- Can I use frozen strawberries?
- Yes, absolutely! If using frozen berries, you'll need less ice, and the drink will have a creamier, slushy texture.
Strawberry Cider Smash
This cocktail is the essence of summer in a glass. The sweetness of strawberries creates a perfect pair with the tart effervescence of apple cider. It's not just a simple fruit beer, but a long drink built from fresh ingredients, where mint and lemon provide a refreshing finish.
Ingredients
1
cup
Fresh, ripe strawberries
1
tbsp
Honey or simple syrup
1
tbsp
Freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/2
cup
Apple cider (for blending)
1 3/4
cups
Apple cider (for topping up)
8
cubes
Ice
4
leaves
Fresh mint
2
whole
Strawberries (for garnish)
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Blender or immersion blender
- Large glasses
- Bar spoon
Instructions
1
✓
Hull and wash the strawberries, then place them in the blender. Add the honey, lemon juice, and the 1/2 cup of cider.
Tip: You need a little liquid for the blades to catch the fruit, but don't over-froth it.
2
✓
Blend the base until completely smooth.
Tip: If strawberry seeds bother you, you can strain the purée at this point.
3
✓
Fill glasses with ice.
Tip: The ice cools the strawberry purée, which was made from room-temp fruit.
4
✓
Pour the strawberry purée over the ice (filling about 1/3 to 1/2 of the glass).
Tip: The denser purée stays at the bottom, providing a great base for layering.
5
✓
Slowly and carefully top up with the remaining cold cider.
Tip: If you tilt the glass or pour over the back of a spoon, the cider will float on the purée, creating a beautiful ombré effect.
6
✓
Garnish with mint and a whole strawberry.
Tip: Slap the mint leaves before adding to release their aroma.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh, ripe strawberries
- 1 tbsp Honey or simple syrup
- 1 tbsp Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Apple cider (for blending)
- 1 3/4 cups Apple cider (for topping up)
- 8 cubes Ice
- 4 leaves Fresh mint
- 2 whole Strawberries (for garnish)