Elixir of Sage

1. 1

   Shake the sage leaves well to remove any wildlife (those that dont escape at this stage will become sublimely intoxicated).

2. 2

   Pack the leaves into a large, wide-necked 2 1/2- to 3-cup jar.

3. 3

   Fill the jar to the very top with eau-de-vie and seal with an airtight lid (if any leaves are uncovered, they will oxidize and the color of the liqueur will become dull brown).

4. 4

   Give it a good shake and then place on a sunny windowsill to steep for about 1 month, remembering to give it a shake every now and then.

5. 5

   When youre ready to complete the elixir, make a sugar syrup by gently heating the sugar with 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons of water until the sugar has dissolved.

6. 6

   Allow this to cool.

7. 7

   Strain the sage liquor through a sieve into a bowl.

8. 8

   Stir in the sugar syrup.

9. 9

   Decant into sterilized bottles (see p. 125), placing 2 or 3 of the soaked sage leaves in each bottle.

10. 10

    Cork or cap with screw-caps.

11. 11

    The elixir is ready to use immediately.

12. 12

    Use within 1 year.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.