Vodka Cranberry Spritzer

This recipe works particularly well for batch cocktails. Multiply the recipe by 6, combining first 5 ingredients in a large pitcher. Then add 3 ounces of the vodka mixture to each glass, add ice and top off with sparkling water.

3 lemon rounds
4 strawberries, sliced
2 oz vodka
1⁄2 oz (1 T) simple syrup, infused* if you like
1⁄2 oz (1 T) unsweetened cranberry juice
Sparkling water (or prosecco for more of a kick)
Strawberry and mint sprigs, to garnish

Add strawberries and lemon rounds, strawberries, vodka, simple syrup, and cranberry juice to a large measuring cup or pitcher so the flavors can infuse into the vodka. Let steep 30 minutes but not more than 3 hours or the fruit will break down. To serve, fill a glass with ice and strain the vodka mix over ice, then top off with a splash of sparkling water or prosecco. Garnish with the fruit from the pitcher and a mint spring.

*To make simple syrup, combine equal amounts of sugar and water in a small saucepan. Heat to dissolve sugar, remove from the heat and cool. Can be kept refrigerated up to two weeks. Infuse simple syrup with citrus, herbs, or spices. For this recipe, I added a few mint sprigs to my sugar and water, then strained after the syrup was cool.