The Red and the Black

1. 1

   In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of the sugar with the warm water and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.

2. 2

   Remove the saucepan from the heat, stir in the 1/2 cup of coarsely cracked black pepper and let cool.

3. 3

   Cover with plastic and refrigerate for 3 hours.

4. 4

   Pour the black pepper syrup through a fine-mesh strainer into a large measuring cup.

5. 5

   In a large pitcher, muddle the halved strawberries.

6. 6

   Add 2 1/4 cups of the black pepper syrup, the tequila and fresh lime juice (reserve the remaining black pepper syrup for another cocktail).

7. 7

   Refrigerate until chilled, about 1 hour.

8. 8

   On a small plate, mix the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar with the finely ground black pepper and the salt.

9. 9

   Moisten half of the outer rims of 10 rocks glasses with the lemon wedge and coat lightly with the pepper-and-salt mixture.

10. 10

    Fill the rocks glasses with ice.

11. 11

    Stir the drink well, then pour or strain into the prepared rocks glasses and serve at once.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.