09 March,2026 02:47 PM IST | Mumbai | Maitrai Agarwal
Very Berry Strawberry
As the sun gets warmer and the days start to stretch; there's nothing quite as satisfying as a cold drink that captures the essence of the season. Enter the strawberry: bright, sweet, and undeniably vibrant. While we often think of this beautiful fruit as just a snack or a dessert topping, it is actually a powerhouse ingredient for any home bartender or host looking to elevate their drink game.
Across India's most creative bars and kitchens, mixologists and bartenders are coming up with exciting recipes to showcase this seasonal star. They are moving beyond the simple garnish to explore how strawberries can bring depth, colour, and a touch of indulgence to our glassware.
Whether you're looking for a rich, playful treat to serve after dinner or a light, fizzy cooler to beat the afternoon heat, we've gathered some of the most delicious recipes to celebrate the season's bounty - one sip at a time.
Think of it as a decadent milkshake with a serious kick. Combine creamy strawberry ice cream with a basket of fresh berries and dark rum to create the perfect poolside refresher - or the ultimate after-dinner dessert. As Vikram Achanta, founder and CEO of Tulleeho puts it, "It's a drink that evolves quickly: one minute you're admiring the fresh berries, the next you're three deep and wondering why all fruit salad doesn't come with a side of rum."
Ingredients:
Dark rum 60 ml
Strawberry ice cream 4 scoops
Fresh strawberries 5
Orange juice 1 splash
Ice 1/2 scoop
Fresh strawberry 1 (garnish)
Method:
1. Wash and stem the strawberries.
2. Add the strawberries, dark rum, strawberry ice cream, orange juice, and ice to a blender.
3. Blend the mixture until it is smooth and thick.
4. Pour the contents into a margarita glass.
5. Slit the reserved strawberry and perch it on the rim to garnish; serve immediately.
Who actually thought a pink slip was the best way to say, "You're fired"? It's hilariously iconic, so the team at Nao Spirits and Beverages turned the joke into their favourite drink. Made with fresh Punk Gin, lime, and a whisper of vanilla and pepper, the Punk Slip is light, tart, and undeniably fresh making it the perfect companion for those long, hazy afternoons that turn into early evenings," says Evgenia, drinks director, Nao Spirits and Beverages.
Ingredients:
Punk gin 45 ml
Aperol 10 ml
Vanilla syrup 15 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Freshly ground black pepper (garnish)
Basil leaf (garnish)
Method:
1. Add all ingredients to a shaker with ice.
2. Double shake and fine strain into a chilled coupe glass.
3. Garnish with ground black pepper, single basil leaf and serve.
4. Use 10 drops of vanilla essence or syrup.
For those looking to add a seasonal refreshing tweak to the Italian classic, here is an easy yet elevated recipe. "Strawberry Aperol Spritz is the perfect sundowner sipper with a strawberry breeze on the palate," says Deepankar Sardana, head bartender at Raasta, Khar.
Ingredients:
Aperol 60 ml
Fresh strawberries 2-3
Prosecco 60 ml
Sparkling water 30 ml
Orange wedge (Garnish)
Basil leaf (Garnish)
Method:
1. Clean and dry the fresh strawberries, then submerge them in the Aperol within a sealed glass jar for 24 hours to infuse.
2. Add ice to a chilled wine glass.
3. Pour 60 ml of the strawberry-infused Aperol into the glass.
4. Add 60 ml of Prosecco (sparkling wine).
5. Top with a splash (approximately 30 ml) of sparkling water or soda.
6. Garnish with an orange wedge, a strawberry, and a fresh basil leaf.
Looking for a vibrant pick-me-up? This Strawberry Mint Cooler is the perfect non-alcoholic escape. "Summer calls for something fun and vibrant, and that's exactly what this cooler is. The sweetness of strawberries, the freshness of mint, and the sparkle of soda come together in a way that instantly lifts your mood," says Yashwant Sopane, executive chef, Sayaji Hotel.
Ingredients:
Fresh strawberries 2-3
Mint leaves 4-5
Strawberry crush 10 ml
Mint syrup 5 ml
Simple syrup 15 ml
Soda 150 ml
Crushed ice 1 scoop
Mint sprig (Garnish)
Strawberry slice (Garnish)
Method:
1. Pre-chill a Tom Collins glass or Champagne flute.
2. In a shaker, gently muddle the fresh strawberries and mint leaves to release the juices and oils without making the mint bitter.
3. Add the strawberry crush, mint syrup, and simple syrup to the shaker with a small scoop of crushed ice.
4. Shake or stir lightly for 10 seconds to combine the flavours.
5. Strain the mixture into the chilled glass filled with fresh crushed ice (double strain for a smoother texture).
6. Slowly pour 150 ml of chilled soda into the glass and stir once gently.
7. Garnish with a slapped mint sprig and a strawberry slice.
While brandy might not be the first choice for a fruity drink, for those looking for a stronger kick with your strawberries, fifth-generation distiller Sanaya Dahanukar, Marketing Manager, Tilaknagar Industries Ltd, shares a polished martini. "In the Queen of Hearts Martini, the grape richness of Monarch meets the brightness of strawberry and instantly lifts the entire drink. It is vibrant and deceptively easy to sip, yet it still carries enough depth and structure," she poses.
Ingredients:
Monarch Brandy 45 ml
Strawberry/Mixed berry marmalade 1 bar spoon
Orange liqueur 15 ml
Lime juice 15 ml
Fresh strawberry 1 (Garnish)
Method:
1. Add the brandy, marmalade, orange liqueur, and lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake vigorously to ensure the marmalade is fully incorporated and the drink is well-chilled.
3. Strain the mixture into a chilled martini glass.
4. Garnish with a fresh strawberry (optional: dip the strawberry in sugar or chocolate for a romantic touch).
