fbpx

Exploring Nontraditional Cocktail Elements – Sage and Smoked Paprika

Perhaps it’s the seasonal herbs or perhaps it’s synchronicity, but here I am enjoying another cocktail that features sage. I’ve also been on a smoked paprika kick in my cooking, and as outlandish as it may seem this cocktail perfectly combines those elements. I realize I’m personally drawn towards savory and bitter cocktails, and the Medicine Man has a savory element that is different from that of a Bloody Mary – which I’m not a huge fan of. On the nose you pick up on the sage. The initial flavors that hit the palate are the sweetness of rum and maple syrup, which are soon balanced out by the lemon. The drink finishes off with more sage and the lingering sweetness of the smoked paprika. There is no spiciness to the drink, only layers of complexity that keep you returning sip after sip.

It’s worth noting that I found two versions of this recipe. After additional research to ensure I was correctly crediting the creator of the drink, Ian Scalzo, I found that the version featured on Serious Eats does not include orange bitters and uses half as much paprika as the recipe found in The 4-Hour Chef. Also worth noting is that the cocktail pictured in The 4-Hour Chef is served on the rocks, while the written recipe in the book calls for it to be served “up”. As I’ve been writing this, I’ve enjoyed multiple iterations, including one with a bourbon barrel aged maple syrup. Whether you choose to serve it “up” or on the rocks I’d suggest including the orange bitters. I’d also suggest performing a double strain with a super fine mesh strainer – too much paprika floating around isn’t appetizing. Overall, I’d encourage you to experiment with this nontraditional flavor combination and make it with various bitters and syrups. Let me know how it goes in the comments or on social media.

Cheers!
– Andrew


medicine_man
Print Recipe
5 from 2 votes

Medicine Man

Course: Cocktail
Servings: 1
Author: Ian Scalzo, Bourbon & Branch

Ingredients

  • 2 ounces white rum
  • ¾ ounce lemon juice
  • ½ ounce maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 4 sage leaves 1 set aside for garnish
  • 2 dashes orange bitters

Instructions

  • Combine ingredients in cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until chilled.
  • Double strain and serve in rocks glass filled with ice.*
  • Garnish with sage leaf.

Notes

*This recipe works well either on the rocks or served up. Ian Scalzo’s recipe calls for it to be served up. I’d suggest using a superfine strainer and then double straining to remove excess paprika regardless of serving method.


[divider type="double-dotted" color="gray"]

Additional Resources:
The 4-Hour Chef
Bourbon & Branch
Smoked Paprika
Angostura Orange Bitters
Trader Joe’s Bourbon Barrel Aged Maple Syrup


Related Posts

How to Make Clear Ice At Home – Best Cocktail Ice Molds in 2024 for Crystal Clear Ice (Product Review)

How to Make Clear Ice At Home – Best Cocktail Ice Molds in 2024 for Crystal Clear Ice (Product Review)

Since the dawn of the cocktail renaissance, enthusiasts have lusted after the beautifully cut, clear cubes adorning their old fashioneds and sazeracs at craft cocktail bars. Whether you’re new to cocktails or a longtime enthusiast, by the time you finish reading this post you’ll have a better grasp of the how clear ice is made, options for making clear ice at home, as well as one of the best visual illustrations of the process I’ve ever seen.

Ginger Turmeric Lemon Detox Tea

Ginger Turmeric Lemon Detox Tea

Whether you’re looking for an everyday detox or something special to supplement a “dry January”, this “tea” is the perfect solution.



2 thoughts on “Exploring Nontraditional Cocktail Elements – Sage and Smoked Paprika”

  • Old post for you, but I discovered it today and LOVE it!!!
    I only had dark rum, but it worked and was absolutely delicious. I also used homemade charred blood orange bitters. The layers and complexity were exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating