Talk about refreshing! This Frozen Strawberry Balsamic Gin and Tonic may be my new spring go-to libation. For when the sun it just getting warm and things are in need of a blast of fresh flavors!
I have been hooked on gin and tonics lately. They are incredibly smooth and there's something about the 5 o'clock hour that feels celebratory with one of the classics in hand.
But with a fridge full of spring strawberries, I was looking for inspiration on a way to use them up, and not just in my favorite strawberry peanut butter bars, but something new.
Leave it to me to decide that by 'new' I meant cocktail. Way to stick to theme.
How to Make Roasted Balsamic Strawberries
Roasting strawberries brings out the best of their flavors. By roasting them, you are pulling out the sugars and creating an added layer of flavor.
It's easy to make roasted balsamic strawberries, and you can use them in everything from fresh on salads, in a grilled cheese, or as the base for your customized vinaigrette.
Simply toss the strawberries in a balsamic and honey mix and roast for a few minutes, checking to make sure not to crisp up the strawberries. The balsamic thickens and the strawberries become insanely flavorful.
This is also a great trick for using up those not-so-picture-perfect strawberries that come in every batch, making sure nothing goes to waste.
What is Gin
A lot of people ask me what gin is. And I get it, it's not on the top of everyone's bar list of standard ingredients. But it should be, because gin has a long history and is worth the time to try. And yes, gin is an alcohol.
Gin is often referred to as a flavored vodka. And thats true. Kinda. And not at all.
They are both distilled and clean, but gin has distinct flavors that vodka does not - even when it's flavored vodka. And recently, I have been embracing the simplicity of those clean flavors when balanced well.
Gin is an alcohol made from juniper berries with roots back as far as the middle ages. Food Republic has a great article explaining What gin is, exactly for anyone as nerdy on the history as myself.
How to Make a Gin and Tonic
Crafting the perfect gin and tonic should be in everyones cocktail repertoire.
Why?
Because it is truly a classic. And all classics got that way for a reason.
A gin and tonic is simply 1 part gin to 2 part tonic with a wedge of lime. So if you re making one at home, thats 2 oz gin to 3 to 4 oz tonic. Over ice.
That easy. And a good gin will really go a long way for helping this to become a favorite.
Looking for some more strawberry cocktail inspiration? I got you covered.
- Strawberry Mint Crush
- Simple Strawberry Margaritas
- Toasted Coconut Strawberry Tequila Cocktail
- Tequila Rose Strawberry Popsicles
If you’ve tried my Strawberry Gin and Tonic Cocktail or any other recipe on passthesushi.com please don’t forget to rate the recipe and let me know where you found it in the comments below, I love hearing from you! You can also follow along for more good eats and travel tips on Instagram @passthesushi & @girlcarnivore, Twitter & Facebook.
Frozen Strawberry Balsamic Gin and Tonic
These fun frozen gin and tonics are a blend of delicious roasted balsamic strawberries and fresh basil for your new favorite seasonal cocktail!
Ingredients
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, washed and hulled
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- ¼ cup honey, divided
- Ice
- ½ cup Gin
- ½ cup Tonic
- Fresh Basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375.
- Slice the strawberries and toss them in a bowl with the balsamic and ⅛th cup of honey
- Roast for 7 to 10 minutes.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Once cooled, scrape the strawberries and any juices from the pan into a blender.
- Add the remaining honey and a cup of ice.
- Pulse until almost smooth.
- Add the gin, tonic, and a handful of basil.
- Pulse until the mix is like a thick smoothie.
- Divide into glasses with fresh strawberry slices and fresh basil.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Ninja Professional Countertop Blender with 1100-Watt Base, 72oz Total Crushing Pitcher and (2) 16oz Cups for Frozen Drinks and Smoothies (BL660) -
JoyJolt Stella Lead Free Crystal Highball Glass 14.2-Ounce Barware Collins Tumbler Drinking Glasses For Water, Juice, Beer, And Cocktail Set Of 4 -
Colavita Balsamic Vinegar or Modena -- 17 fl oz - 2 pc
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 343Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 4gSugar: 53gProtein: 2g
Nutrition information provided is an estimate from nutritionix.com. For specific health concerns, please put the recipe into your Dr recommended nutrition calculator.
Lisa McMullen says
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!. I had about the crappiest day ever and randomly discovered your huli-huli chicken appetizer recipe. Your website/blog totally made my day and look forward to trying out your cool and creative recipes. I follow a lot of recipe folks and yours are way more original than most. Thanks for helping me salvage the day with a smile. And I will be trying this recipe in honor of my father in law this weekend (he made the best damn gin and tonics ever! Thanks again, really appreciate you!