The strawberries in my garden are ripening and I couldn‘t be happier. Visions of sliced berries over vanilla ice cream, topping a summer salad, or just enjoying them warmed by the sun and popping them into my mouth right off the plant have me very excited for strawberry season.

One of my favorite ways to share the taste of strawberries is in a refreshing cocktail. And I especially like to serve a welcome drink like this to my guests at my summer gatherings on the patio. I found this beautiful Strawberry Summer Bliss cocktail on the Freixenet website and started learning more about the Freixenet brand while reading through the site. They make several types of Cava, the sparkling wine from Spain made in the Champagne method, and in the USA we can find some of the most popular in our neighborhood markets. It is terrific alone, or you can mix it very easily into a cocktail.

Although this lovely cocktail calls for Strawberry Daiquiri mix, I prefer not to use that, and make a simple muddle of berries. Chill the Cordon Negro Brut Sparkling Wine (Cava) well in advance and create your drink mix of strawberry, vanilla, lime, and simple sugar (x10 the recipe below) and set aside. Add approximately 4 ounces of your drink mix (or more, according to taste) per glass and top with the Freixenet Cava as each guest arrives.

Freixenet_LuxeGetaways_Tasting Notes: Strawberry Summer Bliss CocktailStrawberry Summer Bliss Cocktail (makes one)

6 oz. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut Sparkling Wine

For the mix:
1/2 oz. Strawberry Daiquiri mix (or fresh muddled strawberries)
1 1/2 oz. Vanilla Extract
2 tsp Simple Sugar Syrup
4 Lime Squeezes
1-3 Mint Sprigs (hold for garnish)

Pour 4 ounces or more of your mixer into an 8 oz. glass, half-filled with crushed ice. Top off with Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut and mint.

Drink and enjoy!

Courtesy Kurt Winner | Tasting Notes: Strawberry Summer Bliss Cocktail
Courtesy Kurt Winner

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Cocktail Photos & Recipe Courtesy Freixenet