Vodka Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

There’s nothing better than a cool glass of Vodka Strawberry Lemonade in the summer. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, firing up the grill, or simply trying to beat the heat, this drink brings a burst of vibrant flavor that’s hard to resist.

I still remember the first time we made this drink. Our kitchen was filled with the sweet aroma of fresh strawberries and zesty lemons. It became the highlight of our summer gathering, and ever since then, it’s been our go-to treat for any warm-weather occasion.

This cocktail is a lovely blend of sweet strawberries, tangy lemon, and smooth vodka, striking the perfect balance that’s sure to please everyone. Plus, you can easily tweak the recipe to match your taste, or even skip the alcohol for a version everyone can enjoy. It’s all up to you.

The best part? It’s incredibly simple to make. Just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes are all it takes to create this delightful summer drink. Stick around, and I’ll show you just how easy it is!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make the perfect vodka strawberry lemonade, you’ll want to gather a few key ingredients. These will ensure your drink tastes delicious, looks vibrant, and is a hit every time.

Fresh Strawberries

We need ripe, fresh strawberries. They’re the secret to getting that vibrant color and natural sweetness that makes this drink so irresistible.

If you only have frozen strawberries, they’ll work too. They might not have that same fresh taste, but they’re still a good option.

Picking ripe berries ensures you get the best possible flavor.

Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice

We use freshly squeezed lemon juice. Nothing beats freshly squeezed lemon juice. It has a bright, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the strawberries.

Using fresh lemons makes the drink feel even more refreshing, so it’s worth the extra step.

Vodka

Choosing a good vodka is key. You want something smooth and neutral so the fruit flavors really pop.

Brands like Tito’s, Absolut, and Grey Goose are all great choices. Each has its own character, so go with what suits your taste and budget.

Remember, the quality of your vodka will affect the final flavor, so it’s worth investing in a good one.

Sugar

Sugar is what balances out the tartness of the lemon juice. You can adjust the sweetness to your liking.

If you’re into natural sweeteners, honey is a great alternative that adds a unique twist to the flavor.

Keep tasting as you go to find that perfect balance.

Water

Water helps dilute the lemonade to the perfect strength, allowing all the flavors to blend smoothly.

For a little extra fizz, you can use sparkling water instead. It adds a light, bubbly touch that makes the drink even more refreshing.

Ice

Ice is what makes this drink so refreshing. It cools everything down and slightly dilutes the drink, bringing all the flavors together nicely.

Be generous with the ice to keep your drink chilled for longer.

The best time to add ice is just before serving.

Optional Garnishes

Garnishes not only make your drink look great, but they also add an extra layer of flavor. Fresh strawberry slices, lemon wedges, or mint leaves are all great choices.

These little touches can impress your guests and make your cocktail feel extra special.

Each garnish brings its own special flair, so feel free to get creative!

How to Make Vodka Strawberry Lemonade Cocktail

Let’s walk through how to make a refreshing Vodka Strawberry Lemonade. Follow these simple steps to prepare, mix, chill, and serve this delightful drink.

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by getting some fresh strawberries. Hull and wash them thoroughly. If you have a juicer, use it to get clear, smooth strawberry juice.

If you’re using a blender or food processor, you might want to strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve to get rid of any pulp.

Once you’ve got your juice, set it aside. Using ripe strawberries will give you the best flavor.

Step 2: Make the Lemonade

Now, let’s make the lemonade. You have two options here:

1. Using Sugar Directly: Mix freshly squeezed lemon juice with sugar and water. A good ratio is 1 cup of lemon juice, 1 cup of sugar, and 4 cups of water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
2. Making a Simple Syrup: Combine 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water in a small saucepan. Warm it over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a simple syrup. Let it cool, then mix it with 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice and 3 cups of water.

Taste and adjust as needed. Add more sugar if it’s too tart or more lemon juice if it’s too sweet.

Step 3: Mix the Drink

In a large pitcher, combine your strawberry juice, lemonade, and vodka. A good starting point is 1 ½ cups of vodka, 1 ½ cups of strawberry juice, and 4 cups of lemonade.

Stir everything together so the flavors blend nicely. Give it a taste and if you feel it needs a bit more sugar or lemon juice, go ahead and adjust. Once you’re happy with the flavor, you’re ready to move on.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pop the pitcher in the fridge and let it chill for at least an hour. This helps the flavors meld together and keeps the drink nice and cool.

If you’re in a hurry, you can serve it right away over ice. Or, if you prefer, you can add ice directly to the pitcher.

For a little fizz, top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda before serving. It adds a fun, bubbly twist.

Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy

Pour your chilled Vodka Strawberry Lemonade into glasses filled with ice.

Add a slice of fresh strawberry, a lemon wedge, or a sprig of mint to each glass for a beautiful and flavorful garnish.

Now, sit back, relax, and enjoy your homemade cocktail with friends or while taking some well-deserved time for yourself.

Tips for Perfect Vodka Strawberry Lemonade

Choosing the right strawberries makes a big difference. Look for berries that are bright red, firm, and juicy. Try to avoid any with white tops or mushy spots.

When it comes to vodka, go for something smooth and clean. Tito’s or Grey Goose are both great options.

If you’re using frozen strawberries, no worries! Just thaw them out and blend until smooth.

Balance is everything in a good cocktail. Taste as you go. If it’s too sweet, add more lemon juice. If it’s too tart, a bit more sugar will do the trick.

Chilling your drink properly makes a big difference. Let it chill for at least 1 to 2 hours, and add ice just before serving to keep it from getting too diluted.

Add a little flair with colorful garnishes. Fresh strawberry slices, lemon wedges, and mint sprigs are all great choices to make your drink stand out.

Serving in stylish glassware adds a nice touch. Highball glasses are perfect for this refreshing drink.

Most importantly, have fun experimenting with your Vodka Strawberry Lemonade!

Variations of Strawberry Vodka Lemonade

Looking to mix things up? Here are some fun ways to put a twist on your vodka strawberry lemonade.

For a kid-friendly version, just leave out the vodka. You’ll still have a refreshing and tasty drink with those delicious strawberries and lemonade.

Want to add some fizz? Try mixing in sparkling water or club soda. It gives your drink a lively, bubbly touch.

If you’re in the mood for different berry flavors, swap out the strawberries for blackberries, raspberries, or blueberries. Each one brings its own unique taste to the mix.

Adding fresh herbs can take your drink to the next level. Try tossing in some basil, mint, or rosemary for extra layers of flavor.

Feeling a bit tropical? Add in fruits like pineapple or mango for a tasty exotic twist.

We’d love to hear about your creations! Share your favorite variations with us in the comments. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to check out our best 2-ingredient vodka drinks for more easy and delicious ideas.

More Vodka Cocktail Recipes to Try

• Vodka Soda
• Vodka and Coke
• Vodka Tonic

Frequently Asked Questions

How long can I store vodka strawberry lemonade in the fridge?

You can keep vodka strawberry lemonade in the fridge for up to 2-3 days, but for the best flavor, it’s ideal to enjoy it within 24 hours.

Make sure to store it in an airtight container or cover your pitcher with plastic wrap to prevent it from absorbing other fridge odors. It’s also best to store the drink without ice to avoid dilution.

If you notice any changes in smell, color, or taste, it’s probably time to toss it out.

Can I use flavored vodka for strawberry lemonade?

Absolutely! Flavored vodka can add a fun twist to your strawberry lemonade. Citrus, berry, or even vanilla vodkas are great choices.

Keep in mind that flavored vodka might alter the sweetness or tartness, so you might need to adjust the sugar or lemon juice to your liking.

Experimenting with different flavored vodkas is a great way to create unique drinks for any occasion.

Can I use lemon concentrate instead of fresh lemons?

Yes, you can use lemon concentrate if you don’t have fresh lemons on hand. Just keep in mind that it might change the flavor a bit.

Fresh lemon juice typically has a brighter, more natural taste. Since lemon concentrate can be more acidic, you might need to tweak the sugar level to balance it out.

Lemon concentrate is handy when fresh lemons aren’t available and still makes a tasty drink.

Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh ones?

Definitely! Frozen strawberries can be just as delicious as fresh ones, especially if they were frozen at their peak ripeness.

Just be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before using. They might be a bit softer, which could slightly affect the texture of your drink.

Frozen strawberries are easy to puree or muddle, but they might make the drink a bit thicker, so you can adjust the amount of water or lemonade if needed.

Vodka Strawberry Lemonade Recipe

This vodka strawberry lemonade is the perfect way to cool off in hot weather. It’s a refreshing blend of fresh lemon and strawberry flavors with a smooth vodka kick that’s sure to hit the spot.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Cocktails, Drinks

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Equipment

• Blender : To puree the strawberries (optional)
• Pitcher
• Cocktail shaker : For chilling the drink quickly (optional)
• Fine Mesh Sieve : To strain the strawberry puree (optional)
• Muddler : To crush the strawberries (if not pureed)

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup fresh strawberries hulled
• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice about 5-6 lemons
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 4 cups water divided
• 1 cup vodka
• Ice cubes
• Fresh sliced strawberries and lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

 

Prepare the Strawberries:

• Start by hulling the fresh strawberries, then blend them until smooth. If you prefer to crush them by hand, a muddler will do the trick. For a smoother texture, you can strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve.

Make the Lemonade:

• You’ve got two options for making the lemonade:

  Direct Method: Mix 1 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1/2 cup of sugar and 3 cups of water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

  Simple Syrup Method: Combine 1 cup of water with the sugar in a small saucepan and warm it over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, creating a simple syrup. Let it cool, then mix the syrup with 1 cup of lemon juice and 2 cups of water.

  Taste your lemonade and adjust the sweetness if needed by adding more sugar or lemon juice.

Mix the Cocktail:

• In a large pitcher, combine the strawberry puree, your prepared lemonade, and vodka. Stir everything together until well mixed. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.

Chill and Serve:

• Fill glasses with ice cubes, then pour the vodka strawberry lemonade over the ice. For the best flavor, let the mixture chill in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 hours before serving. Garnish each glass with fresh sliced strawberries and lemon slices for a colorful touch.

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