📖 Instructions

1. First, let's prep: Gently crumble the strawberry cake into a bowl. You want about 2 cups worth of crumbles. Don’t worry about being too neat; rough crumbles are perfect!
2. Next, muddle the mint: In a sturdy glass (or cocktail shaker), gently muddle 8-10 fresh mint leaves with a tablespoon of simple syrup. Muddle gently; you're not trying to pulverize the mint, just release its fragrant oils. Be careful not to over-muddle, as that can make the mint bitter. I usually just press it a few times with a muddler
3. Add cake and booze: Add the strawberry cake crumbles, 2 ounces of bourbon (or more, I’m not judging!), and an ounce of strawberry liqueur to the glass. The bourbon provides a needed kick to balance the sweetness, and the liqueur amps up that strawberry flavor even more!
4. Shake it up: Fill the glass with ice, then seal it tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. You want to chill the mixture thoroughly and infuse the flavors, not break the shaker. If you don't have a shaker, use a mason jar with a tight-fitting lid.
5. Strain and serve: Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve (or a regular cocktail strainer) into a chilled julep glass or a fancy cocktail glass. This removes the mint leaves and larger cake crumbs, giving you a smoother drink. I like to double strain mine. It makes it super smooth
6. Garnish lavishly: Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and a sprig of mint. Get creative with your garnish; a dusting of powdered sugar or a few colorful sprinkles can make it extra festive. You could even add a small piece of strawberry cake on a cocktail skewer for extra charm! And don't for get the cocktail umbrella because they make every drink even more fun!
7. Enjoy! Sip slowly and savor the delightful combination of cake and cocktail. Feel free to adjust the sweetness or booziness to your liking. What does this mean for you? Well, it means get ready to enjoy!