Serves 2 to 4

This is a drink that earns its place at any table. The bright, sun-ripened sweetness of fresh strawberries melds beautifully with the citrus bite of fresh lime juice, while light rum adds just enough warmth without overwhelming. The splash of sparkling water lifts the whole drink, making it feel effervescent and festive without being heavy. A touch of simple syrup rounds out any tartness, letting the strawberry shine as the star. Serve these at a summer patio gathering, a brunch, or a girls’ night in. They pair wonderfully with light appetizers, shrimp tacos, grilled chicken skewers, or a fresh fruit and cheese board.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (frozen works well too)
• 2 oz fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
• 3 oz white rum
• 1 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled
• Ice, as needed
• Fresh strawberry slices and lime wheels for garnish
• Fresh mint sprigs, optional

Simple syrup

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup water

Directions

1. Make the simple syrup first by combining the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the sugar fully dissolves, then remove from heat and let it cool completely. This can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
2. Add the hulled strawberries to a blender along with the lime juice, rum, simple syrup, and a generous handful of ice. Blend until completely smooth and frothy.
3. Taste the blended mixture and adjust sweetness or tartness by adding a bit more simple syrup or lime juice as needed.
4. Fill your glasses with fresh ice. Pour the blended strawberry mixture about two-thirds of the way up each glass.
5. Top each glass slowly with chilled sparkling water or club soda, pouring gently to preserve the bubbles.
6. Give each drink a light stir to just barely combine the layers.
7. Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice on the rim, a lime wheel, and a sprig of mint if desired.
8. Serve immediately while cold and fizzy.

Tips and variations

• For a frozen version, skip the sparkling water and blend everything with extra ice until thick and slushy.
• For a mocktail version, simply omit the rum and add a splash more sparkling water and a tiny pinch of sea salt to deepen the flavor.
• Muddled fresh basil or mint blended in with the strawberries adds a lovely herbal note.
• For a party batch, blend the strawberry base ahead of time and refrigerate it. Add the sparkling water per glass just before serving so it stays bubbly.