Summer Is Dreaming of Something Sweet

Strawberry Dream

Summer is the perfect time of year for sweet, fruity cocktails, and with strawberries hitting their peak, they are a must-have. People have a desire for blended concoctions on these hot summer days, but bartenders have a slight aversion to them, so I thought I would create a martini that mimics a daiquiri, but without the appliances.

In this martini the coconut milk adds a rich smoothness, passion fruit’s sweetness complements the strawberry, and the tart lime juice is a wonderful contrast. Now I know what you must be thinking … ”Geez, this girl tops everything with sparkling wine!” But it really does serve a purpose. It lightens up the cocktail and adds an elegant effervescence. That and I do love some bubbly!

Your strawberries can be pureed ahead of time and kept in the fridge until you’re ready, so this is a great martini for your next party. A perfect option for a girls’ get-together, engagement party or Sunday brunch. So pop a bottle of champagne and break out the martini glasses — you’re about to have summer in a glass.

Strawberry Dream

3 strawberries, pureed
1½ ounces Bacardi Dragon Berry Rum
¾ ounce coconut milk
¾ ounce passion fruit puree or nectar
½ ounce Licor 43
2 slices lime, juiced
1 ounce sparkling wine
Strawberry and slice of lime for garnish

Blend strawberries and rum together until smooth. Combine rum puree, coconut milk, passion fruit, Licor 43 and lime juice together with ice in a shaker tin. Shake vigorously to combine and chill ingredients. Strain into a martini glass, top with sparkling wine and garnish with a strawberry and slice of lime.