From a purely physical point of view, wild strawberries have a very positive effect on the digestive system and also freshen the mouth wonderfully. Strawberries are also high in iron and potassium and may be just the thing to inject a little energy into your lover’s fatigued spirits.

A good handful fresh strawberry leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
1 cup white wine
A good squeeze of lemon juice
2 teaspoons sugar (optional for taste)
3 1/2 ounces wild or alpine strawberries (or substitute cultivated)
1 bottle good-quality champagne

First make a decoction from the leaves by placing them in 2 cups rapidly boiling water for about 10 minutes, until the liquid reduces to about half. Set aside to cool completely. Strain the liquid into a jug and pour in the wine and lemon juice. Add in the sugar if desired. Steep this mixture for several hours in the refrigerator – from morning until evening would be excellent. Chill two glasses in the freezer for at least 30 minutes prior to serving.

To serve the potion, slice the strawberries in half (or into fine slices if you’re using the commercial variety), put them in the glasses, pour in the chilled mixture, then top the glasses with the well-chilled champagne. Decorate the edge of the glass with just one strawberry, poised fetchingly over the lip. After a few sips, you should feel a little rush of returning strength and cheer.

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