This fresh ‘n sparkly beverage can be served as a family friendly, kid approved fruit punch or as an adult cocktail. Take your pick. It’s your flight of fancy….not matter which way you sip!
Ingredients
16 ounces fresh or frozen Strawberries (if fresh ~ clean, trim stems off, cut in half)
1 cup Water
4 packets Stevia Powder or your favorite natural sweetener to taste
4 tablespoons Lime Juice
1 liter (33.8 fl ounces) Plain Sparkling Water
12 ounces light Vodka
fresh Mint Leaves
Lime Wedges and Sliced Strawberries for serving
Directions
Bring water and strawberries to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to a simmer, continue to cook for 6 minutes. With a rubber spatula, stir the berries and mash them on the sides of the pan to release juices. Let the berries cool a bit and strain them with a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth. If you like some pulp strain one time. If not strain 2-3 times. Let the strawberry juice chill in the fridge.
When the juice is cool, combine it with the rest of the ingredients in a large pitcher with ice. Serve with lime, strawberry slices and mint leaves.
Notes
For alcohol-free cocktails skip the vodka and add the same volume (1 1/2 cups) additional sparkling water.
Adjust sweetness to taste. Your berries may be really sweet or not so much.
