Step 1

Add ½ cup water to a small saucepan and heat the water to medium-low but do not bring to a boil.

Step 2

Add ½ cup sugar to the water and stir until all of the sugar has dissolved.

Step 3

Once dissolved, pour the simple syrup into a glass container (a mason jar works great) and allow to cool. (The simple syrup can be made and cooled ahead of time).

Step 4

Thoroughly wash 1 lb. of fresh strawberries (you can also use frozen strawberries if desired).

Step 5

Hull the strawberries or simply chop the green stems off with a knife. Cut the strawberries in halves or quarters, depending on the size of the berry.

Step 6

Add 1 lb. of chopped strawberries, ¼ cup of fresh lime juice (equals 2-3 limes), ¼ cup fresh mint, and ¼ cup of the cooled simple syrup to a blender. You can also use an immersion blender. (You can add the full 1/2 cup of simply syrup if you like a little extra sweetness).

Step 7

Blend until the mixture is totally combined. The texture should be smooth and easy to pour.

Step 8

Fill a highball glass with ice. Pour ⅓ cup or so of the strawberry puree over the ice (the glass should be ⅔ full).

Step 9

Top the strawberry puree with club soda. Fill until the glass is totally full. Stir until combined. Garnish with fresh mint and a wedge of lime and serve immediately.Feel free to add 1 shot of white rum to each glass if you'd like to make it into a cocktail.