Cupid’s Strawberry Velvet

A sweet, berry-forward Valentine’s cocktail with a soft vanilla finish, brightened by fresh lime so it stays balanced rather than syrupy. Serve it in a chilled coupe, ideally a heart-shaped one. Ingredients 1½ oz vodka 1 oz strawberry purée ¾ oz fresh lime juice ½ oz vanilla syrup ½ oz raspberry liqueur 1 oz chilled rosé sparkling wine Ice Preparation Add the vodka, strawberry purée, lime juice, vanilla syrup and raspberry liqueur to a shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously for 12–15 seconds, then double-strain into the chilled glass. Gently top with the sparkling wine. Rim and garnish For a pink sugar rim, mix 1 tablespoon fine sugar with a pinch of freeze-dried strawberry powder. Lightly brush the outside edge of the glass with lime juice, then dip the rim into the sugar mixture; chill the glass for 5 minutes before pouring. Keep the coating on the outside edge so it doesn’t make each sip overly sweet. Cut a thin strawberry lengthwise into a heart shape: trim a small notch from the top and taper the bottom to a point. Make a small slit at the top and rest it on the rim. Finish with one tiny edible rose petal or a pinch of edible glitter, if available.