One of the things I love about winter (yes, there are things I love about winter) is the many varieties of citrus that find their way into supermarkets. Last week it was blood orange, today I found these lovely satsuma mandarins. The rind of a satsuma is almost puffy, which makes them a cinch to peel, and they often come with a leaf still attached, which makes them look extra pretty.
I decided to pair the bright, sweet flavor of the satsuma with a hint of sage simple syrup, a hearty helping of gin, and a splash of vermouth. The result is a cocktail that tastes super fresh and vibrant, with a hint of herbal notes that balance those flavors nicely.
In other news, hello! to any new readers from my recent (exciting) interview on Saveur.com! Please have a look around and stay awhile… there are plenty of drinks to be had, snacks to be eaten and treats to sneak.
Cheers! To a long weekend, tasty drinks & saveur!
satsuma + sage cocktail
makes 1 cocktail
1 1/2 ounce fresh satsuma juice
1/2 ounce sage simple syrup
2 ounces gin, like hendrick’s
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake for 10 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass and enjoy!
January 13th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
Wow! I love seasonal citrus and this satsuma and sage number looks delicious. Is it too late to resolve to drink more cocktails in 2012? Congrats on the Saveur interview, it was a great read.
January 13th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
I’ve been loving clementines lately. and CONGRATS on the Saveur nod, well deserved!
January 13th, 2012 at 5:15 pm
Hello to you too! I did find you via Saveur and will be back:)