Makes 1 cocktail

INGREDIENTS

For cocktail

2 sage leaves
1 ounce rye or bourbon
½ ounce sweet vermouth
Dash of angostura bitters
1 pomegranate bourbon dried cherries, for garnish

For the pomegranate bourbon dried cherries

1 cup pomegranate juice
½ cup sugar-in-the-raw
½ cup rye or bourbon
1 cup dried cherries

DIRECTIONS

Rub and crinkle one sage leaf (to release the oils) and rub it around the inside of the martini glass, making sure to get the edges of the glass well. In a large glass filled with ice, add the rye/bourbon, vermouth and bitters, stir well. Strain into a martini glass. Garnish with one pomegranate bourbon cherry and a sage leaf.

For the pomegranate bourbon dried cherries

In a small saucepan over medium high heat add pomegranate and sugar-in-the-raw. Bring to a boil, making sure to stir until sugar is dissolved, reduce heat and allow to simmer for about 5 minutes until mixture becomes thick. Take off heat, pour in ½ cup rye or bourbon (the same brand you are using to make the cocktails), stir and add dried cherries. Place in a jar and let sit for at least 2 days in a dark cool place.