Indulge in the perfect seasonal mix of herbal warmth and zesty citrus with my Honey and Sage Vodka Sour. This simple yet sophisticated cocktail is a perfect blend of Finnish Koskenkorva vodka, fresh grapefruit, and homemade honey and sage syrup that elevates the classic vodka sour to a whole new level.
Nothing speaks cold weather cocktails more than honey and fresh citrus. This honey and sage vodka sour is still fresh and herbal but embodies fall and winter flavors. While I do love a good spirit-forward drink, not all evenings are meant for an old fashioned or a glass of cognac. Homemade honey and sage syrup is super easy to make and will make this cocktail your new favorite.
Ingredients:
- Fresh sage (dried will work too)
- Honey (I usually have mixed honey from my family beehive, but any wildflower honey from the store would also work)
- Koskenkorva vodka (a good Finnish vodka is a must, American and Eastern European ones would also work, just make sure it is smooth and delicious outside the cocktail)
- Fresh citrus juice (zesty grapefruit and lemon give this cocktail the perfect balance)
Instructions:
The first step is to make the honey and sage syrup. While you can do a quick version of this and make a sage tea, then add in the honey and you’re done, simmering the sage will bring out more flavor. After that just mix in the honey and let it cool.
Before storing it in a jar or a bottle, remove all the sage leaves or they will accelerate the syrup going bad.
Juice the citrus in any way. I used this easy hand juicer since the amount is not big.
Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously. If you wish for a stronger cocktail, fine-strain it into a cocktail coupe.
If you want a lighter drink, pour over fresh ice in a whiskey glass or a highball tumbler.
Substitutions:
- Vodka: Try this cocktail with gin or even tequila for a fun evening
- Grapefruit: You can use orange or blood orange, however, the slight bitterness of grapefruit is what makes this cocktail great
Variations:
- Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Use other herbs: Try some rosemary for an even more wintery drink
Top Tips:
Achieve the perfect balance by adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Don’t be shy to experiment with the honey and sage syrup ratio, finding the perfect harmony for your palate.
Honey and sage vodka sour
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Cocktail strainer
- Fine strainer
Ingredients
For honey and sage syrup:
- Bunch of fresh sage leaves
- 250 ml water
- 500 ml honey
For 2 cocktails:
- 120 ml vodka I usually go for Finnish Koskenkorva
- 80 ml fresh grapefruit juice
- 50 ml fresh lemon juice
- 50 ml honey and sage syrup
- Ice
Instructions
- In a small saucepan add water and sage and simmer for 10 minutes
- Add in the honey, stir, and remove from heat
- Cool completely before using
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice add all the ingredients
- Shake vigorously
- Fine strain in a cocktail coupe OR over fresh ice in a tumbler
- Decorate with sage leaves and grapefruit peel
Notes
This Honey and Sage Vodka Sour is a delightful addition to your cocktail menu. The aromatic sage and the citrusy notes create a refreshing experience that works well in any season.
Frequently Asked Questions
While Koskenkorva vodka is recommended for its smoothness, feel free to explore other vodka options for a personalized touch.
Stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, the syrup can last up to two weeks.
Storage Tips:
Store any leftover honey and sage syrup in the refrigerator. It’s a versatile syrup that can enhance other cocktails or even be drizzled over desserts.