The Lush Chef

It's officially the end of summer this Saturday, so time to cap it off with the last of the stone fruit and usher in some fall flavor notes.  This Summer Sage Cocktail from The Kitchn uses red plums and sage to combine the two seasons.  It's a beautiful summery-pink color, but that sage leaf is a reminder that pretty soon you'll be turning on that stove to get you through those crisp autumn days.

The Summer Sage
Ingredients:

• 6 small wedges of a plum
• 5 sage leaves, reserving 1 for garnish
• 1/4 oz simple syrup
• 1/8 oz fresh lemon juice
• 2 oz rye whiskey (I used Redemption Rye)

- In a mixing glass or shaker, add the plum wedges, sage leaves and simple syrup.
- Muddle until it forms a plummy mush.
- Add the lemon juice, rye whiskey and ice.
- Shake and double strain (yes, do that - be a pro) into a chilled coupe.
- Garnish with a sage leaf.