Juneteenth Spritzer Cocktail Recipe
This refreshing cocktail combines symbolic colors and flavors to celebrate Juneteenth. Red represents the blood shed during slavery, while the cooling elements offer a perfect summer drink for the holiday celebration.
Equipment
- Highball glass
- Measuring jigger (1 oz and 2 oz)
- Bar spoon or long-handled spoon
- Ice bucket
- Knife and cutting board
- Citrus juicer
- Cocktail strainer
Ingredients
- 1½ oz white rum
- ½ oz hibiscus syrup for red color symbolism
- 1 oz fresh lime juice
- 4 oz club soda
- Fresh strawberries 3-4 berries
- Fresh mint sprigs
- 1 tablespoon white sugar
- Ice cubes
Optional garnishes:
- Lime wheel
- Additional mint sprig
- Strawberry slice
Instructions
- Prepare the glass: Fill your highball glass with ice cubes.
- Muddle the fruit: In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle 3-4 strawberries with mint leaves and sugar.
- Add liquid ingredients: Pour the white rum, hibiscus syrup, and lime juice into the shaker.
- Strain and top: Strain the mixture into your ice-filled highball glass.
- Finish: Top with club soda and stir gently with a bar spoon.
- Garnish: Add a lime wheel, strawberry slice, and fresh mint sprig.
Notes
This recipe makes one serving but can be multiplied to serve groups.
For alcohol-free versions, replace rum with ginger beer or additional club soda.
Store leftover hibiscus syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Make your own by simmering ½ cup dried hibiscus flowers with 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar for 15 minutes.
The drink pairs well with traditional Juneteenth foods like barbecue, red velvet cake, and strawberry pie.
Serve chilled but not overly diluted.