Drink This Now: The sagebrush at Sagebrush

Sagebrush // Photo by Alexander Omorodion

In Kansas City’s historically rich Rosedale neighborhood, Sagebrush delivers a modern cocktail bar experience. Right next door to Garden House Cafe, the modest exterior is contrasted by an array of vibrant colors and contemporary architecture that defines the interior.

The creative design of Sagebrush is an exemplar of thoughtful minimalism. Complementary shapes, colors, and silhouettes can go a long way for creating an inviting atmosphere in a small space, and Sagebrush takes this concept and runs with it. Sagebrush’s attention to detail is apparent in the curvatures found in the bar top, glassware, and furniture, in the radiating reddish-pink lighting, and in the warm vinyl sounds. The Latin–inspired menu is no different.

During my visit, I tried their eponymous cocktail – the Sagebrush ($16). Made with mezcal, guava, orange sorbet, lime, cotija, and topped with a cilantro-jalapeño foam, this drink exuded earthiness and sweet undertones both in scent and taste.

It toyed with my senses, as I noticed the slight burn and tickle on my upper lip after wiping away the inevitable foam mustache. With this potent combination of flavors and feels, this drink lived up to its name.

I arrived just in time to catch the tail end of Sagebrush’s happy hour. From 4 – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Sagebrush offers $10 house margaritas — a finalist in The Pitch Best Of 2025 — plus $5 mezcal, tequila, and whiskey shots, and $3 small beers. Though the Sagebrush was my standout drink for the night, the margarita and old fashioned were also thoroughly enjoyable. Altogether, Sagebrush’s well-crafted drink selection, cozy ambiance, and friendly service further cement Rosedale as a neighborhood worth lingering in.

Sagebrush is at 1639 Southwest Blvd, Kansas City, KS 66103.