Fragoncello

Directions

1. Combine  the  sugar  with  one  cup  water  in  a  small  saucepan,  and  bring  to  a  simmer  to  dissolve  the  sugar.  Add the strawberries, and simmer until they’re very soft and the syrup is bright red, about ten minutes. Let steep 15 minutes. The sugar syrup keeps well in the refrigerator for the next party.
2. Strain through a fine- mesh strainer without pressing on the solids. (You can keep the cooked strawberry solids to stir into plain yogurt or to top ice cream.)
3. Chill until cold, at least one hour. Chill a martini glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 45 milliliters (1-1/2 ounces) of the strawberry syrup, as well as the vodka and the lime juice. Shake. Strain into the  chilled  glass,  add  the  finely  diced  strawberry,  and  serve  immediately.  You can alternate some fresh strawberries and sprigs of mint on a stirrer or toothpick for added garnish.