The Story
In Mexico, limes are the pulse of every table, bright, sharp, and alive. In New England, cranberries bring their own kind of winter tartness. Somewhere between those two worlds, I found this drink. The tequila carries the warmth of the sun, the cranberries add the chill of northern air, and the sage ties it all together with quiet depth. It tastes like two places meeting in one glass, unexpected, elegant, and unforgettable.
Ingredients
6 oz (170 ml) ice cubes
1½ oz (45 ml) silver tequila
½ oz (15 ml) liqueur
½ oz (15 ml) agave nectar
1½ oz (45 ml) freshly squeezed lime juice
6 fresh sage leaves
1 oz (30 ml) cranberry puree, store-bought or freshly made
Sugar, for rimming the glass
3 fresh cranberries, for garnish
1 fresh sage leaf, for garnish
Preparation
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the tequila, orange liqueur, agave nectar, lime juice, sage leaves, and cranberry puree.
Cover the shaker tightly and shake 12 to 15 times, until the ice begins to break down and the mixture is well chilled.
Place sugar on a small flat plate and gently press the rim of a chilled martini glass into it to coat evenly.
Strain the margarita into the prepared glass. Garnish with fresh cranberries and a sage leaf.
Notes From the Road
It came alive at one of my restaurants, a quiet December afternoon when the scent of citrus and sage filled the kitchen. The cranberries brought a piece of my New England roots to the warmth of the moment. It’s a drink that connects places and memories, perfect for the holidays.
Serving and Pairing
Serve this margarita ice cold with a light breeze or a fire nearby. The tart cranberry and herbaceous sage pair beautifully with a crisp blanco tequila or a smoky mezcal variation. Best enjoyed at sunset, when the sky turns the same color as the drink itself.