Walls of Beaten Brass

For this cocktail, a reposado tequila is enhanced with calvados (apple brandy) and a golden beet infused syrup, which gives the drink a fruity richness. Caramelly Amaro Meletti adds a further intensity, along with its characteristic hints of lavender and saffron. A touch of pink Himalayan salt serves to hook you as you sip, drawing you in.

Despite all of the flavor components, though, the first thing that hits you is sage. “Roughly 80% of your taste is derived from smell,” explains Esmon. She tops the ice block placed in the tall glass for this drink with a leaf of the fragrant herb, and the sage is prevalent in both the nose and taste of the cocktail.