Naughty Strawberry Recipe

Combine the chopped strawberries, sugar, and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.

Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, and cook for 6–8 minutes until the strawberries have broken down and the sugar has dissolved.

Remove from heat and let the mixture steep for 10 minutes to intensify flavor.

Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a heatproof container, pressing on solids to extract syrup. Discard solids or reserve for another use.

Cool the syrup to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled. Makes about 3/4 to 1 cup. Keeps 7–10 days refrigerated.

Prepare glass

If desired, chill a coupe or martini glass in the freezer for 5–10 minutes or fill with ice and set aside to chill while you mix the cocktail.

Dry shake (if using egg white)

In a cocktail shaker, add the vodka, lemon juice, lime juice, strawberry simple syrup, elderflower liqueur (if using), and egg white. Without ice, shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds to emulsify and create foam.

Wet shake

Add ice to the shaker (about 1 cup) and shake hard for 12–15 seconds until the shaker is very cold to the touch and the mixture is well chilled.

Double strain the cocktail through a fine shaker strainer into the chilled coupe or martini glass to remove ice shards and any pulp.

If you prefer a spritz, top with 1 oz club soda and gently stir once to combine (optional).

Garnish with a fresh strawberry sliced partway through the hull and a small lemon twist or wheel on the rim.

Serve immediately. Enjoy responsibly.