If you’re a true Floridian, chances are you have a fridge full of strawberries at the moment. Yep, it’s the time of year you think buying an entire flat of local strawberries is a good idea. The price is just too tempting, right?
I can’t lie — every year I forget how fast strawberries turn, and every year I end up freezing them, which leaves me with a five-gallon bag of freezer-burned fruit that’s begging to be used. Frozen strawberries go great in a smoothie, plus it’s about time I start my New Year’s resolution. But I have another solution for your side-of-the-road-produce-stand impulse buy: three classic cocktails elevated with fresh strawberries.
The great thing about this trio? The perfect time to make them is when your strawberries start to get soft. You won’t recognize those bruises once you drop the fruit in a glass and muddle the hell out of them. Showcasing a flavor we typically associate with the season, an added bonus is that each recipe is a delicious twist on a drink you already love.
Let’s make a pact to ensure these juicy red morsels aren’t forgotten in the back of the freezer.
Strawberry Mojito
Makes 1
3 strawberries, tops removed
1/4 lime, cut into 2 wedges
10 mint leaves
2 tablespoons sugar
1.5 ounces rum
Club soda, to top
In a Collins or pint glass, add 2 strawberries, lime, mint and sugar. Muddle until sugar is mostly dissolved and the mint is bruised. Fill glass with ice. Add rum and top with club soda. Stir until mixed. Garnish with leftover strawberry.
Strawberry Mule
Makes 1
3 strawberries, tops removed
2 ounces Florida Cane Plant City Strawberry Vodka
Juice of 1/2 lime
Ginger beer, to top
In a copper mug, add 2 strawberries and muddle until completely pulverized. Fill with ice. Add vodka and lime, then top with ginger beer. Garnish with leftover strawberry.
Strawberry Whiskey Sour
Makes 1
Homemade Sour Mix:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 cup fresh squeezed lime juice
In a small saucepan over high heat, bring water to a boil. Add sugar and reduce to simmer. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and add lemon and lime juices. Store refrigerated in an airtight container.
Cocktail:
1.5 ounces bourbon
1.5 ounces homemade sour mix
3 strawberries, tops removed
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add bourbon and sour mix. Shake until well-chilled. In a Collins or pint glass, muddle 2 strawberries until completely pulverized. Fill glass with ice and strain in cocktail. Gently stir, just mixing the strawberries in slightly. Garnish with leftover strawberry.
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