Drink of the Week: Sipsmith Strawberry Smash Gin

With summer in full swing, I’m finding so much joy in the abundance of fresh produce available at my fingertips in the Midwest. On the weekends my husband and I lose ourselves in the nearby U-Pick fields for hours, then revel in being able to pop perfectly ripe berries and cherries into pies, smoothies, salads, and yes, cocktails. But for those lazy nights when I don’t have the energy to mix a drink, I recently discovered a stellar substitute in Sipsmith’s newest limited-edition gin: Sipsmith Strawberry Smash.

The gin is made with strawberries grown at Hugh Lowe Farms in Kent, specifically the berries that were grown for last year’s Wimbledon celebrations (strawberries and cream are to the annual festivities as the mint julep is to the Kentucky Derby). Because the 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic, Sipsmith took the bountiful berry crop and distilled it into their signature gin, alongside seasonal English mint. The results are, well, a smash. The flavor of sweet strawberry tastes fresh, honest, and subtle as it sings alongside traditional botanicals like juniper and mint. When paired with a cold, crisp tonic water in a G&T, garnished with fresh berries for a pop of color and a lovely aroma, I simply can’t get enough. $32.99, totalwine.com