Strawberry Gin Fizz

Remember that Strawberry-Infused Gin that I shared last week?  How about those Strawberry Ice Cubes?  I bet you knew that they were destined to hang out together in a cocktail... for Valentine's Day.  I mean, there was pink... and of course red... but the real giveaway?  It was the hearts.

I almost went sweet.  I actually already had a plan.  There was a Towering Flourless Chocolate Cake on the horizon.  TOWERING!  But oddly enough, I am still sweeted-out from Christmas (and the month or so leading up to it).

I'll Drink to That: Strawberry-Infused Gin + Strawberry Ice Cubes

Yes, this post consists of all Instagram photos.  I'm hopelessly addicted.  I'll admit to being a late-starter when it comes to Instagram, though.  I really didn't think I'd ever actually be "on" there.  I have a boring old cell phone.  It slides, I can text.  (But I rarely do.)

And then for Christmas, I was surprised.  It's a rare thing for me to be surprised by a gift, as I usually have to HINT at what I actually want.  And, or need.  I'd dropped a few not-so- casual suggestions that may or may not have involved the ridiculous camera on my Average (ummm...as in not Smart) phone.

A tablet was not one of those gentle suggestions.  Sure, I wanted one.  But I never really let myself dream of it, because I just didn't think it was doable right now.  My husband has a way of pulling off the impossible.  Sometimes I'm curious as to how he does it.  This time, I didn't care - didn't want to question.  I was shocked into silence when I tore off the wrapping paper (and a "decoy" box, mind you) to find a tablet.  A tablet of my very own.  My very first app was Instagram.

There's just something that I love about the imperfection of Instagram shots.  They're more of a peek into daily life - real, raw, blemished.

That said, I really wanted to talk booze today.  Infused booze, to be exact.  It's not random, I have a plan for this strawberry-colored (and lightly flavored) gin.  But you will have to wait until next weekend to find out what exactly that plan is.

Consider it a heads-up.  Make a batch of this and have it ready and waiting.  It's going to be a cocktail that is totally pretty-in-pink.  Mmm hmm.  You know what holiday is just around the corner.  Just witness the lovey-dovey ice cubes I've sneaked (snuck?) in alongside the booze for whimsy.

Strawberry-Infused Gin + Strawberry Ice Cubes

by Heather Schmitt-González

Prep Time: 24 hours (basically unattended

Cook Time: n/a

Keywords: beverage alcohol strawberries Gin Valentines Day birthday

Ingredients (8 fluid ounce)

for the Strawberry-Infused Gin:

• ~8 ripe strawberries, hulled & sliced
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary, optional (see notes)
• 8 floz. Gin

for the Strawberry Ice Cubes:

• strawberries
• water

Instructions

Strawberry Infused Gin (yield: 8 oz.)

Place sliced strawberries and rosemary sprig in a 1 pint canning jar. Add Gin. Cover tightly and let sit for about 24 hours; it doesn't take long for the gin to leach the color and flavor from the delicate berries. Shake a few times, you know, whenever you walk by. Strain into a clean jar.

note:

You could leave the rosemary out for plain strawberry infused gin. You could also switch up the herbs - try using basil, mint, or sage instead.

Strawberry Ice Cubes (yield: varies)

Hull the strawberries and chop them roughly. Mash up a bit with a fork. Place into ice cube trays and top off with water. (Use heart-shaped silicone ice cube trays - or chocolate/candy molds - for Valentine ice cubes.) Freeze until solid.

Add to cocktails (or lemonade, tea, etc.) for a fun twist!

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I already know what I'm making with this Strawberry-Infused Gin... what would YOU make with it?