📖 Instructions

1. First, grab your fresh strawberries. Wash them gently and remove the green tops. Slice about 3-4 strawberries into smaller pieces – you'll be muddling these to release their sweet, summery flavor.
2. In your cocktail shaker, place the sliced strawberries. Using a muddler, gently press and twist the strawberries to extract their juice and aroma. Don't over-muddle; you want to bruise the fruit, not pulverize it.
3. Now it's time to add the booze! Pour in 2 ounces of your favorite gin. I prefer a London Dry style for its clean, crisp taste that complements the strawberries beautifully.
4. Next, add 1 ounce of fresh lime juice. Freshly squeezed is key here – the bottled stuff just doesn't compare. The lime juice provides a tartness that balances the sweetness of the strawberries and elderflower liqueur.
5. Add 0.75 ounces of elderflower liqueur (such as St. Germain). This adds a delicate floral note and a touch of sweetness that ties everything together. If you don't have elderflower liqueur, a splash of simple syrup can work in a pinch, but it won'll have the same depth of flavor.
6. Fill the cocktail shaker with ice. You want a good amount of ice to chill the drink properly. Seal the shaker tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You should feel the shaker getting nice and cold.
7. Double strain the cocktail into a Collins glass filled with fresh ice. Double straining (using both a Hawthorne strainer and a fine-mesh strainer) removes any small strawberry seeds or ice shards, resulting in a smoother drink. If you dont have a fine-mesh strainer, a regular Hawthorne strainer will do!
8. Top the drink with 2-3 ounces of chilled sparkling wine (such as Prosecco or Cava). This adds a delightful effervescence and a touch of elegance. Pour slowly to prevent the drink from overflowing.
9. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint. A pretty garnish not only looks good but also enhances the aroma of the cocktail. Enjoy responsibly!