Fruity? Yes. Girlie? Most definitely. But if you can’t have a fruity, girlie drink on a sparkling summer’s day, when can you? Make up a big batch in a jug and serve with fresh limes and extra gin to the side for your guests to add to their taste.
Ingredients
Strawberry-gin cordial
Method
Main
1.For strawberry-gin cordial, combine strawberries and 500ml water in a saucepan, bring to the boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to low, simmer until strawberries are fragrant and pulpy (12-15 minutes), then strain through a muslin-lined sieve, pressing to extract all liquid (discard solids). Measure strawberry liquid (you should have about 1½ cups or 375ml) and combine in a clean saucepan with an equal amount by volume (not by weight) of sugar (about 1½ cups or 330gm). Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, bring to the boil, reduce heat to low-medium and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add vinegar, then cool slightly and stir through gin. Cool completely before using. Makes about 600ml. Cordial will keep refrigerated in a sterile bottle or container for 2 months.
2.To serve, muddle strawberries, lime juice and mint and divide among glasses. Add strawberry-gin cordial to taste, top up with crushed ice, then soda water, and serve with lime wedges and extra mint. Add a cheeky splash of extra gin for good measure.
