Three strawberry drinks for summer

When strawberry season hits, it’s time to shelve those syrupy daiquiri mixes.

For a terrific frozen strawberry daiquiri, combine 1 cup whole fresh strawberries, 1/2 cup ice cubes, 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1 to 2 tablespoons honey, a pinch of salt and rum, to taste. Blend until smooth, then chill out.

If you’re watching your calories, try this recipe for a strawberry cheesecake cocktail from Teresa Marie Howes’ “Skinnytinis.” It has just 151 calories (adding the graham cracker garnish bumps it to 171).

Or if you’re in the mood for something refreshingly different, try the strawberry shag from Kathy Casey’s “Sips and Apps.” It pairs fresh strawberries with peppery fresh basil.

Strawberry cheesecake

1large graham cracker, finely crushed

1/2ounce lime juice, plus extra for coating the glass

2ounces vanilla vodka

1/2ounce sugar-free vanilla syrup

1/2ounce fat-free vanilla coffee creamer

1fresh strawberry, stemmed

1/2cup ice

Place the graham cracker crumbs in a shallow bowl. Place 1 or 2 tablespoons of lime juice in a second shallow bowl. Overturn a martini glass and dunk the rim first in the lime juice, then in the crumbs to coat the rim. Set the glass aside.

In a blender, combine the 1/2 ounce of lime juice with the vodka, vanilla syrup, coffee creamer, strawberry and ice. Blend on high for 1 minute, or until smooth. Makes 1.

Adapted from Teresa Marie Howes’ “Skinnytinis”

Strawberry shag

3-4large fresh strawberries, stemmed and thinly sliced, plus 1 whole berry reserved as garnish

1/4cup powdered sugar

1-2large sprigs fresh basil, plus extra for garnish

Ice

11/2ounces vodka

1ounce lemon juice

3-4ounces chilled soda water

In a small bowl, combine the strawberries and sugar, toss well. Let sit for 15 minutes.

In a cocktail shaker, combine the basil and the strawberries and any juice collected in the bowl. Gently crush using a muddler or a wooden spoon. Fill the shaker with ice, then add the vodka and lemon juice. Cap the shaker.

Shake vigorously. Pour into a large glass, then top with soda water. Stir. Garnish with a strawberry and fresh basil. Makes 1.

Adapted from Kathy Casey’s “Sips and Apps”