Indulge in the Ultimate Strawberry Moscow Mule Float: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic
Discover a delightful, vibrant cocktail that transcends seasons: the Strawberry Moscow Mule Float. This isn’t just any drink; it’s a luscious fusion of homemade strawberry vodka, zesty ginger beer, and a generous scoop of creamy strawberry sorbet. Forget waiting for summer; this exquisite float brings a burst of fresh flavor and effervescent joy to any day of the year. It’s a truly unforgettable twist on the beloved classic Moscow Mule, promising a refreshing escape with every sip.
For those who appreciate the crisp, spicy kick of a traditional Moscow Mule, prepare to have your expectations elevated. If you’ve enjoyed variations like our Blueberry Moscow Mule or the intriguing Spiced Pear Moscow Mule, then this strawberry-infused creation is an absolute must-try that will undoubtedly secure a top spot in your cocktail repertoire.
The Unexpected Inspiration: From Recovery to Refreshment
Life often serves up unexpected turns, and sometimes, even discomfort can lead to delicious revelations. Just recently, a much-anticipated sunny weekend here in Central Illinois was a welcome sight, especially after I spent an entire week battling a nasty bout of strep throat. As any mom knows, being sick isn’t just inconvenient; it’s practically impossible. With school commitments, pressing deadlines, and an upcoming trip, my to-do list felt impossibly long, leaving no room for a debilitating illness.
Yet, amidst the discomfort, there was a silver lining – beyond the unintended weight loss from hardly eating anything substantial. My diet during recovery consisted mainly of soft, comforting foods: pudding, ice cream, sorbet, and yes, even my very first Shamrock Shake of the season. It was truly glorious! And for those wondering, I stuck to the timeless original; no new chocolate chip or chocolate variations for me, thank you very much. The simple, classic minty goodness was exactly what I needed.
Beyond the seasonal shake, my recovery grocery run focused on an array of soft, soothing foods. Applesauce, creamy puddings, various ice creams, and, notably, sorbet. I hadn’t enjoyed sorbet in years, but its vibrant strawberry hue caught my eye, looking irresistibly delicious. Ever since Valentine’s Day, I’d found myself with an undeniable craving for all things strawberry, making this particular sorbet an easy choice.
Feeling a touch better yesterday, I stepped outside to find neighbors enjoying beverages in the glorious sunshine. As I surveyed my own fridge and opened the freezer to grab some ice, a “lightbulb moment” struck. Strawberry sorbet in a Moscow Mule! It was an instant epiphany. And just like that, the Strawberry Moscow Mule Float was born. This creative concoction is so versatile and delightful that I envision countless variations gracing our summer gatherings. The possibilities are truly endless: imagine lime sorbet for an extra citrusy kick, raspberry for a tart twist, or even rainbow sherbet for a playful, colorful creation. Honestly, this summer, all bets are off – anything goes! It’s baffling why I hadn’t thought of this sooner, especially given our deep affection for Moscow Mules. Our past explorations include the refreshing Cranberry Apple Moscow Mule and the comforting Spiced Pear Moscow Mule.
The Secret Ingredient: Homemade Strawberry Vodka
At our kitchen, we’re certainly no strangers to crafting our own flavored vodkas. Our Blueberry Moscow Mule, for instance, features a homemade infusion that’s always a crowd-pleaser. But when it comes to strawberry vodka, we’ve been perfecting this particular art for over four years. It’s incredibly delicious and surprisingly simple to make, adding a depth of flavor that store-bought options simply can’t match. My dad, a true connoisseur, takes this tradition to another level, preparing gallons of strawberry vodka before our annual trip to Wyoming. He allows the strawberries to infuse in the vodka for a full three months, resulting in an unbelievably rich and potent spirit. The flavor is truly out of this world! And to further highlight my dad’s culinary genius, he also crafts his own ginger beer from scratch. It’s so exceptional, he really should consider starting his own artisanal company!
Crafting Your Own Strawberry Vodka: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making your own strawberry vodka is an effortless process that yields a superior, custom-flavored spirit. Here’s how to do it:
- Prepare the Strawberries: Begin with 1 pound of fresh, ripe strawberries. Wash them thoroughly, remove the green tops, and then cut each strawberry into quarters. For an even more intense flavor and quicker infusion, cut these quarters again, aiming for approximately eight smaller pieces per strawberry. The increased surface area allows the vodka to absorb more of that beautiful strawberry essence.
- Infuse the Vodka: Place all the diced strawberries into a clean mason jar or any glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Pour 2 cups of a good quality vodka over the strawberries. While Smirnoff is a reliable choice, feel free to experiment with your favorite brand.
- Allow to Infuse: Secure the lid tightly on the jar. For a quick infusion, let it sit overnight, or for a minimum of 12 hours. However, for the most robust and vibrant strawberry flavor, we highly recommend allowing the mixture to infuse for several days, or even up to a week. Remember, the longer it sits, the richer the flavor profile will become.
- Shake Occasionally: During the infusion period, gently shake the jar every so often. This helps to agitate the strawberries and ensures maximum flavor extraction into the vodka.
- Finishing Touches: After your desired infusion time, you have a couple of options:
- Strain for Clear Vodka: If you prefer a clear, smooth strawberry vodka, simply strain the liquid through a fine-mesh sieve to remove all the strawberry pieces. You can then store your homemade strawberry vodka in the jar or a decorative bottle.
- Create a Strawberry Vodka Puree: For an even more intense strawberry experience, or to add a slight creamy texture to your drinks, you can puree the infused strawberries. Place the strawberries (along with a small amount of the infused vodka if needed to aid blending) into a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. Then, pour this puree through a fine-mesh sieve, pressing down with a spoon, to remove as many seeds and larger pulp pieces as possible. Combine this strained strawberry puree back with your infused vodka. This will give you a delicious strawberry vodka puree, perfect for an extra fruity kick in your cocktails.
The Perfect Harmony: Strawberry Moscow Mule Float Assembly
The subtle sweetness and tang of strawberry in our homemade vodka finds its perfect counterpart in the distinct spiciness of ginger beer. When topped off with a generous scoop of cool, velvety strawberry sorbet, this Strawberry Moscow Mule Float transcends the ordinary, elevating it to an exceptionally delicious and truly decadent experience! As I mentioned before, I anticipate a delightful array of variations this summer, each more exciting than the last. But why wait for warmer weather? Don’t postpone the joy. Whip up a batch of homemade strawberry vodka this very weekend, gather your ingredients, and make this incredible Strawberry Moscow Mule Float happen… today!
Strawberry Moscow Mule Float Recipe
★★★★★
Based on 3 votes
Print Recipe
Strawberry Moscow Mule Float
Author: Strawberry Blondie Kitchen – Megan Marlowe
Yield: 1 cocktail
No need to wait for summer to enjoy this delicious and refreshing Strawberry Moscow Mule Float. Made using homemade strawberry vodka and strawberry sorbet, you’re sure to love this twist on a classic!
Ingredients
For the Homemade Strawberry Vodka:
- 1 pint (approx. 1 lb) fresh strawberries, diced
- 2 cups Smirnoff Vodka (or your preferred vodka)
For one Strawberry Moscow Mule Float:
- 1.5 oz homemade strawberry vodka (or regular Smirnoff vodka)
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
- 4 ounces premium ginger beer
- Ice
- 1 large scoop of strawberry sorbet
- Optional garnishes: fresh strawberry slices, lime wedges, mint sprig
Instructions
To Make the Strawberry Vodka:
- Place the diced strawberries into a clean mason jar. Pour the vodka over the strawberries, ensuring they are fully submerged.
- Seal the jar tightly with a lid and allow it to infuse for at least 12 hours at room temperature. For a more intense flavor, infuse for 2-3 days, gently shaking the jar occasionally.
- Once infused, you can either strain out the strawberries for a clear vodka or blend the strawberries with a small amount of the infused vodka, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to create a strawberry vodka puree (our preferred method for this float!).
To Assemble the Strawberry Moscow Mule Float:
- Chill a traditional copper mug or a sturdy glass.
- Into the bottom of the chilled mug, add the strawberry vodka and fresh lime juice.
- Fill the mug with ice cubes.
- Carefully pour in the ginger beer, filling the mug about three-quarters of the way.
- Gently place a generous scoop of strawberry sorbet on top of the drink.
- Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, a lime wedge, or a sprig of mint for an elegant touch.
- Serve immediately and enjoy as the sorbet slowly melts, adding a delightful creamy texture and extra strawberry flavor to your float!
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size: 1 cocktail
| Amount Per Serving | ||
|---|---|---|
Calories 237 | ||
% Daily Value | ||
Sodium 13 mg | 1% | |
Total Carbohydrates 35 g | 12% | |
Sugars 12 g | ||
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Can you just imagine how that luscious strawberry sorbet slowly melts into the drink, infusing it with even more rich strawberry flavor and a delightful creaminess? Oh, it’s truly an experience you simply must try! And if that doesn’t perfectly encapsulate the essence of summer and gorgeous weather, I don’t know what does! This vibrant float is a celebration in a mug, a symphony of flavors and textures that invigorates the senses.
Get ready to celebrate! #NationalMoscowMuleDay is just around the corner on March 3rd. There’s no better way to prepare than by grabbing a bottle of your favorite vodka, a pint of fresh strawberries, and dedicating this weekend to making a batch of homemade strawberry vodka. You’ll be ahead of the game, perfectly poised and ready to #RaiseaCopperMug on 3-3 to honor and celebrate #TheOriginalMule with this fantastic, fruity twist. Imagine sharing this vibrant creation with friends, making memories, and toasting to good times. It’s not just a drink; it’s an occasion!
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