Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail: A Refreshing Summer Drink Recipe

Strawberry tarragon cocktail: Prepare to be amazed! Imagine a drink that perfectly balances the sweetness of ripe strawberries with the subtle, anise-like notes of fresh tarragon. It’s not just a cocktail; it’s an experience, a vibrant dance of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

While the exact origins of combining strawberries and tarragon in a cocktail are somewhat modern, the individual ingredients boast rich histories. Strawberries, enjoyed since Roman times, symbolize love and passion. Tarragon, used medicinally and culinarily for centuries, was believed to ward off evil spirits. This delightful pairing brings together the best of both worlds, creating a drink that is both refreshing and intriguing.

People adore this strawberry tarragon cocktail for its unique and sophisticated flavor profile. It’s not your average sugary concoction. The tarragon adds a herbaceous complexity that elevates the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a drink that is both refreshing and satisfying. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, making it perfect for both casual gatherings and elegant soirées. The vibrant color and aromatic herbs also make it visually appealing, adding to its overall charm. Trust me, once you try this, it will become your new go-to cocktail!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Strawberry Tarragon Syrup:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup fresh tarragon leaves, lightly packed
• For the Cocktail:
• 4 ounces gin (I prefer a London Dry style)
• 2 ounces Strawberry Tarragon Syrup (recipe above)
• 1 ounce fresh lime juice
• 4 ounces chilled club soda
• Fresh strawberries and tarragon sprigs, for garnish
• Ice cubes

Making the Strawberry Tarragon Syrup

This syrup is the heart of our cocktail, infusing it with a beautiful balance of sweet strawberry and herbaceous tarragon. Don’t skip this step – it’s what makes this drink truly special!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the quartered strawberries, granulated sugar, and water.
2. Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
3. Infuse with Tarragon: Once the sugar is dissolved and the mixture is simmering, add the fresh tarragon leaves. Gently push them down into the liquid to ensure they are submerged.
4. Continue Simmering: Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 15-20 minutes. This allows the tarragon to infuse its flavor into the syrup. You’ll notice the strawberries will soften and release their juices.
5. Strain: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to handle. Place a fine-mesh sieve lined with cheesecloth (or a very fine sieve if you don’t have cheesecloth) over a heat-proof bowl. Carefully pour the strawberry mixture through the sieve, pressing gently on the solids with a spoon or spatula to extract as much syrup as possible. Discard the solids (or save them for another use, like spreading on toast!).
6. Cool and Store: Let the syrup cool completely to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar or bottle. The Strawberry Tarragon Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Mixing the Cocktail

Now for the fun part! With your Strawberry Tarragon Syrup ready, assembling the cocktail is a breeze. I like to use a cocktail shaker for this, but you can also stir it directly in your glass if you prefer.

1. Prepare Your Glass: Fill a cocktail glass (such as a coupe, martini glass, or highball glass) with ice cubes. This will chill the glass while you prepare the drink.
2. Combine Ingredients in Shaker: In a cocktail shaker, combine the gin, Strawberry Tarragon Syrup, and fresh lime juice.
3. Add Ice to Shaker: Fill the cocktail shaker with ice cubes. You want enough ice to chill the drink quickly without over-diluting it.
4. Shake Well: Secure the lid on the cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. This will chill the drink and properly combine the ingredients. You should feel the shaker getting very cold.
5. Strain into Glass: Remove the ice from your prepared cocktail glass. Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the chilled glass.
6. Top with Club Soda: Top the cocktail with chilled club soda. The amount of club soda you use is up to your preference – I usually add about 4 ounces, but you can adjust it to your liking.
7. Garnish: Garnish the cocktail with fresh strawberries (sliced or whole) and a sprig of fresh tarragon. This adds a beautiful visual appeal and enhances the aroma of the drink.
8. Serve Immediately: Serve your Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and make it your own! Here are a few ideas:

• Vodka Variation: If you’re not a gin fan, you can easily substitute vodka for gin in this recipe. A high-quality vodka will work best.
• Sparkling Wine Cocktail: For a more celebratory drink, replace the club soda with sparkling wine (such as Prosecco or Champagne). This will add a touch of elegance and fizz.
• Tequila Twist: For a bolder flavor, try using tequila instead of gin or vodka. A blanco tequila will complement the strawberry and tarragon nicely.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the gin and increase the amount of club soda. You can also add a splash of sparkling water for extra fizz. Consider adding a few dashes of aromatic bitters for complexity (check the label to ensure they are alcohol-free).
• Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the cocktail can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of Strawberry Tarragon Syrup. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a little more syrup.
• Muddle Strawberries: For an even more intense strawberry flavor, muddle a few fresh strawberries in the bottom of the cocktail shaker before adding the other ingredients.
• Frozen Strawberries: In a pinch, you can use frozen strawberries to make the syrup. Just be sure to thaw them completely before using them.
• Infuse the Gin: For an extra layer of flavor, you can infuse the gin with tarragon. Simply add a few sprigs of fresh tarragon to a bottle of gin and let it sit for a few days, tasting it periodically until it reaches your desired level of tarragon flavor.

Choosing the Right Gin

The type of gin you use can significantly impact the flavor of your Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail. I generally recommend using a London Dry gin, as it has a classic juniper-forward flavor that complements the other ingredients well. However, you can also experiment with other types of gin, such as:

• New Western Gin: These gins often have a more citrusy or floral flavor profile, which can add a unique twist to the cocktail.
• Old Tom Gin: This type of gin is slightly sweeter than London Dry gin, which can be a good option if you prefer a sweeter drink.
• Navy Strength Gin: This gin has a higher alcohol content, which can add a bit of a kick to the cocktail. Use it sparingly, as it can easily overpower the other flavors.

Why Tarragon Works So Well with Strawberries

You might be wondering why tarragon and strawberries are such a winning combination. The answer lies in their complementary flavor profiles. Strawberries are sweet and slightly acidic, while tarragon has a subtle anise-like flavor with hints of mint and pepper. The tarragon adds a savory and herbaceous note that balances the sweetness of the strawberries, creating a complex and refreshing flavor experience. It’s an unexpected pairing that truly elevates this cocktail.

Making the Syrup Ahead of Time

One of the best things about this cocktail is that you can make the Strawberry Tarragon Syrup ahead of time. This is especially helpful if you’re planning to serve the cocktail at a party or gathering. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, so you can make it well in advance and have it ready to go when you need it.

Serving Suggestions

This Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail is perfect for a variety of occasions, from casual get-togethers to more formal events. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Brunch: This cocktail is a refreshing and flavorful addition to any brunch spread.
• Summer Parties: It’s the perfect drink to sip on a hot summer day.
• Dinner Parties: Serve it as an aperitif before dinner or as a dessert cocktail after the meal.
• Special Occasions: It’s a great choice for birthdays, anniversaries, or any other special occasion.

Enjoy Responsibly!

Remember to drink responsibly and always have a designated driver if you’re planning to consume alcohol. Cheers!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail isn’t just another drink; it’s an experience. The unexpected marriage of sweet strawberries and herbaceous tarragon creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more. It’s the perfect balance of refreshing and sophisticated, making it a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cocktail game. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this, you’ll be adding it to your regular rotation!

But the beauty of this recipe lies not only in its deliciousness but also in its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your personal preferences. For a non-alcoholic version, simply replace the gin or vodka with sparkling water or a high-quality tonic. You can also muddle in a few slices of cucumber for an extra layer of freshness, especially during those hot summer months.

Serving Suggestions:

* Serve chilled in a coupe glass or a highball glass filled with ice.
* Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprig of tarragon.
* For a party, prepare a large batch of the strawberry-tarragon syrup in advance and mix individual cocktails as needed.
* Pair it with light appetizers like goat cheese crostini or a fresh fruit platter.
* Consider rimming the glass with sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.

Variations to Explore:

* Strawberry Basil Cocktail: Substitute the tarragon with fresh basil for a different herbaceous note.
* Spicy Strawberry Cocktail: Add a pinch of chili flakes to the syrup for a subtle kick.
* Strawberry Lavender Cocktail: Infuse the syrup with dried lavender for a floral twist.
* Strawberry Rosemary Cocktail: Use rosemary instead of tarragon for an earthy flavor.
* Frozen Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a refreshing frozen treat.

I’m confident that you’ll love this Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail as much as I do. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a fantastic way to impress your friends and family. The unique flavor profile is both intriguing and incredibly satisfying. It’s the kind of drink that sparks conversation and creates lasting memories.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow the simple steps, and prepare to be amazed. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on the recipe. After all, the best cocktails are the ones that reflect your personal taste.

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! And I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you think of the flavor combination? Share your photos and comments below! Let’s create a community of cocktail enthusiasts who appreciate the art of crafting delicious and unique drinks. Cheers to happy mixing and unforgettable moments! I can’t wait to see your creations! Remember to tag me in your photos so I can see your amazing Strawberry Tarragon Cocktail masterpieces!