Strawberry Mint-TEA-ni – Cocktail of the Week

I'm told that it's spring, but judging by this week's weather, I'm not so sure...

Regardless, I'm powering through with a light, refreshing cocktail that's perfect if the sun ever decides to come out again!

The Strawberry Mint-tea-ni has a good balance of flavors that can easily go from delicate to overpowering, so be sure to adjust as necessary!

I'm using a green tea in this recipe, but I think a white tea would be just as nice. Just note that a lot of white teas come mixed with fruit or floral flavors.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 oz vodka
• 3 oz. freshly brewed green tea, cooled
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped, plus a sliced strawberry, to garnish
• fresh mint leaves, plus a mint sprig to garnish
• simple syrup, optional

Muddle the fresh strawberries with the vodka and a few mint leaves. If desired, add a little simple syrup, especially if your strawberries aren't very sweet. Add ice and the cooled green and shake to combine. Strain into a cocktail glass and garnish with a  small mint sprig and strawberry slice.

There are lots of ways to switch this up:

Enjoy this drink on the rocks, instead of as a strained cocktail!
Use a green tea or strawberry-flavored vodka instead of plain.
Use a light gin instead of vodka.
Use strawberry puree instead of muddling them.
Use basil instead of mint.

*Please drink responsibly.*