Joseph Gordon The Phoenix

Well done Tauranga, what a fantastic response to the Hot Pink Walk. Even though the weather wasn't co-operating, the sea of pink with all of the smiling, enthusiastic and supportive people made the difference. There were a lot of pink flamingo-style supporters so The Phoenix will be sending your donations to this worthy cause.

With the arrival of those fresh tangy strawberries, now is a great time to introduce one of my favourite cocktail bases – Cointreau.

Chilled Cointreau-soaked strawberries are awesome and simple with rich contrasting flavours.

Cointreau was created in France by two brothers using a secret recipe; and it has become one of the most treasured and recognised ingredients in the world for making quality drinks.

Sourcing specific, bitter-sweet oranges from four countries, including Haiti, and using the flavoursome oils from the skins, Cointreau delivers a rich orange liqueur that combines well with all manners of bases like juices, dairy and carbonated drinks.

My favourite Cointreau cocktail is the Japanese slipper – a vigorously shaken mixture of Cointreau, Midori and fresh limes over ice in a whisky glass.

Send me your own personal Cointreau recipe, and the chosen winner will be The Phoenix's Cocktail of The Month for December.