Strawberry Basil Hard Seltzer Food

STRAWBERRY BASIL MOCKTAIL (NON-ALCOHOLIC, WHOLE30)

Steps:

• Wash, hull, and roughly chop the strawberries. Cut a lime in half. Juice half of the lime, and slice the other half of the lime for garnishes.
• Muddle the strawberries, lime juice, and basil together using a large mortar and pestle. Alternately, you can use a fork or potato masher. It should be broken down enough so the mixture can fit through a straw, but not too much that there's no texture.
• Divide the berry mixture between two tall glasses. Fill the glasses with crushed ice, and fill to the top with seltzer.
• Garnish with a slice of lime and more fresh basil (both optional).

STRAWBERRY-BASIL VINEGAR

Steps:

• Place strawberries in a food processor; cover and process until pureed. Transfer to a large glass bowl; add vinegar and lemon zest. Place 1/4 cup basil in a small bowl. , With a mortar or a wooden spoon, crush some of the basil until aromas are released. Repeat with remaining basil; stir into strawberry mixture. Cover and let stand in a cool, dark place for up to 3 days, stirring once daily., Line a strainer with 4 layers of cheesecloth or 1 coffee filter and place over a large saucepan. Strain vinegar into pan (do not press out solids). Discard solids. , Heat vinegar to 180° over medium heat. Carefully ladle hot mixture into hot half-pint jars, leaving 1/4-in. headspace. Wipe rims. Center lids on jars; screw on bands until fingertip tight., Place jars into canner with simmering water, ensuring that they are completely covered with water. Bring to a boil; process for 10 minutes. Remove jars and cool.