Why It Works
- Muddling a generous amount of strawberries and mint ensures their flavor shines through.
- A restrained amount of simple syrup makes for a refreshing and not-too-sweet drink.
Juicy summer strawberries are combined with tart lime juice and bright mint in this sweet-and-sour vodka cocktail that’s bubbling with effervescence. It’s light, not too sugary, and eminently day-drinkable. Do consider adjusting the amount of simple syrup depending on the sweetness of your strawberries.
April 2015
This Strawberry Vodka Cocktail Is Summer in a Glass
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2 1/2 ounces sliced fresh strawberries from approximately 5 medium berries
1/2 ounce simple syrup (see note)
1/2 ounce freshly squeezed juice from 1 lime
10 mint leaves
2 ounces vodka
2 1/2 ounces club soda
Lime wheel, mint, or strawberry for garnish (optional)
In a cocktail shaker, combine strawberries, simple syrup, and lime juice and muddle until strawberries are completely dissolved. Add mint leaves and gently tap 5 times with muddler. (Do not over-muddle mint or it will taste bitter and muddy.) Add vodka to shaker and fill 2/3 full with ice. Shake until well chilled, about 15 seconds.
Serious Eats/ Two Bites
Fill a Collins glass with ice and add club soda. Fine-strain cocktail into glass and stir gently. Garnish with lime, mint, or strawberry, if desired.
Serious Eats/ Two Bites
Special Equipment
Cocktail shaker, fine-mesh strainer, muddler
Notes
To make simple syrup, combine 1 cup water with 1 cup sugar in a small saucepan and heat over medium heat, stirring constantly, until sugar is dissolved. Cool before using.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Simple syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
