Strawberry Daiquiri

When I think of a daiquiri, I think of the slushy, frozen beverage. While they are good, the strawberry flavor of the prepared mixes doesn’t always taste real to me. Honestly, this is not the time of year that I am crave a frozen drink. But, when hunting down rum recipes, this recipe looked so fresh and simple (click here for the original recipe). Coincidentally, my kids had politely asked to buy fresh berries at the store, so the timing couldn’t have been better.

Ingredients: 2 oz. rum, 1 oz. triple sec, 1 oz. lime juice, ¼ oz. simple syrup (or agave nectar), 3 strawberries (2, stems removed, for muddling, 1 for garnish)

Directions:  In the bottom of a cocktail shaker, muddle the two strawberries without stems.  Add rum, triple sec, lime juice, simple syrup, and ice.  Shake and pour into a double old-fashioned glass with additional ice.  Garnish with remaining strawberry.

I was very happy with this drink. It is refreshing, light, and just all-around delicious. I actually liked getting the pulpy parts of the strawberry along with the liquor – these strawberries were so perfectly ripe and tasted fabulous, any bites of their mushy goodness was a treasure for my taste buds. I certainly see this one making a reprise over the summer…what a great treat to have after going to the farmer’s market or as a reward for taking the kids strawberry picking! But, my recommendation is to not wait until local strawberries are in season to try this one. Cheers!