffs exist with more appearing every year. Sage Gibson is a very delicious and flavourful addition to this cocktail family.

Base of the cocktail is formed by sage infused vodka, bringing this underutilized fresh, cooling herbal flavour to the forefront. I chose to infuse 50% ABV vodka with a bit more sage, than indicated in the specs, because I love this herb and the result did not disappoint. Dry vermouth subtly increases the complexity with crisp herbal, floral notes as well as a touch of acidity. For bergamot liqueur I chose to go with my home-made version. It adds a bit more bitterness and tartness to the mix, alongside the strong bergamot flavour. Additionally, it gives the cocktail that seductive yellowish green hue, that makes my mouth water by just looking at it. Since I really like the taste of bergamot, I turned it up a notch by increasing the quantity to 22,5 ml instead of 15, but that is the personal preference, feel free to keep it at 15ml if you like.

In the end, Sage Gibson is a simple yet complex and sophisticated riff on the classic cocktail with tasty twists and turns. I dare saying, so far this was my favourite Gibson I have ever tasted.

Source material:
https://imbibemagazine.com/recipe/sage-gibson-cocktail/