Winter’s arrival doesn’t mean it’s time to put away the tequila.

SAGE MARGARITA
3 Fresh sage leaves
2 oz Tequila (reposado or better)
1 oz Triple sec (Cointreau is ideal)
1 oz Freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tsp Agave or simple syrup

Lightly muddle (to bruise) the sage leaves in the base of a shaker; add the other ingredients and shake with plenty of ice until it’s freezing cold. Fine-strain the mix into a chilled glass and garnish with another sage leaf.

Be sure to use a tea strainer or such for that fine-strain part, or you’ll wind up with unsightly sage bits in the drink. Interestingly, while sage has a unique aroma, I found myself thinking it smelled rather seasonal – almost piney. But not fully.