You will need
750g strawberries, washed and hulled
200ml white, neutral spirit such as gin or vodka
100g caster sugar, plus extra for the rim of the glass
200ml water
Champagne
Mint leaves and strawberries, to decorate
Juice from 1 lemon
Method
1. Pour the strawberries and alcohol in a large pan or bowl and using a masher, extract all of the strawberry juice from the strawberries (or alternatively, you can use a hand blender here). Use a very fine sieve to strain and remove all of the seeds and larger pieces of fruit.
2. In a separate pan, dissolve the sugar in water over a low heat, then gently simmer for five to ten minutes, or until a thick syrup forms. Set aside to cool.
3. In small stages, slowly add the sugar syrup to the strawberry mixture, tasting and checking for the correct sweetness as you go. Pour into a bottle and seal until needed (this will improve with age).
4. When ready to serve, squeeze the lemon juice into a bowl and turn each champagne flute upside down so that the rim is lightly coated in the juice. In a separate bowl, sprinkle in some caster sugar and repeat the same method so that that glass rim has a coating of sugar.
5. Pour about 35 millilitres of cassis into the bottom of each champagne flute and top with champagne. Decorate with an extra fresh strawberry and mint leaves.
Recipe, Jubilee Strawberries
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