Sparkling Strawberry Basil Cocktail

Strawberry season is in full swing and it’s the perfect time to showcase a cocktail that features this juicy red gem. This Sparkling Strawberry Basil Cocktail could be the bubbly, bright star at your next girl’s lunch, a bridal shower or a weekend brunch with friends. Let’s get sipping!

Sweet strawberry simple syrup is the foundation for this drink. Blend it with Grand Marnier and Prosecco to make a delightful spring cocktail. Poured over muddled basil, it is refreshing and effervescent.

How to make Strawberry Simple Syrup?

Strawberry simple syrup is easy to make and requires only three ingredients; fresh or frozen strawberries, along with sugar and water in equal amounts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup strawberries (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Instructions:

• Dissolve the sugar in water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the strawberries.
• Simmer on low for 15-20 minutes until syrup is red and berries are soft. Do not mash the berries or it will make your syrup clouded with seeds and bits of fruit.
• Strain the fruit from the syrup and reserve them for another use. (We like to eat the berries over ice cream or you can freeze them to add to smoothies and milkshakes later.) Allow the simple syrup to cool before using it in this cocktail. Refrigerate the syrup until ready to use.

What is Grand Marnier?

Grand Marnier is another key component for this cocktail. It’s an orange liqueur originally from France. Amber in color, it is a cognac that’s flavored with bitter orange and can also be used to make Champagne Punch, Margaritas and Sangria. With notes of orange and vanilla, it works well in fruity cocktails.

What is Prosecco?

Prosecco finishes this Sparkling Strawberry Basil Cocktail by adding just the right amount of fizz, giving this drink the bubbly, fresh taste that everyone enjoys. It is a sparkling wine that is primarily made in Italy, where as champagne comes from the Champagne region of France. Prosecco has health benefits, as it is loaded with antioxidants and is said to help lower blood pressure and improve circulation.

How to muddle Basil?

Basil is the last component, which lends a nice herby balance to the sweetness of the drink. Both mint and basil are often paired with berries, like raspberries, blueberries and strawberries in desserts and cocktails.

Before making this Sparkling Strawberry Basil Cocktail, place a few basil leaves in the bottom of a tall, fluted glass. Using the handle end of a wooden spoon, crush the leaves to release their flavor and aroma. The flavors will mix with the other elements once added to the glass.

Garnish this drink with fresh strawberries and a basil leaf to signal to guests what flavors they will encounter when taking their first sip. This is a cocktail that could quickly become a spring favorite, it’s light and so refreshing.

What to serve for a girl‘s spring lunch?

Having a spring party with the girls and don’t know what to make? Here are just a few ideas.

• Strawberry Feta Salad
• Margherita Pizza Cups
• Crunchy Ramen Chicken Salad
• Crab and Bacon Phyllo Cups
• 7 Layer Salad
• Shrimp Dip

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