Use Frozen Strawberries Over Fresh When Making Daiquiris

When you're stocking your summer bar, you should definitely grab the ingredients for strawberry daiquiris; they're a go-to item on any bar menu, ideal as a thirst quencher on hot days. But should you choose fresh or frozen strawberries as the base? Believe it or not, frozen strawberries are the way to go. Frozen strawberries are handy because they're already prepped for you — no need to sort, clean, slice, and store, so you save time when making daiquiris. Yet there are also many other reasons to choose frozen strawberries for your daiquiris.

Nutrients in fruit are at their peak right after being picked, and strawberries are frozen quickly to preserve their freshness and juiciness. Concerned that frozen strawberries will dilute your daiquiri's color? Don't be — freezing fruit helps maintain the consistency in its original size and color. Strawberries are seasonal, but in most regions, you can count on finding them in your grocer's freezer case year-round.‌ Importantly, frozen strawberries hold the cold longer in your drinks, so you won't need to overwhelm your daiquiris by adding extra ice. That means choosing frozen strawberries over fresh will result in a drink that is less sweet and more prominently strawberry flavored.

Don't let your frozen strawberry daiquiri become what mixologist Garret Richard and cocktail writer Ben Schaffer say is a drink that "has served as the poster child for the despised era of syrupy, frigid booze bombs" in their book, "Tropical Standard." The secret to a lovely sweet-sour balance in a frozen strawberry daiquiri is a combination of simple choices and a precise blending technique.

For each drink, add 2 ounces of rum, half an ounce of lime juice, half an ounce of simple syrup, a quarter of a pound of frozen strawberries, and a quarter cup of ice to a blender. Pulse to hold the ice and liquid together, which will infuse an almost soft-serve texture. Want to add another layer of flavor? Add an ounce of Grand Marnier, which has a rich orange hue. 

Want to choose strawberries that are bartenders' favorites? Try to locate strawberries designated Individual Quickly Freezer. IQF is a method that does not allow large ice crystals to form. The classic, unassuming daiquiri is one of the most famous drinks ever made, and your mastery of simple ingredients and techniques will inspire a wide range of pleasant emotions in your guests.