Cocktail of the week: Sucre’s agave breeze

Tequila and lime play nicely with summer strawberries in this refreshing long drink

Here’s a little something to put a fresh spring in your step as we head into summer proper.

Agave breeze

Serves 1

2 strawberries, hulled
8 basil leaves, plus 1 sprig extra to garnish
50ml tequila – blanco or reposado, it’s up to you
25ml freshly squeezed lime juice
10ml agave nectar
Ginger ale, to top

Put the strawberries and basil leaves in a shaker and muddle (ie, bash) to bruise and release their flavours. Pour in the tequila, lime juice and agave nectar, then add a big handful of ice and shake very well. Double-strain into a highball glass filled with fresh ice, top with ginger ale to add a refreshing fizz, garnish with the basil sprig and serve. (Alternatively, build the cocktail directly in the glass by muddling the fruit and basil, adding the liquids and ice, stirring and topping with ginger ale.)

• Glenn Gicquel, bar manager, Sucre, London W1
• Source: The Guardian