{recipe} Strawberry Popper Cocktail

I am kind of on a cocktail kick these days. Fresh off the success of my Dolores Park-inspired drink, I decided to take another stab at creating a sweet, spicy, tart cocktail. A sweltering spring day called for an ice-cold concoction with muddled strawberries, fresh lemon juice, vanilla paste, and a jalapeño slice. A healthy pour of vodka and some agave to sweeten it, and another great cocktail was born.

If you’re wondering about the vanilla paste – it’s a great thing to have around for both baking and drinks. It has the seeds from the vanilla beans, and a richer, headier aroma that’s very well-suited to cocktails. I buy mine from Vanilla Saffron Imports in San Francisco, which I’ve recommended previously as an inexpensive and high-quality source for vanilla beans. I highly recommend trying some! In a pinch, you can substitute vanilla extract or try a few dashes of bitters instead.

I poured this drink over ice into small mason jars and garnished with a thin slice of jalapeño and a fresh strawberry. Serve it with a salty, non-spicy snack – the spice from the drink gives enough heat all around. I served it with these roasted sesame edamame pods and it was a perfect combination.

RECIPE: Strawberry Popper Cocktail
makes two – recipe can easily be doubled

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 fresh ripe strawberries, hulled
• 1/4 tsp vanilla paste (can substitute vanilla extract or a few splashes of bitters)
• 1 Tblsp lemon juice
• 1 slice jalapeño
• about 1 tsp agave syrup (more to taste)
• 1/2 cup vodka
• jalapeño slices and strawberries for garnish (optional)

METHOD:

• Muddle everything except vodka in a cocktail shaker very well. Add vodka and a lot of ice and shake well to chill. Strain over ice and garnish with jalapeño and strawberry, if desired.

If you liked this post, you may also enjoy…

• Dolores Park Cocktail
• Raspberry Vanilla Syrup for your Cocktails, Mocktails, Lemonade, & More
• Raspberry Reposado Margaritas