Strawberry & Mint Recipe

Strawberry-Mint Refresher

1. 1

   Prepare strawberries and mint

   Hull the strawberries and cut in halves. Rinse the mint leaves, pat dry, and remove any tough stems. Reserve 4 whole mint sprigs and 4 strawberry slices for garnish.

2. 2

   Muddle fruit and sugar

   Place the halved strawberries, 16 mint leaves (reserve remaining leaves for extra garnish or flavor), and 2 tbs granulated sugar into a sturdy mixing glass or cocktail shaker. Using a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon, gently muddle until the strawberries release their juices and the mint is fragrant but not pulverized (about 20–30 seconds).

3. 3

   Add lime and water

   Add 2 tbs fresh lime juice and 1 cup cold water to the muddled mixture. Stir or shake gently to combine and dissolve sugar. Taste and, if you prefer sweeter, add the optional 2 tsp simple syrup and mix.

4. 4

   Strain (optional)

   If you prefer a smooth beverage, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. For a pulpy, rustic drink, skip straining and pour as-is.

5. 5

   Assemble and carbonate

   Fill four glasses with ice (approximately 1/2 cup ice per glass). Divide the strawberry-mint base evenly among the glasses. Top each glass with about 1/2 cup of club soda (total 2 cups) and gently stir once to combine, preserving bubbles.

6. 6

   Garnish and serve

   Garnish each glass with a reserved mint sprig and a strawberry slice on the rim. Serve immediately while bubbly.