Weekend Cocktail — Red Geisha variation

Y’all! Strawberries are back in the house. I’m not a fan of the super fruity, sweet cocktail and this is not that. There is enough berry to have flavor, but the lime and ginger keep it edgy.

I was telling my co-worker about this drink and when I told her the list of ingredients she shook her head and said, “too complicated for after work.” Perhaps… I get it. Depending on how your day went, you may not want to measure, chop and muddle… let alone make sure you have all the ingredients. So let’s call this a weekend cocktail when you want to take the time for a little flair. This drink is refreshing, fun, and perfect to sip in the backyard. In a hammock, if you have one.

This is the Red Geisha, though I switched it up a tiny bit… The original version of this drink is quite delicious. I found a subtle change to be a little better—a bit of sparkle tastes just right.

2 oz vodka
2 fresh strawberries
3 thin slices fresh ginger, peeled
1/2 oz fresh lime juice
1/2 oz simple syrup
Soda water

In a shaker, muddle strawberries and ginger. Add the remaining ingredients and shake with ice. Strain into a rocks glass and top with a splash of soda water. You can garnish with a lime wheel, or float a few thin slices of strawberry on top.

Pro tip: Slice the lime wheel before you squeeze your lime. But if you forget (ahem…) then float some strawberries slices!