Who says you can only enjoy the sweet taste of strawberries during the summer? With this simple and delightful method of preserving strawberries in a bottle, you can relish their flavor throughout the year, possibly finding them even more delicious than when they’re fresh!

Preserving strawberries is a wonderful way to capture the essence of summer and enjoy it during the colder months. Not only is this method economical, but it also allows you to have a taste of summer ready at your fingertips, perfect for enhancing meals or as a delightful snack.

Here’s how you can preserve strawberries in a bottle:

Ingredients:

• Fresh strawberries

• Granulated sugar

• Vodka or clear rum (optional, for an adult twist)

• Clean and dry glass bottles with tight-sealing lids

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Strawberries: Select ripe, fresh strawberries. Wash them gently under cold water, then remove the stems and any bruised spots. Pat them dry with a clean towel.

2. Layer in Bottles: Place the strawberries in your clean glass bottles. You can fill the bottles to the top, as the strawberries will shrink slightly over time.

3. Add Sweetness: Sprinkle granulated sugar over the strawberries. The sugar not only sweetens the strawberries but also helps in preserving them. For every layer of strawberries, add a layer of sugar until the bottle is nearly full.

4. Seal and Store: If you’re adding alcohol like vodka or rum, pour it over the strawberries until the liquid just covers the top. This step is optional but can add a delightful flavor and extra preservation. Seal the bottles tightly.

5. Let the Magic Happen: Store the sealed bottles in a cool, dark place for about 2-3 months before opening. This waiting period allows the strawberries to release their natural juices and meld with the sugar (and alcohol, if used), enhancing their flavor.

Enjoy Your Bottled Strawberries: After the waiting period, you can enjoy your strawberries right from the bottle, or use them to top desserts, stir into yogurt, or blend into smoothies. They’re especially wonderful served over ice cream or mixed into a special holiday drink.

By preserving strawberries this way, you not only extend their shelf life but also create a gourmet treat that captures the vibrant taste of summer, ready to brighten your winter days.