1. Slice up the 5 medium strawberries and add to a cocktail shaker with the 6 larger basil leaves and the simple syrup. Muddle to pulverize/juice the berries. Add the lemon juice, whiskey, Bonal and ice. Add 11 grinds of fresh black pepper. Shake well to chill and further integrate the fruit flavor and color. Double strain into two coupes. You will need that muddler again to get all the liquid through the fine-mesh strainer and to get some more juice out of the strawberries. (Note: If you do the substitution with blackberries, they are even tougher-skinned and will need more mushing at this step.) Garnish each glass by floating a small basil leaf atop and placing a cut berry on the glass rim.

FOR THE SYMPLE SYRUP

1. Mix the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Bring to a light boil and then lower to simmer for 5 minutes. Let cool. Store in a jar in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.