The end of summer is always such a bittersweet time of year for me. It's the end of warm sun, fresh summer fruits, and beach vacations. But, it's the beginning of knee-high boots, warm comfort food, and cooler temperatures. My two favorite seasons.

This summer was dubbed the "Summer of Gin," and I held true to that all summer. I was known in our mountain town as the only bar patron who ordered gin. I practically had my own bottle, and the bartenders claimed to enjoy the chance to pour something other than sub-par beer.

I also have to admit that this summer may have also been dubbed the "Summer of the Smash." We've made lots.

Now that we're back in Alabama, I've taken the opportunity to take advantage of the longer growing season, while still experimenting with smashes, and still drinking gin.

As a crossover between summer and fall, I created this fun little smash the other day, with two of my seasonal favorites. Strawberries for summer, and sage for fall. And gin. It's perfect.