Procedure:

Cleanly cut one small sprig of sage, make sure it is clean, and place it in a clean bottle or jar. Fill the container with a good reposado tequila and let it steep for at least 24 hours. Then start to check the flavor of the concoction each day, removing the plant matter once it has achieved the strength of flavor you prefer.  

Other plant extract options:

Experiment with Artemesias (desert sagebrush, wormwood), juniper berries, pine needles, Ephedra (Mormon Tea), lemonade berry. Make sure to consult plant identification manuals and extensively research native plants before attempting to consume them in any way. (No datura extract!)

While tequila is also made with a regionally native plant (agave) and its flavor pairs nicely with the sage, for other flavors you may want to use a more neutral alcohol, like vodka. Often it only takes a couple of days to impart the flavor, but tougher materials like Juniper berries will take more time to steep.

How to use the extract:

Use these extracts like you would vanilla extract or a liqueur – to impart flavors to all kinds of cooking, baking and beverage-making. Add to sautéed veggies or searing meats to deglaze the pan. Add to cornbread, muffins, biscuits or Apple Pobbler. Add a splash to Miner’s Mocha, Tucumcari Tea, or Coyote Coffee. Make a desert gin and tonic. Try it in everything!