Spring is in full swing. It's getting dark later, the temperature is rising, and I even heard the thunderous roar of an afternoon storm yesterday, though I'm not sure I actually missed afternoon thunderstorms.
This all means we'll start migrating toward lighter, and more summery, flavors. And nothing fits that mold better than strawberry lemonade.
Strawberries are still in season, easy to find and cheap. If you're anything like me, you've taken advantage of strawberry season and stocked up. The only thing wrong with getting a whole flat of 'em, which, of course, you can't pass up, is that they go bad quick. I mean, like, avocado fast. Freezing the fruit will buy you some time — before they give way to freezer burn. Then they're good for daiquiris or smoothies.
But what if there was another way?
Well, there is. Before the strawberries turn, throw them into your favorite spirit and extract their beautiful flavor.
There are many uses for your newly infused booze, but we're incorporating our recipe into this week's cocktail: spiked strawberry lemonade. Truthfully, I'm not sure how long the booze will last you — it doesn't make it through the weekend before my house polishes it off.
Strawberry-Infused Vodka
Makes 1 large jar
15 strawberries, sliced
1 750-milliliter bottle vodka
In a large jar, add strawberries and vodka. Cover and let rest for 24 to 48 hours. Shake occasionally.
Spiked Strawberry Lemonade
Makes 1
6 ounces lemonade
3 ounces strawberry-infused vodka
Strawberry for garnish
In a cocktail shaker, add ice, lemonade and vodka. Shake vigorously until chilled. Fill a pint glass with ice and strain in strawberry lemonade. Garnish with a strawberry.
Follow @cfasick on Twitter, or email him at [email protected] if there's a cocktail or recipe you'd like featured.
