Strawberry Buttermilk Cooler

• 2 cups (heaping) hulled, quartered strawberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic or raspberry vinegar (or 1 T each)
• 3 cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec, Grand Marnier, or Gran Gala)
• 1/4 cup orange juice

Put the strawberries, sugar, and vinegar into a food processor or blender and puree. Strain through a sieve into a bowl and add the rest of the ingredients; stir. Refrigerate for a couple of hours and serve.

Works well as either a first-course soup or a beverage. This is also one of those deceptively simple recipes that makes your friends think you’re a whiz in the kitchen — we usually serve it as a soup for guests.