Ingredients:

  • 6 fresh strawberries, hulled (approx. 90g)
  • 4-5 fresh basil leaves
  • 2 oz (60ml) good quality gin
  • 1 oz (30ml) fresh lime juice
  • 0.75 oz (22ml) simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water, heated until dissolved, then cooled)
  • Ice cubes
  • 3-4 oz (90-120ml) chilled sparkling wine (Prosecco, Cava, or even a good-quality Brut)
  • Strawberry slice and basil sprig, for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Gently muddle the strawberries and basil leaves in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Avoid over-muddling.
  2. Add the gin, lime juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
  3. Fill the shaker with ice cubes. Seal and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds, until well-chilled.
  4. Double-strain the cocktail (using a Hawthorne strainer and fine-mesh sieve) into a chilled cocktail glass filled with ice (if using a highball glass). For coupe/martini glass, strain neat.
  5. Top the cocktail with chilled sparkling wine.
  6. Garnish with a strawberry slice and a basil sprig.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy this summer cocktails!