Strawberries are already on their way out of season, so it’s time we take advantage of them while they’re still in their 
prime. The folks at Gourmet had the same inclination, and offered a host of strawberry-inspired ideas in a recent electronic newsletter. My favorite suggestion? Infuse some bourbon with fresh strawberries and bottle up some berry bourbon. Miss Mojito decided to use hers to whip up a batch of Strawberry Manhattans.
To make the strawberry bourbon, hull a pint of strawberries and place in a large bowl. Pour bourbon over the berries (I used a 750-milliliter bottle of Jim Beam because that’s what I had on hand, but I’m sure a liter of some nicer bourbon would work just fine). Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 days. Strain out the berries and bottle the bourbon. I’m not entirely sure of the shelf-life of this liquor, but I’m guestimating you have a week or so to enjoy the intoxicating strawberry flavors.
Although I am a bourbon fan, I haven’t participated in much Manhattan mixing, and was pleased with the results. After much investigation, we decided on equal parts sweet and dry vermouth as a nice balance for the fruity bourbon. And the strawberry garnish is a necessary addition to fully enhance the fruity flavor. I advise you whip up a batch immediately, before it’s too late!
Strawberry Manhattan
Serves one.
- 2 ounces strawberry bourbon
- ½ ounce sweet vermouth
- ½ ounce dry vermouth
- 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
- Ice
- Sliced strawberries for garnish
Pour bourbon, both vermouths and bitters into a cocktail shaker. Shake well and pour over ice. Garnish with strawberries and serve.
Posted by Miss Mojito.
Shoes & Cocktails 
Miss Mojito, you are on to something with your strawberry/bourbon combination. At the whisky tasting I went to last week, I had a strawberry shrub cocktail made with rye whisky and it was so delicious. Ripe strawberries have so much flavor–I can’t believe I’ve never had them in cocktails before. I had the pleasure of meeting the mixologist who made the drink (Gina Chersevani of PS 7’s), and I’ve emailed her to see if she’ll share the recipe.
Just had to say I found you on twitter and love your blog. It is so clever! Keep the post coming!!
Well, strawberries may be on their way out of season there, but they are just coming on strong in Wisconsin. I am RACING to the strawberry farm to get a pint. My mouth is watering at the thought of strawberry-infused bourbon.