Equal parts sweet and tart, strawberries herald the arrival of spring and summer, with this year’s crop in Georgia being particularly delectable. As they make their way into various food menus, bartenders are also making the most of these flavorful fruits, creating cocktails that embody the essence of fresh strawberries.

Salted Strawberry Negroni at Kimball House

In the Salted Strawberry Negroni, bartender Miles Macquarrie crafts a unique cocktail using a homemade strawberry cordial paired with a citrusy olive brine. The local Murrell’s Row Tulsi gin complements the strawberries beautifully, while Barolo Chinato enhances the drink’s jammy notes. This cocktail is perfect for sipping while enjoying the expansive patio at Kimball House, surrounded by lush greenery.

Location: Kimball House, 303 E. Howard Ave., Decatur. Phone: 404-378-3502

Petals & Juniper at O-Ku

Inspired by cherry blossoms, O-Ku’s Petals & Juniper features a clarified drink made with strawberry-infused Roku gin, dry vermouth, and black sakura tea syrup. It offers a savory and floral profile with subtle strawberry hints, perfectly complementing O-Ku’s celebrated sushi offerings.

Location: O-Ku, 1085 Howell Mill Road, Atlanta. Phone: 404-500-2383

Gambit and Rouge at Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours

Bartender Derek Fulbright gives a spring twist to the classic Vieux Carre in his Gambit and Rouge cocktail. This drink combines cognac, rye whiskey, and vermouth with a house-made strawberry-pepper syrup and bitters, showcasing a savory-sweet depth.

Location: Twisted Soul Cookhouse & Pours, 1133 Huff Road NW, Atlanta. Phone: 404-350-5500

Strawberry Fields Negroni at Palo Santo

Palo Santo’s Strawberry Fields Negroni takes a fresh approach by using strawberry-infused gin, complemented by fennel liqueur for a vegetal roundness. This cocktail reimagines a classic while embracing the flavors of the season.

Location: Palo Santo, 955 W. Marietta St. NW, Atlanta. Phone: 678-944-8783

Bad Gurls Klub at Little Bear

Jarrett Stieber, the chef and owner of Little Bear, creates a frothy, shaken drink called Bad Gurls Klub, incorporating ripe strawberries and honeysuckle into a coconut gin base. This cocktail exemplifies the magic of local strawberries this season.

Location: Little Bear, 71 Georgia Ave. SE, Atlanta. Phone: 404-500-5396

Red at Burle’s Bar

At Burle’s Bar, the seasonal menu includes the Red cocktail, bursting with berry flavor through a combination of Old Fourth vodka, Japanese shochu, and whisky, alongside strawberries, raspberries, and ginseng, creating an intriguing and complex drink.

Location: Burle’s Bar, 505 N. Angier Ave. NE, Atlanta.

Strawberry Fields at Minhwa Spirits

At Minhwa Spirits, the Strawberry Fields cocktail features the distillery’s signature soju, lemon and lime juices, and white peach tea topped with basil foam. This drink captures fresh strawberry aromas and presents a perfect balance of garden flavors.

Location: Minhwa Spirits, 2421 Van Fleet Circle, Doraville. Phone: 470-391-2840

Elevated Mule at Tesserae

Transforming the classic mule, Tesserae uses Vida mezcal to create an elevated version infused with strawberry flavor and combined with a strawberry-coriander syrup, ginger beer, and lime juice, offering a delightful beverage with rooftop views.

Location: Tesserae at Thompson Atlanta-Buckhead, 415 E. Paces Ferry Road NE, Atlanta. Phone: 470-600-3500

Seville Sunset at Gypsy Kitchen

As spritz season arrives, Gypsy Kitchen introduces the Seville Sunset, blending Bare Bone vodka with strawberry liqueur, lemon juice, and sparkling water to create a refreshing and sweet cocktail ideal for warmer days.

Location: Gypsy Kitchen, 3035 Peachtree Road NE, Atlanta. Phone: 404-939-9840

With such a variety of cocktails showcasing the season’s fresh strawberries, these bars and restaurants are making it easy to enjoy the first blush of summer in Atlanta.