This weekend Tres was out of town so I went to my best friend Ginger's house for pool time and cocktails! I came up with this concoction using Jones Orchard's Christmas Jam. Yes, I'm aware we have a log way to go until Christmas! But this cocktail is definitely a summer cocktail - the jam is full of strawberries and while it's delicious over a slice of bread it's also perfect as a simple syrup in a cocktail for a hot summer day! If you don't have access to Christmas Jam, you can substitute with strawberry jelly. I featured this recipe today on Local Memphis Live, but wasn't able to show the whole recipe, so here it is! Make this delicious drink asap!
Grocery List:
1 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Christmas Jam (or strawberry jelly)
3/4 cup basil plus more for garnish
1 cup fresh strawberries - chopped
1 cup fresh watermelon - cubed
1/2 cup vodka
1 bottle prosecco or sparkling wine
Directions:
1. In a small saucepan over high heat combine the water, sugar, jelly, and basil. Bring to a boil for 1 minute then take off heat and let cool. When cooled, remove the basil.
2. Add the strawberries and watermelon to a blender. Blend on high until completely liquified. Pour the fruit mixture through a strainer, into a pitcher to remove pulp from the fruit. Add about 1/2 cup of the simple syrup, the vodka, and the bottle of presseco or sparkling wine. Stir to combine.
3. To serve, add ice to 4-6 glasses, pour the mixture evenly into glasses and garnish with a basil leaf.
CHEERS TO HAPPY DRINKING!!!