The Sage Margarita.

Living in New Mexico, variations on the margarita are innumerable. There is one restaurant in town that has a list of well over 100 different margaritas. Margaritas in New Mexico generally are not that sweet, and often have no sugar/agave syrup added. On more than one occasion we’ve been in restaurants and listened to a server attempt to politely explain this to tourists who are used to over-sweetened drinks. At our favorite restaurant, the blender is perpetually “broken” when a visitor asks for a frozen margarita. While I concocted this one myself and would like to say this recipe is my own, I’m sure somebody, somewhere has already done it.

Sage Margarita Recipe

  • 2 ½ oz Reposado Tequila (I like Herradura for this recipe)
  • ¾ oz Elderflower Liquor (such as St. Germaine)
  • ¾ oz lemon juice (lime works as well, but I think the lemon mixes better with the Elderflower)
  • 4 large fresh culinary sage leaves
  • 4 dashes Dram Mountain Sage Bitters
  • Kosher salt for rim

Gently muddle 3 sage leaves and bitters in a shaker. Don’t macerate them, just smash them a little. You don’t want bits of sage leaf in the drink it will be too bitter and earthy. Add remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Rim glass with a lemon wedge then coat with salt. Garnish with remaining sage leaf. We prefer this one up. #CocktailAdventCalendar


The Sangre de Cristos.

This is a riff on a Manhattan that started at The Green Russell Speakeasy in Denver and modified here in the mountains with local cocktail bitters. Thus, we call it “The Sangre de Cristos” named after the mountain range in which we live (no transubstantiation involved, just stirring). It’s warm and spicy but goes down easy. The Bitter End Bitters are made here in Santa Fe.

Sangre de Cristos Recipe

  • 2 oz Rye Whiskey
  • ¾ oz Cardamaro
  • ½ oz Ancho Reyes Ancho Chile Liquor
  • 4 dashes The Bitter End Mexican Mole Bitters

Combine ingredients in a cocktail beaker with ice, stir 40 revolutions, and strain into a coup glass.
Garnish with orange zest. Ring a bell. Get on your knees.