Bruno Mars’ catchy tune “What I Like” has been stuck in our heads, but one lyric has us pondering: what exactly is “strawberry champagne on ice”? We all know “Julio Serve That Scampi,” but this drink remains elusive. Is it strawberry-flavored champagne? Champagne with strawberries? Or something else entirely? Since reaching Bruno directly is a challenge, we turned to the experts: bartenders. We asked four bartenders what they’d serve if someone ordered “strawberry champagne on ice.” Their creative concoctions offer a glimpse into this lyrical libation.
Blake Pope’s French 75 Twist at Kindred
Blake Pope of Kindred Restaurant interpreting strawberry champagne on ice
Blake Pope from Kindred Restaurant, a self-proclaimed pop culture enthusiast, drew inspiration from the classic French 75 for his interpretation. He crafts a vibrant cocktail using fresh, local strawberries from Barbee Farms. To recreate Blake’s drink at home, you’ll need:
- 1 oz. gin
- .75 oz. fresh lemon juice
- 2 whole strawberries
- .5 oz. honey syrup (1:1 ratio)
- 2 drops orange blossom water
- 1 oz. crémant (dry sparkling wine from Loire Valley)
Muddle the strawberries with honey syrup in a shaker. Add gin, lemon juice, and orange blossom water. Shake vigorously with ice for 10 seconds. Double strain into a chilled coupe or martini glass. Top with crémant and garnish with a fresh strawberry. This sophisticated take offers a refreshing and elegant “strawberry champagne on ice” experience.
Bob Peters’ Vodka-Infused Bubbles at The Punch Room
Bob Peters from The Punch Room at The Ritz-Carlton takes a different route, incorporating vodka into his vision of “strawberry champagne on ice.” Bob suggests a cocktail featuring Tito’s vodka, combined with homemade strawberry syrup, and finished with sparkling wine. This approach emphasizes the fresh strawberry flavor while adding a vodka kick for those who prefer a stronger base. While Bob didn’t provide exact measurements, this description paints a picture of a sweet, bubbly, and slightly stronger “strawberry champagne” option.
Ron Oleksa’s Frozen Strawberry Cube at The Cellar at Duckworth’s
Blake Pope of Kindred Restaurant interpreting strawberry champagne on ice
Ron Oleksa, the bartender at The Cellar at Duckworth’s, creatively interprets “strawberry champagne on ice” quite literally. He envisions a frozen, large cube made of clarified strawberry juice. This vibrant red ice cube is then smashed and scooped into a champagne flute. To complete the drink, Ron suggests shaking gin with lemon and sugar, adding rosé champagne, and pouring the mixture over the strawberry ice in the flute. This ingenious method delivers “champagne on strawberry ice” in its most direct form, offering a visually stunning and refreshingly innovative cocktail. The use of sparkling rosé also naturally evokes the strawberry color often associated with “strawberry champagne.”
Brian Lorusso’s Vanilla Vodka Prosecco at Dogwood Southern Table + Bar
Brian Lorusso from Dogwood Southern Table + Bar shares that he has crafted a drink similar to “strawberry champagne on ice” in the past, indicating its popular appeal. Brian’s version includes fresh strawberries, house-made vanilla vodka, and prosecco, garnished with a lemon twist. The vanilla vodka adds a layer of creamy sweetness that complements the strawberries and prosecco. This recipe leans towards a sweeter and fruitier profile, making it an accessible and enjoyable “strawberry champagne on ice” for various palates.
The Mystery of Strawberry Champagne: Solved (by Bartenders)
While Bruno Mars might have his own secret recipe for “strawberry champagne on ice,” these bartenders offer diverse and delicious interpretations. From a French 75 twist to frozen strawberry ice and vodka-infused bubbles, each cocktail provides a unique take on the lyric. Whether you prefer a gin-based, vodka-forward, or rosé-sparkling version, these recipes prove that “strawberry champagne on ice” is less about a specific formula and more about a refreshing, celebratory vibe, perfectly captured by these creative Charlotte mixologists. Now, you have a few ideas to try next time you’re feeling inspired by Bruno – or just craving a delicious strawberry champagne cocktail.
