Hygge, have you heard of it? It’s a Danish tradition of getting cozy in the winter months, a way of not only coping with winter but enjoying it; reveling in it. Pronounced “hoo-guh”, hygge is derived from words such as cozy and hug, and is thought to be a Nordik secret to a happy life.
Well, we’re in the thick of it here in Canada. The temperatures are in the negative, the frost is bitey, and the snow is much, but that is no reason to despair. When nature goes low, we go high. Right? This brings me to one of my favourite ways to practice hygge – winter cocktails. Cozy winter cocktails, doesn’t that sound delightful? This smoked sage cocktail is guaranteed to give your insides a hug. Stay cozy friends.
A Smoked Sage Cocktail
Sage Ginger Simple Syrup
½ cup white sugar
½ cup water
3 Tbsp ginger, grated or finely chopped
6-8 sage leaves, minced
Cocktail
1 egg white
2 oz. bourbon
½ oz. fresh lemon juice
½ oz. sage ginger simple syrup
2-3 drops bitters
1-2 whole sage leaves
In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine white sugar, water, ginger, and minced sage. Allow to simmer, stirring occasionally, until sugar is fully dissolved. Remove from heat and cover with lid. Allow to steep for 10 minutes before straining into an airtight container (such as a mason jar). Allow to cool fully before use. Store in refrigerator for up to a few weeks.
Fill a champagne coupe with ice water and set aside to chill.
Add egg white to a shaker and cover with lid (this is known as dry shaking). Shake for 20-25 seconds until frothy. Fill shaker with ice and add bourbon, lemon juice, and sage ginger simple syrup. Shake until well combined, about 25-30 seconds. Empty ice water from champagne coupe and strain contents of shaker into chilled glass. Use a lighter to char the edges of two sage leaves and garnish cocktail with charged sage. Enjoy!