Spiked Strawberry Mint Lemonade

This cocktail gets its sweetness from agave nectar and the strawberry flavor from home-infused vodka.

Last night I came home to a humid house and a dirty kitchen. I decided to break out my strawberry vodka as a reward for cleaning up.  I keep mint in the house all summer long to add to water, tea and cocktails. It’s a very cooling herb and can help you through a very hot summer.

Try as many varieties of mint that you can get your hands on. This year I’m garden-less but I usually grow orange mint, lime mint, chocolate mint, pineapple mint and my favorite lavender mint. Each one has a subtle difference. Some have stronger smells, others taste like their names and some are even fuzzy.

I’ve been saving the strawberry vodka for a couple of months that I made with the first spring strawberries. The result has a beautiful ruby color with a distinct strawberry flavor. I’ve tasted store bought strawberry vodka and this was so much better.

Making infusions are so much fun and easier than you think. I even bought a few cool stackable bottles to put the finished product in.

To make your own all you need is a wide mouthed jar (like a canning jar) with a lid, fresh strawberries and your favorite vodka. You can take a look at the detailed instructions here. But honestly it’s easier than making this drink.

Just cut up fresh strawberries that are not over ripe. Add to the mason jar, fill with vodka and put the lid on. Store in a cabinet for a couple of days then strain and use.

Then you’ll have a special concoction you can use as your reward.