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.
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.