How To Make A Zero-Proof Red Garden Spritz

This is my take on a brunch drink to enjoy whilst basking in the sun. Sometimes, you crave sweet and sour, but here you get that along with umami. The Red Garden Spritz is a harmonious blend of sweet strawberries, basil, red bell pepper, and jalapeño. Apple cider vinegar adds a tart punch along with the rich pomegranate juice, and the savory elements are cooled down with soda for a most refreshing Spritz.

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The Red Garden Spritz

You’ll Need:

• Ice 

• Collins glass

• 1.5 ounces strawberry, basil, bell pepper, and jalapeño simple syrup

• .5 ounce pomegranate juice 

• .25 ounce apple cider vinegar 

• Soda water

For The Strawberry, Basil, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeño Simple Syrup:

• 1 cup water

• 1 cup white sugar

• 128 grams (4-5 oz) strawberries

• 1 small bushel of basil

• 1 red bell pepper 

• 1 jalapeño

Step One: Strawberry, Basil, Bell Pepper, and Jalapeño Simple Syrup

This is the biggest element of the Red Garden Spritz, and we’re going to make a large batch. Fill your pot with one cup of water, place it on the stove over medium-high heat, and add one cup of white sugar. While heating, add 128 grams (4-5 oz) of chopped strawberries, as well as a small bushel of basil (roughly 20 grams or .7 oz). Then add one chopped jalapeño as well as one chopped red bell pepper, making sure not to include any seeds. Continue to boil for about 15 mins, then remove from heat and allow this mixture to sit for 20 mins. Finally, strain and discard any solids, and put your syrup in a container to store in your fridge.

Step Two: Build Your Cocktail

Grab your cocktail shaker, fill it with ice, and add 1.5 ounces of your strawberry/basil/pepper syrup. Next, add .5 ounce pomegranate juice and .25 ounce apple cider vinegar. Shake for 10 seconds.

Step Three: Pour and Garnish

Get yourself a tall glass, preferably a collins or highball, then dump the contents of your shaker - including ice - into your glass. Top with 2 ounces of soda water and stir with a spoon. Lastly, finish your cocktail off by garnishing with strawberries, basil, or any of the other elements you used in your syrup!