Ben Clemons, bartender at Bar 308 in Nashville, created this sage- and lime-infused cocktail for our story, Spring Cocktails Perfect for Brunch. Cocchi Aperitivo Americano is an Italian aperitif wine beloved for its citrus, herbal, and bitter flavor profile. It's becoming easier to find, but if you can't locate a bottle, Clemons recommends substituting Lillet Blanc.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 1 drink

　　

For the sage syrup:

20 fresh sage leaves

　　1 cup sugar

　　

For the cocktail

1 ounce gin

　　1/2 ounce Cocchi Aperitivo Americano or Lillet Blanc

　　3/4 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice

　　1/4 ounce Campari

　　Sage leaf for garnish

　　

Step 1

In a small pot, combine 20 sage leaves, sugar, and 1 cup of water. Bring to a boil then lower heat to moderately low and simmer until aromatic and slightly thickened, about 10 minutes. Allow syrup to cool, then pour through a fine-mesh sieve and discard the sage. DO AHEAD: The sage simple syrup can be made in advance and stored, in an airtight container in the refrigerator, up to 1 week

　　

Step 2

In a cocktail shaker, combine 3/4 ounce sage simple syrup with the gin, Cocchi Aperitivo Americano, and lime juice. Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously until completely mixed, about 20 seconds. Strain into a chilled champagne coupe, then slowly add the Campari so that it settles at the bottom of the glass. Garnish with a fresh sage leaf.