Strawberries are one of my favorite fruit, and luckily being in California, they are available in the markets year-round. Besides the obvious choice of eating them straight up, I incorporate them daily into salads, smoothies, and baked goods. If I can’t use them up, into the freezer they go, simple as that. Lately I’ve been into making cocktails, especially with clean flavors like cucumber and basil. Here is a cocktail that’s easy to make and adds just the perfect amount of sweetness to my day, and might be the perfect addition to your Valentine’s dinner menu if you are planning one.

Strawberry Basil Martini

Serves 2

7-8 fresh strawberries, hulled and diced
handful of basil leaves
1 oz simple syrup
1/2 oz lime juice
4 oz vodka
Ice

• Add strawberries, basil, simple syrup, lime juice in shaker and muddle away.
• Fill the shaker with ice and add in the vodka. Shake and strain into a martini glass.