Mikes Strawberry

Mikes Strawberry is a ready-to-drink strawberry-flavored beverage, so there is nothing to mix, measure or shake before you pour. The product details don't list an ABV, base spirit or malt base, or an official tasting profile. What follows describes what drinks in this style usually offer, not a measured profile for this bottle. Check the label for strength and ingredients. Expect a ripe, candy-leaning strawberry up front with a lightly tart edge. The body is typically lemonade-like: bright, sweet and fizzy or lightly carbonated, with a short finish. Drinks like this are built to be served cold, so chill them thoroughly. Around 3 to 5 °C in the fridge is a sensible target, and an hour in an ice bucket will get a warm bottle there. Sweetness comes through more as the drink warms, so keep it cold throughout. The simplest way to serve it is straight from the bottle or can. For a glass, use a tall highball or a Collins glass filled with ice, which slows dilution and keeps the aroma open. A squeeze of fresh lime, a few muddled mint leaves or a halved fresh strawberry will balance the sweetness and add some acidity. It also works as a base for a quick spritz-style pour: top a glass of ice with the drink, then add a splash of soda water to dial the sweetness down. Don't treat that as a formal recipe, and taste before adding anything stronger. For food, the sweetness suits salty and spicy dishes. Try it with grilled chicken wings, nachos, salted fries, pizza or a barbecue spread. The fruitiness also stands up to mild heat from jalapeño poppers or spicy wings.