Scotch & Soda Bella Morte

After a downtown dinner date, my husband and I popped into Scotch & Soda (310 South Ave., Springfield, 417-719-4224) to peruse its menu of beautifully concocted cocktails. Although it might seems sacrilege to go out for drinks at Scotch & Soda and avoid whiskey, I was in the mood for something lighter. Instead of seeking a warming libation for a chilly night, I was seeking a summery flavor to bring me back to warmer days. I opted for the Bella Morte. It features just enough gin melding with fresh strawberries and herbaceous basil, sweetened with simple syrup and brought to life with the zip of fresh lime and rich aged balsamic vinegar. Strawberries and balsamic create a classic combo that I love in desserts and salads, and they taste just as good mixing and mingling in a darling mason jar. And because it felt as light as it was flavorful, the Bella Morte was the perfect way to cap off a night of big eating without making me feel too full. But that also meant I could order a second without guilt.—Katie Pollock Estes