The Bitrhday Girl Recipe

1. Make purée

Hull and quarter 4–6 fresh strawberries (about 4 oz). Place in a blender or food processor with 1 tsp sugar (optional) and blitz until smooth, about 10–15 seconds. Push through a fine mesh strainer for a silky texture if desired. Measure out 1 oz for the cocktail and refrigerate remaining purée.

2. Add to shaker

Fill a cocktail shaker with ice (about 1 cup). Add 2 oz white rum, 0.5 oz orgeat syrup, 1 oz fresh strawberry purée, 0.75 oz fresh lime juice, and 0.25 oz simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter drink.

3. Shake

Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds until well chilled and slightly diluted.

4. Prepare glass

Fill a highball or Collins glass with fresh ice.

5. Strain and top

Fine-strain the shaken mixture into the prepared glass over ice. Top with about 3 oz ginger beer, pouring gently to preserve effervescence. Give the drink a gentle stir (1–2 turns) to integrate the ginger beer with the shaken base.

6. Thread a sliced strawberry on the rim or float it on top, add a lime wheel on the rim, and tuck a mint sprig alongside if using. Serve with a straw and a small cocktail spoon for enjoying any settled purée.

7. Optional: For a celebratory touch, drop a small edible flower or a light dusting of edible glitter on the top just before serving.