Happy Memorial Day weekend friends! Today I’m highlighting another yummy big batch cocktail: the Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Smash. YUM. Hopefully you can enjoy these with some close friends or family this weekend around a sizzling grill. Big batch cocktails like this are a great way to keep your guest’s glasses filled without having to crank out drinks one by one.
This drink was inspired by one of the amazing pitcher cocktails featured on the menu at Sugarcane in Miami. I used to live in Miami but I actually tried this drink when I was on a long layover there a couple years ago…it was hot and humid outside, and my friends and I walked all over Wynwood and got to the restaurant dripping in sweat. Needless to say, a refreshing cocktail was in order. I’ve been thinking about recreating it ever since!
I recommend using a good balsamic vinegar for this recipe – if you have something aged, even better! Some of the cheaper balsamic vinegars that you find in the store will bring more acidity than flavor to the game, and that’s not really what you want here.
Cheers to the long weekend! And cheers to all those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.
Roasted Strawberry Balsamic Smash
Ingredients
- 1 pint strawberries, trimmed and halved (355 grams)
- 16 oz vodka
- 16 oz sparkling water
- 5 oz lime juice
- 3 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz aged balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp sugar (24 grams)
Instructions
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
Add strawberries, balsamic, and sugar to a bowl and toss to coat strawberries. Arrange in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes or until juices are bubbling and thick.
Add strawberries and juices to a food processor or blender and blend until mostly smooth (I like to keep some little bits of strawberry intact).
Add strawberries to a pitcher and set aside in refrigerator to cool slightly.
Once strawberry mixture has cooled, add remaining ingredients to pitcher and stir. Top with ice and serve with plenty of ice.
For my macro trackers out there, I wasn’t able to create a My Fitness Pal barcode for this recipe since I would have had to decide for you whether to put the alcohol calories in as carbs or fats – that’s up to you! The 11 grams of carbs listed here are just for the sugar in the strawberries, juices, and sugar. For my non-macro trackers, here’s more info on what I’m talking about.
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