If you've never combined strawberries and peppercorns before, you are missing out! It is one of those unexpected combinations that somehow just works. In this cocktail, a strawberry-infused vodka combines with peppercorn flavored syrup and gin to create a super refreshing cocktail. It's perfect for backyard summer afternoons (hence the name)!
Strawberries and... Peppercorns?
Strawberries and black pepper is such a good combination, but it took me by surprise the first time I heard about it. Check out this article, which mentions that the pairing can be found in Mark Bittman's book, How to Cook Everything.
The pepper flavor mellows out the acidity of the strawberries, making them taste even richer and, somehow, more strawberry-like. With the peppercorns infused into the syrup, it's not a super strong pepper taste at all. It's more of an undercurrent and support to the star strawberries!
Peppercorn Syrup
It's super simple to make peppercorn syrup. Since peppercorns are most commonly a dry herb, it can be added into simple syrup before heating. Just add a tablespoon of peppercorns into your water and sugar mix (1 cup of each, 230g water/200g sugar) before bringing it to a boil. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, remove from the heat and leave the peppercorns in while the mixture cools to room temperature.
Strain it into a clean bottle and keep it in the fridge. It'll keep for about a month.
Check out my post on how to make lots more types of flavored simple syrup!
Strawberry Infusion
Infusing strawberries into vodka is a great way to preserve that ripe-strawberry flavor for a long time. All you have to do is put some vodka into a clean glass jar with a lid. Cut up some ripe fresh strawberries, and place them into the vodka, making sure that the vodka completely covers the berries.
After a day or two, just strain the flavored vodka into a clear glass jar or container, and you're done! (I put the leftover strawberries into a glass of rose wine, and it was magnificent :))
Building the Strawberry Cocktail
This cocktail is easy to make! It just takes a few minutes to put it together once you have the strawberry infusion and peppercorn syrup ready to go. Just combine the strawberry vodka, peppercorn syrup, lime juice, and vermouth in a cocktail shaker with ice.
Shake well, about 15-20 hard shakes, and then strain it into your serving glass filled with fresh ice. Top with seltzer and throw in some peppercorns and strawberry slices for garnish. Then get to relaxing in the sun!
Other Recipes You Might Like
- Another delicious (and super simple) vodka drink, the Vanilla Lime Vodka Refresher
- This Dragonfruit Mojito is another extra-refreshing and beautiful cocktail
- Try this frozen Smoky Peach Margarita, a delicious summer drink
- The Dirty Shirley is a snap to make and perfect for vodka lovers!
Did You Try This Recipe?
I would love to hear how you liked this recipe! How did you think the strawberries went with the peppercorn syrup? Let me know if you have any questions in the comments!
📖 Recipe
Strawberry Afternoon
Equipment
- Cocktail serving glass
Ingredients
Strawberry-infused Vodka
- 5-8 strawberries, washed and cut into pieces
- 8 ounces vodka
Peppercorn Syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
Cocktail
- 1½ oz strawberry infused vodka
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 oz black peppercorn syrup
- 2 oz Seltzer
- fresh strawberry slices and dried peppercorns for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Strawberry-infused Vodka
- Combine the strawberries and vodka in a wide-mouth glass container. Let them sit for at least 24 hours, or for a few days.
- Strain out the strawberries and bottle the liquid. You can keep it indefinitely.
Peppercorn Syrup
- Combine the sugar, water and peppercorns in a small saucepan and heat it until it boils.
- Reduce the heat to a simmer for 5 minutes.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Cover and let cool to room temperature.
- Strain out the peppercorns and bottle the syrup in a clean bottle. Keep in the fridge for up to a month.
Cocktail
- Add the strawberry infused vodka, vermouth, lime juice and peppercorn syrup to a cocktail shaker along with ice.
- Add fresh ice to your serving glass.
- Seal and shake the cocktail shaker well, about 15-20 times, to mix and dilute.
- Use a cocktail strainer to strain the mixture into the serving glass.
- Add the fresh strawberry slices and peppercorns to the glass for garnish.
- Top with the seltzer, add a straw and serve immediately.
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