3-Ingredient Happy Hour: Strawberry Citrus Cooler

Happy weekend, and welcome back to 3-Ingredient Happy Hour, the weekly drink column featuring super simple yet delicious libations. This week we’re pairing summery strawberries with one of my favourite citrus liqueurs around: Pierre Ferrand Dry Orange Curaçao.

Unlike its violently blue, much sweeter cousin, dry curaçao is balanced and juicy with a nutty warmth and a nice bittersweet flavour. It’s tasty enough to be enjoyed on its own, but I like pairing it with muddled strawberries and fresh lemon juice before pouring it over crushed ice for an almost slushy-like experience. Not only is it tasty, it’s a great use for any berries that didn’t make it into a pie.

To make it, you will need:

• Strawberries (4-5 small or 2 large)
• 60mL dry curaçao (do not get any other curacao for this drink)
• 22mL fresh lemon juice

Muddle strawberries in a shaker and add all other ingredients, along with some ice. Shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds, and strain into a lowball 3/4 full of crushed ice. Garnish with lemon zest from your juicing lemon, squeezing the oils over the finished drink before placing the zest in the glass.