Strawberry Pepper First Toast

Strawberry gives this spritz a familiar fruit flavor, but black pepper and a bitter aperitif alternative stop it feeling like pink lemonade. Mash ripe berries first so their juice spreads through the drink. The pepper belongs in the background; a tiny pinch adds aroma without making the glass spicy. Lemon sharpens the finish. This is a good introduction to a more bitter mocktail style because the berry sweetness remains easy to recognize underneath the botanical notes.

Ingredients

• 2 oz 0.0% non-alcoholic aperitif
• 4 oz Sparkling water
• 1/2 cup Strawberries, hulled
• 1 tiny pinch Ground black pepper
• 1/4 oz Lemon juice

Make it

1. Prepare the fruit and herbs as listed. Lightly press soft fruit and herbs in a glass without shredding the leaves.
2. Add the non-alcoholic alternative and any still juices or flavorings. Stir together and strain if you prefer a smoother texture.
3. Add ice if desired, then pour in the chilled carbonated mixer. Stir gently once and serve.

Benefits

Strawberry · a little vitamin C

With strawberry beside 0.0% aperitif, black pepper, and lemon, this glass offers a little vitamin C for protecting cells from oxidative damage.

Make room for lemon

Lemon gives the 0.0% aperitif, strawberry, and black pepper a clean citrus sharpness—an aromatic pairing to serve freshly mixed, while the bubbles are lively.

Choose clearly labeled 0.0% products if avoiding trace alcohol. Non-alcoholic alternatives vary; check every label.