A toast to good fortune
These bubbly-soaked strawberries may be enjoyed as a dessert topping added to cocktails or blended in a slushy.
STRAWBERRY CHAMPAGNE
PREP TIME : 10 MINUTES | COOKING TIME : 10 MINUTES | RESTING TIME : 4 – 5 HOURS | SERVES : 4
30ml vodka
80ml orange juice
Finely grated zest of 1 orange 60g sugar
5ml vanilla extract
450g strawberries, halved lengthways
375ml Champagne
A few sprigs of fresh thyme
Add the vodka, orange juice and zest, sugar and vanilla to a medium saucepan.
Bring to a simmer over a medium heat, then reduce the heat and gently simmer over a low heat for 5 minutes.
Transfer the syrup to a bowl large enough to accommodate the strawberries, then leave to cool to room temperature.
Add the strawberries, Champagne and thyme to the syrup, stir and set aside for 4–5 hours before serving.