Elixir of Sage

Directions

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.