Strawberry-Mint Sparkler

Strawberry-Mint Sparkler
  • Yield:Makes 1 cocktail
  • Active time:10 minutes
  • Total time:10 minutes
  • Rated: 5.0

[Photograph: Vicky Wasik]

Juicy summer strawberries are combined with tart lime juice and bright mint in this sweet and sour effervescent vodka cocktail. 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.

Note: 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. Simple syrup will keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 ounces sliced fresh strawberries from approximately 5 medium berries
  • 1/2 ounce simple syrup (see note above)
  • 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)

Directions

  1. 1.

    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.

  2. 2.

    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.