Ingredients
- Sprite (or preferred lemon-lime soda): 12 fl oz (chilled)
- Strawberry Simple Syrup: 2 fl oz
- Grenadine: 1/2 fl oz
- Fresh Strawberries (sliced): 3 medium
- Fresh Lime Juice: 1/4 fl oz
- Crushed Ice: 1 cup
- Lime Wheel: 1 (for garnish)
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the fresh strawberries. Place two slices into the bottom of a tall glass (or highball glass) and gently muddle them just enough to release their juices. Keep the remaining slices aside for garnish or texture.
- Step 2: Add the "dirty" components by pouring the Strawberry Simple Syrup, Grenadine, and fresh lime juice directly over the muddled strawberries in the glass. Stir the syrups gently to combine them without disrupting the fruit too much.
- Step 3: Fill the glass completely with crushed ice. This helps maintain the layered look and keeps the drink very cold.
- Step 4: Slowly top the mixture with the chilled Sprite or lemon-lime soda. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to avoid excessive foaming and to allow the heavier syrup base to slightly mix with the soda, achieving the hazy, "dirty" visual effect.
- Step 5: Garnish the rim of the glass with the remaining strawberry slices and the lime wheel. Serve immediately while the drink is still effervescent.
Notes
- To save time, pre-mix the Strawberry Simple Syrup, Grenadine, and lime juice into a 'dirty base' and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add soda and ice just before serving.
- If serving a crowd, easily scale this recipe by batching the 'dirty base' (syrups and lime juice) and providing bottles of chilled Sprite and ample crushed ice separately for self-service layering.
- For the best visual effect and extreme chill, ensure both the soda and the serving glass are pre-chilled in the freezer for 10 minutes before assembly.
- When muddling the strawberries, press gently only 2-3 times; the goal is simply to release the initial burst of juice and flavor, not to pulverize the fruit into a thick, gritty pulp.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American