Citrus Strawberry Basil Bitters Cooler

A gorgeous hot summer afternoon relaxing on the porch drinking and snacking after a morning of gardening is pretty much my ideal day, but I’m not much of a day drinker. Honestly, I just can’t handle it. I want to enjoy a cocktail, but I also don’t want to ruin my day by drinking too much. So when ANGOSTURA® bitters reached out about partnering to create a refreshing spirit-free cocktail, I was up for the challenge.

When trying out a spirit-free cocktail, I wanted to make something light, summery and refreshing that features seasonal ingredients complemented by the complex flavor profile of ANGOSTURA® aromatic bitters. We have tons of strawberries in our garden right now so this was a great opportunity to use them. Combined with a few leaves of basil and citrus juice, it’s seriously the most delicious, refreshing cocktail. Adding ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters enhances the flavors of the other ingredients, transforming mocktails into spirit-free cocktails with true depth. Although the bitters are 44.7-percent alcohol by volume, using just a few dashes results in a negligible alcohol content, making it the perfect addition to spirit-free and Low-ABV drinks. Spirit-free drinks don’t contain the dominant flavor profiles of higher-proof liquors, so they’re ideal for pairing with food. I served this up with fresh mango summer rolls and chicken satay, which made the perfect warm weather afternoon lunch.

Here’s what you’ll need and directions for whipping up your own spirit-free cocktail featuring ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters.

Ingredients (serves 2)

1 cup seltzer/sparkling water
5-6 dashes ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters (found at local grocers and liquor stores nationwide)
5-6 fresh basil leaves
10 strawberries (stems and hulls removed)
1/2 orange
1/2 lemon
Ground sea salt (for dipping rims of glasses)

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Directions

Squeeze orange and lemon juice into a cocktail shaker.
Add basil leaves and approximately 6-7 strawberries to the cocktail shaker and muddle all ingredients well.
Pour in seltzer and add 5-6 dashes ANGOSTURA aromatic bitters.
Shake the drink in your cocktail shaker.
Line the rim of two rocks glasses with lemon and dip in sea salt.
Slice remaining strawberries and add to glasses.
Strain and serve over crushed ice. Enjoy!

Thank you to The House of ANGOSTURA® for sponsoring this post.