Fore Play Recipe

Prepare strawberries

Hull and quarter 6 fresh strawberries. Place them in a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker.

Add sugar and lime

Add 2 tsp granulated sugar and 1.5 oz fresh lime juice to the strawberries.

Muddle fruit and sugar

Using a muddler or the back of a spoon, gently muddle the strawberries, sugar, and lime just enough to break down the berries and release juice — about 8–12 firm presses. Avoid pulverizing to keep texture.

Incorporate mint

Add 10 fresh mint leaves on top of the muddled strawberries. Lightly clap the mint between your palms to release aromatics, then gently press the leaves into the mixture 4–6 times to release oils without shredding them.

Add rum and ice

Pour 2 oz white rum into the glass or shaker. Add about 1 cup crushed ice, filling the glass roughly three-quarters full.

Shake or stir

If using a shaker, cap and shake 6–8 seconds to chill and integrate. If building in the serving glass, stir briskly with a bar spoon for 15–20 seconds to combine flavors and chill the drink.

Top with club soda

Strain (optional) into a highball or Collins glass filled with fresh crushed ice, or leave as-is for a more rustic presentation. Top with 3 oz club soda and give one gentle stir to combine.

Garnish and serve

Garnish with a lime wedge, a thin strawberry slice on the rim, and a sprig of mint. Serve with a straw and a small spoon or muddler to allow the guest to re-mix if desired.

If you prefer a liquid sweetener, combine 1 tbs granulated sugar and 1 tbs water in a small saucepan. Heat gently, stirring until the sugar dissolves, then cool. Substitute 1–1.5 tbs of this syrup for the 2 tsp sugar in the main recipe; add with the lime juice.