Batcher's Buck Recipe

Muddle

Place the hulled and quartered fresh strawberries into a cocktail shaker or mixing glass. Add the fresh lemon juice and, if using, 0.25 oz simple syrup. Gently muddle the strawberries with a muddler or the back of a spoon until broken down but not completely puréed — you want some texture and small pieces for flavor and visual appeal (about 20–30 seconds).

Build

Add the Batcher's Select Bourbon (2 oz) and two dashes of Angostura bitters to the shaker with the muddled strawberries and lemon. Add a handful of crushed ice (about 1 cup) to the shaker to chill and start dilution.

Shake

Cap the shaker and shake vigorously for 10–12 seconds until the outside of the shaker feels cold and slightly frosty. This chills and integrates the strawberry, lemon and bourbon.

Strain & Top

Fill a Collins or highball glass with fresh ice cubes. Double-strain the contents of the shaker into the glass using a fine mesh strainer over a hawthorne/standard strainer to remove seeds and large pulp. Top the cocktail with approximately 4 oz chilled ginger beer, pouring gently to preserve carbonation. Stir once gently with a bar spoon to combine (about 3–4 rotations).

Finish & Garnish

Add two dashes more of Angostura bitters on top of the drink if you prefer an aromatic finish (optional). Garnish with a strawberry or lemon wheel and an optional mint sprig tucked to the side. Serve with a straw if desired.

Notes

If strawberries are very ripe and sweet, omit the simple syrup. Adjust lemon juice and ginger beer to taste for balance — more lemon for brightness, more ginger beer for spice and effervescence. Estimated ABV will depend on bourbon proof and ginger beer volume.