Strawberry-Basil Sparkler
Enjoy these bubbly, bright stars at your next ladies’ luncheon or weekend brunch with friends.
Strawberry season is in full swing, so it is the perfect time to showcase a cocktail that features this juicy red gem.
Sweet strawberry simple syrup is the foundation for this drink. It gets blended with Grand Marnier and Prosecco to make a delightful spring cocktail. Poured over muddled basil, it is refreshing and effervescent.
Easy to make, strawberry simple syrup requires only three ingredients — fresh or frozen strawberries along with sugar and water in equal amounts. Boil the mixture in a saucepan for 20 minutes until it is red and the berries are softened. Allow the syrup to cool before using it in a cocktail.
Grand Marnier is another key component. It’s an orange liqueur originally from France. Amber in color, it is a cognac that’s flavored with bitter orange. Grand Marnier can also be used to make Champagne punch, margaritas and sangria. With notes of orange and vanilla, it works well in fruity drinks.
Prosecco finishes the cocktail by adding just the right amount of fizz and bubbly, fresh taste that everyone enjoys. Prosecco is a sparkling wine that is primarily made in Italy, whereas 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.
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.
Garnish this cocktail 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.
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- 1 cup strawberries fresh or frozen
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 4 fresh basil leaves
- 4 ounces strawberry simple syrup
- 3 ounces Grand Marnier
- 10 ounces Prosecco
- fresh strawberries for garnish
- fresh basil for garnish
Ingredients
For the strawberry simple syrup
For the drink
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- Dissolve the sugar in water in a saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Add the strawberries.
- Simmer on low heat for 15 to 20 minutes until the syrup is red and the berries are soft. Do not mash the berries or it will make your syrup clouded with seeds and bits of fruit.
- Strain the berries from the syrup and reserve them for another use. Allow the syrup to cool before using in a drink. Refrigerate the syrup until ready to use.
- Place a basil leaf in the bottom of two fluted glasses. Muddle the basil with the handle-end of a wooden spoon.
- Add 2 ounces of simple syrup and 1½ ounces of Grand Marnier to each glass. Fill glasses with Prosecco. Garnish with fresh strawberries and basil leaves, if desired.
