This drunken strawberry shortcake with chocolate mint whipped cream is full of vodka and happiness! This post is a paid collaboration with California Strawberries! All opinions are my own.Â
Strawberry shortcake is such a classic, isn’t it? When California Strawberries asked me to come up with my own spin on the dessert, my mind immediately went to booze.
I’m not sure what that says about me but I do feel that alcohol is often the answer. Am I right? So I went to the liquor cabinet and surveyed my options.
Whiskey, rum, gin, red wine, champagne and vodka. While I do think that champagne would have also worked wonderfully in this dessert I settled on vodka.
I knew it would infuse a strong, neutral boozy flavor that wouldn’t overpower the strawberries. Because if you can’t taste the strawberries, what’s the point?
Next, I wanted in infuse an herb into the whipped cream. I contemplated basil or lavender but my heart kept returning to my new chocolate mint plant.
Chocolate mint doesn’t taste very different from standard varieties, which can easily be substituted in the recipe. But the flavor is slightly different and reminiscent of an after dinner chocolate mint.
There’s really only a hint of chocolate. I paired my drunken strawberries and chocolate mint whipped cream with a tender shortcake recipe adapted from Dorie Greenspan.
These delicate shortcakes have an amazing texture that work perfectly with the recipe.
Drunken Strawberry Shortcake with Chocolate Mint Whipped Cream
Ingredients
Drunken strawberries:
- 1 pound strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Shortcakes:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream, cold
Chocolate mint whipped cream:
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1/2 cup chocolate mint leaves, chopped (regular mint can be substituted)
- 1 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Prepare the strawberries:
- In a medium bowl, stir together the strawberries, vodka and sugar. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours, depending on how strong you want the vodka flavor.
- Drain (save the flavored vodka for mixed drinks).
Prepare the shortcakes:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
- Add the butter and use either a pastry blender or your fingers to incorporate the butter and dry ingredients. The pieces can range from pea sized to coarse cornmeal.
- Pour the cream into the bowl and use a fork to incorporate it into the dough. The less the dough is worked, the softer the final product will be. Kneed the dough briefly if necessary and a few additional tablespoons of cream may be added if it needs help coming together.
- Divide the dough into 5 balls and lay them out on the baking sheet several inches apart. Flatten slightly with your hand. (Note: you can also create smaller dessert portions by dividing the dough into smaller equal portions.)
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through.
Prepare the chocolate mint whipped cream:
- In a small saucepan, bring the sugar, water, and chocolate mint leaves to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook until the sugar is just dissolved and remove from the heat. Steep for 20 minutes. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh strainer into a small measuring cup. Make sure to press the syrup from the mint leaves to get the most flavor.
- In a large bowl, whisk the heavy cream until it reaches a soft peak. Whisk in the chocolate mint syrup.
Plate the dessert:
- Slice the shortbread in half. Add a generous serving of the drunken strawberries followed by a dollop of chocolate mint cream. Serve at room temperature.
Notes
Please read my full post for additional recipe notes, tips, and serving suggestions!
Nutrition
Recipe Troubleshooting
For immediate help troubleshooting a recipe, please email me using the form on my contact page. I’ll try to respond to urgent questions as quickly as possible! For all general questions, please leave a comment here :)
Nancy @ gottagetbaked says
As soon as I saw the word “drunken” in your title, I rushed right over to read this post. I wasn’t disappointed – your strawberry shortcake is amazing! I love the twists you used (1 cup vodka, holla! And chocolate mint, yum).
Tieghan says
So awesome!! Just wow!! What a great idea!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Gorgeous, love the infused whipped cream!
Nik@ABrownTable says
This would perfect with tea or coffee!
sally @ sallys baking addiction says
Such a creative and fancy twist on the classic, but still keeping it simple, Jen – I love it! These are perfect for summer. Gorgeous pictures and yes, alcohol is often the answer!
Jenny @ BAKE says
I love the sound of drunken strawberries! this whole dessert sounds incredible!
Marie @ Little Kitchie says
So beautiful! Great little twist on one of the best summer desserts!
Marta @ What Should I eat for breakfast today says
I need to try california strawberries, I loved california oranges and I think I could say a difference with the one I eat in Europe (not californian). Shortcake with strawberries and alcohol – woha! :D
Joanne @ Fifteen Spatulas says
LOL! Booze comes to mind? You crack me up! Can’t go wrong with a strawberry shortcake…especially a drunk one!
Kelly says
Love your photos! This looks delicious! :)
cdm says
I like to marinate strawberries in amaretto! The flavor is amazing and would work well with the mint here. You also wouldn’t need to add the sugar.
amy @ fearless homemaker says
Ooh, this sounds SO good. Love your idea of adding vodka, and I do think that champagne would be another fab option for the future. YUM!
Cindy B says
pinterest.com/crazyforpinning/strawberry-shortcakes/
Carla @ Carlas Confections says
Alcohol is almost ALWAYS the answer. To any question ;) I love this!!
Jocelyn (Grandbaby Cakes) says
This looks so incredible!
Ann @ PersnicketyBiscuit says
Oh wow. What a great combination of flavors! And I love the idea of using the infused vodka for beverages later – will definitely have to try this!