She’s sweet, sassy, vibrant, and fun, and she’s about to become your favourite spring drink. Say hello to the Strawberry Gin and Tonic, friends!
Gin became my favourite spirit on my 24th birthday, when I made pomegranate lime gin and tonics for my friends and I. This version is decidedly more springy, although it still feels anything but spring-like here in this part of Canada- the high today is 3 degrees Celsius! Even so, I quite like the cool weather, and the spring vibes are very much alive in my kitchen.
Of course, if you have access to local strawberries, please use them. I bought some organic California-grown strawberries for the purposes of this recipe. Full disclosure!
This Strawberry Gin and Tonic starts with a base of homemade strawberry juice. In your blender, you will combine 2 cups of strawberries with 1/2 a cup of water.
Then, you will strain the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve or nut milk bag to separate out as much of the fibre and seeds as possible.
Store it in a jar while you gather up your ingredients: good quality gin, pure maple syrup, lemon juice, and sparkling water. You can use tonic water in place of the sparkling water and maple syrup, but I have found this combination to be just as tasty as store-bought!
To make the gin and tonic, put several ice cubes into glasses, add the gin, maple syrup, strawberry juice, and lemon juice, and top with the sparkling water. Toss in a couple of lemon wedges if desired. And then, voila! Strawberry gin and tonics for two, to celebrate spring and the weekend!
Cheers, friends!
Strawberry Gin and Tonic
Subtly sweet yet pleasantly tart Strawberry Gin and Tonic recipe made with fresh homemade strawberry juice and craft gin.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 3 oz gin (3 oz=6 tbsp or approximately 1/3 cup)
- Sparkling water
- Lemon wedges to garnish (optional)
Place the (hulled) strawberries in a blender with the water. Blend until smooth. Strain into a large bowl through a fine mesh sieve or a nut milk bag, then pour into a jar until ready to use. You should have about 1 cup/250 mL fresh juice.
Divide the ice between two cocktail glasses. Then evenly divide the strawberry juice, lemon juice, maple syrup, gin, and sparkling water between the two glasses. Garnish with a couple of lemon wedges if desired.
If you make these Strawberry Gin and Tonics and post them on Instagram, make sure to tag @upbeetkitchen and #upbeetkitchen so I can see!
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