Scarlet Spritz Recipe

Muddle strawberries and basil

Place the hulled strawberries and 4 basil leaves in a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Add the cold water and simple syrup. Gently muddle until the strawberries are mostly broken down and the basil is aromatic but not shredded (8–12 light presses).

Add lemon

Pour in the fresh lemon juice. Give the mixture a brisk stir for 5–8 seconds to combine and slightly chill the concentrate.

Prepare glass

Fill a highball glass or large rocks glass three-quarters full with ice cubes.

Strain fruit concentrate

Using a fine mesh strainer (or the shaker’s built-in strainer), strain the muddled strawberry-basil-lemon mixture into the prepared glass to remove seeds and large pulp. Light pressing against the strainer with the back of a spoon will extract flavor without pushing through too much pulp.

Add ginger beer

Top the strained concentrate with 150 ml chilled ginger beer. Stir gently once or twice with a bar spoon to integrate, preserving effervescence. If you prefer a lighter fizz, add up to 30 ml chilled club soda and reduce ginger beer by the same amount.

Basil slap

Take the remaining 2 basil leaves, clap them between your palms once to release oils (a 'slap'), then tuck them into the drink on top for aroma.

Garnish the rim with a lemon wheel and a strawberry slice. Serve immediately with a straw or stirrer so the drinker can refresh the aroma by stirring if desired.