Valentine’s Day, your birthday… Saturday? We don’t need an excuse to whip up a couple of these beautiful strawberry, champagne and gin cocktails! That said, they are so delicious - and so gorgeous to look at - that we do think they would make the perfect aperitif for any romantic meal.

Combining three of our favourite ingredients, plus a little vanilla for an extra hint of sweetness and a dash of lime for balance, these scarlet beauties will make any occasion special. Even if it’s just date night on the sofa!

We’ve used Champagne here, to be fancy, but of course you could use prosecco (for a slightly sweeter tipple) or a good quality sparkling wine.

Strawberry and Vanilla Sparkler

2 fresh strawberries
35ml gin
15ml vanilla syrup
10ml lime juice
75ml sparkling wine, to top up

Slice your two fresh strawberries and pop them into a cocktail shaker. Muddle gently, then add the gin, vanilla syrup and lime juice. Add some ice, shake well and strain into a cocktail coupe, flute or Champagne saucer. Top with sparkling wine and garnish to serve.

The vanilla gives a velvety and creamy taste to the drink, which should be enough for a sweet taste. If someone wants to add extra texture, then a bar spoon of sugar could be added.