Here we go — the first of my strawberry posts for the season.
This is a bright, refreshing strawberry drink perfect for a thirsty Thursday.
I’ve been working on a few early-spring cocktails that feel like a welcome invitation to summer, plus some playful Easter brunch drinks I can’t wait to share. Happy almost-weekend!
Strawberries have always been my favorite fruit. Honestly, I love all fruit, but strawberries have a special place at the top of the list — my go-to for everything from snacks to cocktails.
Also: I’m in a big ginger mood right now. Partly because I’m trying to clear out the fridge and freezer before our kitchen remodel and discovered five knobs of ginger hiding in there.
Why is my life such a glorious mess?
These are bourbon-soaked, sugared strawberries — with ginger. I nearly ate them by the spoonful. They’d be fantastic spooned over yogurt, piled on pancakes, or heaped onto angel food cake.
I’m a sucker for a fruity bourbon smash. Bourbon itself is one of my favorites, and muddling fresh fruit with mint, bitters and bourbon is deeply satisfying. The fruit and a little sugar usually make a simple syrup unnecessary — here we use just a touch of sugar, and it’s plenty sweet. I can already taste summer.
Finish the cocktail with ginger ale for a milder fizz or ginger beer for more bite; Fever-Tree is my go-to for a balanced ginger beer that’s both bright and crisp.
This drink feels utterly summery, which is exactly how I like it.
Strawberry Ginger Smash
1
drink, easily multiplied
20 minutes
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Ingredients
- 1/4 cup smashed strawberries recipe below
- 2 to 3 shakes of angostura bitters
- 2 ounces bourbon
- 3 ounces ginger ale or ginger beer
- fresh mint for garnish
Smashed Strawberries
- smashed strawberries
- 1 pint strawberries, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh mint
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 3 tablespoons bourbon
Instructions
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Add the smashed strawberries to the bottom of a chilled glass and mash gently with the bitters. Add ice on top of the berries. Pour the bourbon over the ice and top with ginger ale for a milder drink or ginger beer for more spice. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.
Smashed Strawberries
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Place the chopped strawberries in a bowl and toss with the sugar, chopped fresh mint and grated ginger. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Add the bourbon and smash the strawberries with a fork or potato masher. Let sit another 10 minutes before using. This makes enough for 4–6 drinks; keep sealed in the refrigerator for a few days.
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Those bubbles on top — delightful.