Strawberry Simple Syrup

Nothing quite says summer is almost here other than strawberries. I wanted to create a strawberry based poolside drink that could be spiked for the mommas and virgin for the kiddos. So, I created this simple syrup to use as the base. For the momma version, I fill an 8 ounce glass with ice. Then, I add one ounce (or one shot) of the strawberry simple syrup and one ounce (or shot) of vodka and then I top the rest of the glass with club soda or unflavored seltzer water. For the kid version, I used about 2 ounces of the simple syrup and then topped it with the club soda or seltzer.

To make the strawberry simple syrup:

1 pound strawberries, tops removed and hulled

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 tbsp lemon juice

1. In a blender, combine the hulled strawberries and water and puree.

2. In a saucepan, mix the strawberry puree with the sugar. Over medium-low heat and stirring consistently, bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Add the lemon juice and simmer (stirring consistently) until the sugar has dissolved. Simmer will be about 5 minutes.

4. Let cool then transfer to a mason jar to store in the refrigerator.