Campus Cocktails: The Sun-Kissed Strawberry Sipper

I will never forget my first Boston winter.

As a native Tennessean, I grew up with pretty mild winters. Rumors of snow sent panic throughout our state, and even a couple inches shut down schools for days. The first time I experienced snow at Boston College, I couldn’t believe how normally everyone responded. I quickly realized that winter in Boston didn’t just entail snow but also seemingly never-ending ice, wind, and freezing temperatures. 

Three years later, I still dread braving the bitter cold. Whether it be unsuccessfully dodging patches of black ice, braving the wind, or feeling my fingers go numb on the way to class, I can’t help but look forward to the warmer weather. 

Unfortunately, Boston weather is unpredictable, and though spring may be on the horizon in the South, there is no telling when some heat will once again grace the Heights. So, like many of my fellow students, I have to look ahead to my next opportunity for embracing warm weather: spring break. 

But while I wait to lay on the beach far away from the brutal Boston weather, I’ve created a drink to hold me over: the Sun-Kissed Strawberry Sipper. 

A mojito is the perfect summertime cocktail. Sweet, fruity, and refreshing, this drink reminds me of sitting on the beach with my family, relaxing by the pool, and soaking up the sun. My version of this cocktail uses all the classic ingredients in a mojito—mint, lime, and rum—but adds a strawberry syrup twist.

Whether you are battling the Boston winter or counting down the days to spring break, this cocktail is sure to fulfill all your sunny summertime dreams.

DRINK: The Sun-Kissed Strawberry Sipper 

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 pint strawberry tops with the leaves chopped off 
• 1 ½ oz white rum (I used Trader Joe’s Brand)
• 2 strawberries 
• 3 mint leaves
• ¾ oz of lime juice
• Club soda 

INSTRUCTIONS: Strawberry Simple Syrup 

1. In a medium saucepan, add strawberry tops, sugar, and water. Mix and bring to a boil. 
2. Once the mixture has come to a boil, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring frequently.
3. After 5 minutes, remove from heat and place a lid over the pot. Let the mixture cool until it reaches room temperature.
4. Once cooled, place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and strain the mixture. 
5. Transfer syrup to a container (I used a glass bottle). Place in refrigerator to cool for 4 hours (syrup should stay good for 2-3 weeks).

INSTRUCTIONS: Cocktail

1. In a highball glass, muddle mint leaves, strawberry simple syrup, lime juice, and strawberries. 
2. Fill the glass with ice. 
3. Add rum to the glass and stir. 
4. Top with club soda. 
5. Stir with a straw and enjoy.