Strawberry Gin Spritzer

To prepare strawberry syrup: Combine strawberries, sugar and water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the strawberries have broken down, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat and mash any large pieces with a fork. Set aside to cool, about 10 minutes.

Strain the strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve set over a bowl, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids.

To prepare cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add gin, gentian liqueur, lemon juice and 1 tablespoon of the syrup. Shake until frosty, about 10 seconds.

Strain the cocktail into an ice-filled rocks glass. Add sliced strawberries and top with club soda. Garnish with a whole strawberry, lemon twist and mint sprig, if desired.