Strawberry Smash

gin or vodka

Serves 1
1/2 teaspoon sugar
1 lime wedge
3 fresh strawberries, 2 hulled and sliced and 1 reserved for garnish
3 ounces gin
Club soda
Fresh mint sprig, to garnish

In a tall glass, combine the sugar and a squeeze of juice from the lime wedge. Muddle with the back of a spoon to dissolve the sugar.

Add the sliced strawberries and lightly muddle.

Fill the glass with ice and add the gin. Top with a splash of club soda and garnish with the last strawberry and a sprig of mint.

 

A Pitcher of Strawberry Smash

Serves 8

2 tablespoons sugar
2 limes, juiced, about 4 tablespoons
1 pound fresh strawberries
2 cups gin 
3 cups club soda
Fresh mint sprigs, to garnish

Muddle the sugar and limes in a pitcher that holds at least 8 cups (64 ounces). Set aside 6 to 8 small strawberries and make a small slice in their tips. Hull and slice the remaining strawberries and muddle the slices lightly with the sugar and lime juice.

Stir in the gin and club soda and pack the pitcher full of ice. Add mint sprigs to garnish. Pour into ice-filled glasses and garnish with a strawberry, slotted onto the edge of the glass.