Seasonal Sips: Strawberries

Seasonal Sips: Strawberries

As the days warm up and the first signs of summer appear, we know one thing for sure: strawberry season is officially here! This sweet, juicy fruit is more than just a seasonal snack – it’s a perfect addition to any cocktail lineup. Whether you're looking to refresh your taste buds with a fruity twist or add a touch of summer elegance to your drink repertoire, strawberries are the ideal ingredient to elevate your cocktails.

vintage Oregon Strawberry fruit case label
Vintage Oregon berry fruit bin label

Sweet, slightly tart, and bursting with flavor, strawberries are the unofficial mascots of warm-weather indulgence. Think all strawberries are created equal? Think again! Oregon may be famous for its rainy weather and lush forests, but it’s also a berry lover’s paradise, producing a mouthwatering variety of strawberries from May through September.

Vintage Oregon Strawberry newspaper ad
Vintage Oregon Strawberry newspaper ad

From the sweet, short-season Hood —often called the rock star of Oregon strawberries—to the firm and flavorful Albion that keeps summer snacking going strong, there’s a berry for every palate and purpose. Whether you’re craving the tart-sweet balance of Puget Crimson, the creamy ice-cream-ready Charm, or the deep red, late-season Marys Peak, Oregon’s strawberry fields offer more than just a pretty fruit—they deliver a full sensory experience!

Strawberry variety seasonal availability graphic
Strawberry variety seasonal availability graphic from Oregon Strawberry Commission

But wait, there’s more to these berries than just good looks and great taste. Developed through years of research and collaboration between top agricultural institutions, these varietals are engineered for everything from premium jams to fresh market snacking. Seascape keeps the harvest rolling all summer long, while the high-yielding Tillamook makes life easier for farmers and strawberry lovers alike. So, whether you’re planning a u-pick adventure or simply searching for the perfect berry to muddle in a cocktail, remember—there’s a whole delicious world behind every bite of an Oregon strawberry!

Ready to shake things up? From refreshing spritzers to bold, spirit-forward sippers, we’ve rounded up some irresistible ways to bring a little berry brilliance to your next happy hour and keep you sipping happy all season long.


First up is the super seasonal Strawberry Lilac Fizz, featuring our juniper-forward Portland Dry Gin 33 — our PNW take on the quintessential London Dry style. If you're looking for a spring gin cocktail to wow your guests, this one is it. 


Juicy strawberries and spring’s fleeting lilacs make this simple fizz so much more. Not only do the pale purple blooms make a beautiful garnish, but they also add powdery floral notes to the drink and pretty aromatics.



Strawberry Lilac Fizz
Strawberry Lilac Fizz
Strawberry Rambler
Strawberry Rambler

Looking for a cocktail with a little more edge? Meet the Strawberry Rambler. This drink combines Gin 33 with vanilla-forward Carpano Antica Vermouth and strawberry sorbet. You can find this sorbet in most grocery stores, but why not whip up a batch of homemade strawberry sorbet –a delightful way to make strawberry season last a little longer.


Suppose you prefer gin and would like to opt for the bitter aperitivo route. In that case, the Heart Crusher Negroni is a bold and intriguing take on the classic Negroni, where the bitter bite of a traditional Negroni meets the luscious flavor of strawberry. Soak your strawberries in Campari overnight and stir up this easy three-ingredient cocktail the next day. It’s a showstopper with just enough edge to keep things interesting.


Heart Crusher Negroni
Heart Crusher Negroni

A Note about Barware


One of the easiest and most flavorful ways to incorporate strawberries into your drinks is by muddling them. Muddling releases all the natural sugars and juices, giving your cocktail a vibrant, fresh strawberry flavor. Simply mash a few ripe strawberries at the bottom of your shaker or glass, add your other ingredients, and shake or stir to perfection. 


The best part? You don’t need to be a professional bartender to achieve that fresh, fruity flavor. Plus, the visual appeal of those little strawberry pieces floating in your glass adds a fun, festive touch to any gathering.

For some of these cocktail recipes, you’ll want to double-strain the drinks, so consider picking up a fine mesh strainer if you don’t already have one. Using this, in addition to your regular Hawthorne strainer, will keep bits of fruit and herbs out of your cocktail glass (and teeth).

Strawberry Basil Cooler
Strawberry Basil Cooler
Strawberry Bliss
Strawberry Bliss

If you’re in the mood to muddle, we have several fabulous cocktail suggestions. Speaking of aromatics, how’s your herb garden coming along? If you have basil on hand, this Strawberry Basil Cooler is worth shaking up. The flavor combination is superb, and the bubbly club soda adds a refreshing touch.

But if a strawberry vanilla whiskey cocktail is more your speed, you’ll want to check out the Strawberry Bliss. It calls for our housemade Cola Cocktail Syrup (a blend of vanilla, citrus, and spices) and is equally sublime when made with whiskey or our Distiller's Workshop Oregon Brandy.

Strawberry Daiquiri
Strawberry Daiquiri
Strawberry Mojito
Strawberry Mojito

For a tropical twist, whip up a Strawberry Daiquiri. Forget the overly sweet, syrupy versions from your college days—this one is fresh, vibrant, and beautifully balanced. It couldn't be a simpler combination of ingredients, but it delivers big flavors. With our Distiller's Cut Rum and fresh lime juice, it’s a modern classic that transports you straight to beachside bliss, even if you’re just parked in your backyard.

What’s better than a mojito on a hot day? A Strawberry Mojito, of course! Fresh strawberries muddled with mint, lime, and Distiller's Cut Rum for a refreshing cocktail that practically screams summer. If you’ve never had one on a really hot day, you really must try this fruity, cooling refresher. Bonus points if you serve it over crushed ice in a tall glass—because presentation matters!

vintage Oregon Strawberry fruit case label
Vintage Oregon berry fruit bin label

Oregon Strawberry History

Did you know Oregon is a berry big deal when it comes to strawberries? Ranked third in the nation for production, the state’s 300+ farms crank out over 11 million pounds of sweet, juicy berries each year, worth nearly $12 million! 


But Oregon’s love affair with strawberries isn’t new; Native Americans were the original foragers of the wild varieties long before Henderson Luelling rolled into town on the Oregon Trail in 1847 with his wagon full of fruit plants, including strawberries better suited for farming. By the late 1800s, Japanese farmers around Portland and growers in Hood River took the reins, and thanks to the USDA’s breeding program in Corvallis (still going strong since 1911), Oregon continues to cultivate new and improved berry varieties.

If summer had a spirit ingredient, it would undoubtedly be the humble strawberry. Juicy, vibrant, and packed with flavor, strawberries bring a pop of color and a sweet-tart punch that turns any cocktail into a seasonal masterpiece. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a home bartender looking to impress, it’s time to make strawberries the star of your cocktail creations. Take advantage of strawberry season by making an easy strawberry syrup. It takes just 30 minutes, and your syrup will keep for 3 weeks. Plus, you'll have multiple cocktail options, no matter what kind of spirits you like.

Oregon-grown strawberries
Oregon-grown strawberries

Strawberry Syrup

  • Rinse 1 pound of strawberries, remove the tops, and cut them into quarters.
  • In a medium saucepan, bring the strawberries and 2 cups of water to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 20 minutes. Skim off any foam that forms. 
  • Remove from heat and strain through a fine mesh strainer. 

  • Though tempting, do not press on the strawberries as this will result in a cloudy syrup.
  • In a clean pot over low heat, add 1 cup of sugar to the strawberry liquid and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and let cool. 
  • Pour into an airtight container, straining a second time if necessary.
  • Label and date your syrup. It will keep in the refrigerator for three weeks. 
Kitty Collins
Kitty Collins
Strawberry Gin & Tonic
Strawberry Gin & Tonic

Making your own strawberry syrup is a fantastic way to add a layer of sweetness and complexity to your drinks. Strawberry syrup is easy to make, versatile, and can be used in a wide variety of cocktails to balance tart flavors and add sweetness to spirit-forward cocktails.


If you’re a fan of Old Tom Gin, you’ll love this citrusy Kitty Collins, a playful and refreshing take on the classic Tom Collins. The addition of strawberry gives this gin-based cooler a beautiful pink hue and a burst of fruity flavor. The only thing better than one of these cocktails is two. 


Strawberries have a knack for reinventing classics. If you prefer a classic, dry gin, you could make a super-easy Strawberry Gin & Tonic—a simple yet stunning update to your favorite go-toThe sweetness of the strawberries beautifully balances the bitter notes of the tonic and enhances the juniper notes in the gin. It’s built in the glass, which means zero shaking or stirring. It’s bright, refreshing, and dangerously easy to drink.

Are you a vodka fan looking to beat the heat? When the temperatures rise, nothing beats a frosty, fruit-forward drink. The Strawberry Lemon Drop Slush is here to cool things down! Featuring Portland 90 Vodka, orange liqueur, and plenty of fresh lemon juice, this icy treat uses frozen strawberries and doubles as a drink and a dessert. Perfect for backyard BBQs or lounging by the kiddie pool—no judgment. Pro tip: check out the Oregon Strawberry Commission’s  tricks for freezing fresh strawberries  at home for enjoying long after the harvest season ends.


Need a cocktail that feels like a cloud-soft kiss? Enter the Strawberry Raindrop, a Lemon Drop riff made with a split base of crisp, classic Portland 90 Vodka, our sunny, aromatic New Deal Pear Brandy, fresh-squeezed lemon juice, and strawberry syrup. 

Strawberry Lemon Drop Slush
Strawberry Lemon Drop Slush

This recipe delivers a delicate dance of Bartlett pears, tart lemon, and berry sweetness. It’s perfect as a light aperitif or a refreshing mid-afternoon sip.


After a long, hot day, there’s nothing quite as refreshing and satisfying as a cold, crisp cocktail to help you unwind. And when it comes to easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing drinks, we’re all about the Strawberry Vodka Lemonade. Picture this: the sweetness of ripe strawberries, the tang of freshly squeezed lemons, and the smooth kick of vodka—perfectly balanced in every sip.


This cocktail is a summer favorite for a reason. Not only does it deliver a burst of flavor, but it also refreshes like no other. The vodka provides a clean, crisp base, while the strawberries add a hint of fruity sweetness that pairs seamlessly with the tartness of lemon. It’s a drink that’s as satisfying as it is simple, making it the perfect companion to outdoor gatherings, picnics, or those solo moments when you just need to relax.

Strawberry Raindrop
Strawberry Raindrop
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
Strawberry Old Fashioned
Strawberry Old Fashioned

If you prefer something a bit more boozy, the Strawberry Old Fashioned brings a seasonal twist to a time-honored favorite. Made with our single-barrel Distiller’s Workshop Apple Brandy, it’s beautifully balanced and indeed, not too sweet. Plus, it’s super versatile—you could substitute the Apple Brandy with either our Distiller’s Workshop Oregon Brandy or our Distiller’s Reserve Rye for an equally delicious result. 

Brandied Strawberry Shortcake

For anyone who just wants to skip straight to dessert, the Brandied Strawberry Shortcake is here for that exact moment. This one isn't a cocktail, but we had to include this fabulous recipe, developed by Liz Clements from Think Like a Baker.  


A delightful combination of fresh strawberries, whipped cream, and a generous pour of Distiller's Workshop Brandy turns a simple treat into an indulgent cocktail experience. Inspired by those iconic fluffy store-bought shortcakes, the cloud-like chiffon cake is impossibly easy to whip up, and the Brandy makes the strawberries pop!

Brandied Strawberry Shortcake
Brandied Strawberry Shortcake

So, what are you waiting for? Grab those berries, dust off your shaker, and turn your home bar into a berry bliss zone. Whether you’re shaking up a quick Strawberry G&T or crafting a complex Heart Crusher Negroni, there’s no wrong way to celebrate strawberry season. From the floral charm of the Strawberry Lilac Fizz to the bold character of the Strawberry Old Fashioned, these recipes prove that strawberries aren’t just for shortcakes. They’re a versatile cocktail ingredient that brings color, vibrancy, and a touch of sweet nostalgia to your glass.


Visit the New Deal Bottle Shop to stock up on all the craft spirits featured here. Whether you’re mixing up drinks for a crowd or crafting a solo nightcap, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate strawberry season in style. Cheers to sweet sips and sunny days ahead!

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