I know my way around a proper tea steep, but when it comes to cocktails I'm clueless. And just to be clear, I've never been a fan of artificially flavored alcoholic sips. If I wanted a chocolate covered strawberry or green apple, I'd rather have a bite than a bright pink or neon green drink. But offer me a glass of a botanical spirit, and let's just say my spirits would be lifted.
The creative mixologists at Art in The Age crafted a botanical spirit that sends my mind into the garden. SAGE garden gin is instilled with rosemary, sage, thyme, dandelion, angellica, lavender...and assam black tea. Yes, assam black tea. Even though the rich, malty tea didn't sing through the spirit, it effortlessly mixed with the herbaceous and woodsy flavors.
I was first introduced to the garden gin at the Art in Age-Sage tasting party. Beyond the alluring aroma, I was smitten when I learned about the story behind the spirit. It makes perfect sense that Philadelphia's Art in The Age would distill a creation steeped in history. Did you known that Mr. Thomas Jefferson was a horticulturalist at heart? Neither did I. And he had a "botanical advisor," Mr. Bernard McMahon. Known for publishing the first seed list and for his book "Flora Americae" (that documented the 130 plants discovered by Lewis and Clark), McMahon helped pioneer our growing gardens. According to Art in the Age, "In those days, it was also customary for the gentry to make their own garden spirits. Each family’s was different, reflecting both their tastes and the output of the local soil."
While chilled fall winds pull me away from green patches and into the warm kitchen, I may just reach for this tea & botanical infused spirit. And if I want to make it a happier hour, I'll roast almonds with assam black tea for the perfect cocktail companion. Just tell me this...what's your favorite tea infused cocktail?
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