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    Home All Cocktails

    Strawberry Cocktail - Strawberry Afternoon

    Published: Jul 19, 2021 · Modified: Feb 18, 2022 by Kimberly · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. · Leave a Comment

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    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)!

    side view of strawberry cocktail

    Strawberries and... What??

    I'm not actually sure where I first heard of combining strawberries and black pepper, 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.

    red and orange cocktail with strawberries in the background

    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. You can check out my Instagram story highlights for other syrup recipes!

    pouring seltzer into cocktail

    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 :))

    side view of strawberry cocktail with alcohol bottles and strawberries and limes

    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, gin, 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!

    close up of strawberries in cocktail

    Other Recipes You Might Like

    • This Dragonfruit Mojito is another extra-refreshing and beautiful cocktail
    • Try this frozen Smoky Peach Margarita, a delicious summer drink
    • You can't go wrong with a Classic Margarita on the rocks

    Did You Try This Recipe?

    I would love to hear how you liked this recipe! How did you think the strawberries went with the pepper syrup? Please let me know by leaving a comment or star rating below!

    📖 Recipe

    overhead shot of cocktail with clear ice, peppercorns and berries

    Strawberry Afternoon

    Kimberly Salem
    This delicious cocktail combines strawberry flavor with black pepper, lime, gin and vermouth for a complex but refreshing summer drink.
    5 from 1 vote
    Pin Recipe Print Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 10 minutes mins
    Course Drinks
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1
    Calories 226 kcal

    Equipment

    • Cocktail serving glass
    • Cocktail shaker and strainer

    Ingredients

    • 1 oz strawberry infused vodka
    • 1 oz dry gin
    • ½ oz sweet vermouth
    • 1 oz lime juice
    • 1 oz black peppercorn syrup
    • 2 oz Seltzer
    • fresh strawberry slices and dried peppercorns for garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Add the strawberry infused vodka, gin, 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.

    Video

    https://charmingcocktails.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Strawberry-Afternoon-no-audio.mp4

    Notes

    Click here for peppercorn syrup instructions
    Click here for strawberry infusion instructions

    Nutrition

    Calories: 226kcalCarbohydrates: 24gProtein: 1gFat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 29mgPotassium: 53mgFiber: 1gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 14IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword alcohol, black pepper, gin, lime, strawberry, summer, vermouth, vodka
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    I'm Kim, a cocktail enthusiast (and cold brew coffee lover). Here you'll find recipes, tips and tricks to make delicious cocktails at home! More about me →

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