Looking for the ultimate summer cocktail that’s easy to make, totally refreshing, and pretty enough for Instagram? Look no further than the Strawberry Vodka Lemonade. It’s everything you want in a warm-weather drink: sweet strawberries, tangy lemonade, and a clean vodka kick served over ice in a tall glass.
Whether you’re poolside, at a picnic, or just relaxing on the porch, this cocktail brings that fruity, feel-good flavor that screams sunshine and good vibes.
The best part? You only need four ingredients and about two minutes to make it.
Why This Drink Is a Summer Must-Have
The Strawberry Vodka Lemonade is a crowd-pleaser—it’s not too strong, super customizable, and ridiculously easy to batch for parties. Here’s why it’s a go-to:
- Perfectly balanced flavor—not too sweet, not too sour
- Versatile—can be made with fresh, frozen, or store-bought ingredients
- Quick to prepare—no fancy tools or techniques
- Pretty in pink—and looks amazing with fresh garnish
- Light and refreshing—ideal for hot days and long nights
If summer had a signature cocktail, this would be it.
Flavor Profile: What Makes It So Addictive?
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade is bright, juicy, and lightly boozy, with a layered flavor that dances on your tongue:
- Sweet and fruity from the strawberries
- Tangy and zesty from the lemonade
- Clean and crisp from the vodka
- Cool and refreshing from the ice
It’s not heavy, bitter, or overly sweet—just a beautifully balanced, sessionable cocktail you’ll want to make again and again.
Core Ingredients Explained
Let’s break down what makes this simple drink so amazing.
Vodka (2 oz)
This is your alcohol base—neutral, clean, and perfect for letting the fruit shine. It adds a light bite without overwhelming the drink.
Great options:
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Absolut
- Smirnoff
- New Amsterdam
- Ketel One
Strawberry Puree
This is where the real flavor comes in. Fresh, juicy strawberries blended into a smooth puree give your drink natural sweetness and that gorgeous pink hue.
Pro Tip: Make extra and freeze it in ice cube trays for future drinks.
Lemonade
Tart, sweet, and essential to balance the richness of the strawberries. Use homemade for the freshest flavor, or a high-quality store-bought lemonade in a pinch.
Best options:
- Fresh-squeezed lemonade
- Simply Lemonade or Newman’s Own
- Pink lemonade for a twist
Ice
Served cold over ice, this drink becomes a cooling, thirst-quenching dream. Crushed or cubed—it all works!
Best Vodkas for Strawberry Lemonade Cocktails
The right vodka makes a difference. You want one that’s smooth, easy to drink, and blends well with fruity flavors.
Top Choices:
- Tito’s – Smooth, American-made, and works in every cocktail.
- Absolut Citron – Adds a lemony zing to amp up the citrus.
- Smirnoff Strawberry – Boosts the berry flavor.
- Ciroc Red Berry – A little pricey, but ultra-smooth with berry notes.
Avoid harsh or overly peppery vodkas—they clash with the sweetness of the drink.
How to Make Fresh Strawberry Puree
Homemade strawberry puree gives your cocktail a fresh and natural flavor that bottled mixers just can’t match.
How to Make It:
- Wash and hull 1 cup of fresh strawberries.
- Add to a blender with 1–2 tsp of sugar (optional).
- Blend until smooth.
- Strain through a fine mesh sieve if you want a smoother texture.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze in small portions for easy future use.
Choosing the Right Lemonade
Your lemonade makes or breaks this drink. Here’s how to pick the best option:
Fresh-Squeezed Lemonade:
- Mix 1 cup lemon juice + 1 cup sugar + 4 cups water
- Stir well until dissolved
- Chill before using
Store-Bought Tips:
- Look for low sugar and real lemon juice
- Avoid lemonade “drinks” or powder mixes—they taste artificial
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make the Perfect Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
This cocktail is crazy simple—but the right technique makes it even better.
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 1½ oz strawberry puree (fresh or store-bought)
- 4–6 oz lemonade (depending on how strong you want it)
- Ice
- Optional garnish: lemon wheel, strawberry slice, or mint
Instructions:
- Fill a glass (preferably a tall Collins or mason jar) with ice.
- Add 2 oz of vodka directly over the ice.
- Pour in the strawberry puree, letting it settle slightly into the vodka.
- Top off with lemonade, pouring gently so the drink layers a bit.
- Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry, lemon slice, or mint sprig for the perfect finishing touch.
Serve immediately and enjoy every juicy, boozy sip!
How to Make a Pitcher for Parties
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade is the ideal batch cocktail. Refreshing, pretty, and guaranteed to disappear fast!
Pitcher Recipe (Serves 6–8):
- 2 cups vodka
- 1½ cups strawberry puree
- 4–5 cups lemonade
- Ice (add to individual glasses, not the pitcher)
Directions:
- In a large pitcher, mix vodka, puree, and lemonade.
- Stir well to combine (use a whisk if needed).
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
- Serve over ice in individual glasses.
- Garnish with strawberry halves and lemon wheels in the pitcher for a gorgeous presentation.
Pro Tip: Make a separate pitcher of non-alcoholic strawberry lemonade for kids or guests skipping booze.
Frozen Strawberry Vodka Lemonade (Slushie Style)
Want to cool things down even more? Try it frozen for the ultimate summertime slush.
What You’ll Need:
- 1½ cups frozen strawberries
- 2 oz vodka
- ½ cup lemonade
- ½ cup ice
Instructions:
- Add everything to a blender.
- Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Pour into a tall chilled glass.
- Garnish with a lemon slice or sugared rim.
Frozen cocktails are perfect for pool days, beach trips, or anytime you want a sweet, icy treat.
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Variations
Want to put your own spin on the classic? Try these easy and fun flavor twists:
With Mint or Basil
Add fresh mint or basil leaves to the bottom of the glass and muddle gently before adding vodka. This adds an herbal twist that cuts the sweetness.
Spicy Version (With Jalapeño)
Add a thin slice of jalapeño to the shaker or glass for a subtle heat that balances the sweet fruit and citrus. Spicy + sweet = 🔥🔥🔥.
Citrus Explosion (Add Lime or Orange)
Mix in ½ oz fresh lime or orange juice for extra citrusy depth.
→ Want a bolder mix? Add a splash of orange liqueur (like Cointreau).
How to Garnish It Like a Pro
Your drink doesn’t just have to taste good—it should look amazing too. Here are some garnish ideas that’ll make your Strawberry Vodka Lemonade pop:
- Lemon wheel on the rim
- Fresh strawberry slit and slid onto the glass edge
- Mint or basil sprig for aroma
- Sugar rim (dip rim in lemon juice, then sugar for a sweet finish)
- Skewered strawberry + lemon combo
Mocktail Version (Strawberry Lemonade Without the Booze)
Need a booze-free version for the kids or sober crowd? Super easy—and still totally delicious.
Mocktail Recipe:
- 1½ oz strawberry puree
- 4–6 oz lemonade
- Top with sparkling water for a fizzy twist
- Garnish and serve over ice
Still fruity, refreshing, and Insta-worthy—without the vodka
Best Occasions to Serve This Cocktail
This drink isn’t just delicious—it’s party perfect. Here are the best times to serve it:
- Backyard BBQs
- Pool parties
- Brunches
- Summer weddings
- Picnics
- Beach days
- Girls’ night in (or out)
Basically, any time it’s hot out, or any time you want a drink that makes you feel like it’s summer.
Calories and Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Item | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180–220 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 15–20g |
| Sugar | 12–18g |
| Alcohol (ABV) | ~10–12% |
Want to lighten it up?
- Use sugar-free lemonade
- Cut the puree in half
- Go easy on vodka (1 oz instead of 2)
Conclusion
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade is the ultimate combination of sweet, tangy, and smooth, wrapped in a glass of pure summertime vibes. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re throwing a party, chilling with friends, or just need a fruity fix on a hot day, this cocktail brings the fun and flavor in equal measure. So stock up on strawberries, squeeze some lemons, and pour yourself a glass of sunshine.
Cheers to sipping summer—one pink drink at a time. 🍓🍋🍹
FAQs
1. Can I use flavored vodka?
Absolutely! Strawberry, lemon, or citrus vodkas all work beautifully and amplify the flavor. Try pink lemonade vodka for an extra twist.
2. How long does strawberry puree last?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or freeze it in ice cube trays for up to a month.
3. Can I use bottled lemonade?
Yes—just use a quality brand like Simply Lemonade or Newman’s Own. Avoid powdered mixes if possible.
4. What’s the best way to make this drink ahead of time?
Mix everything except the ice in a pitcher. Chill it for a few hours, then pour over ice in individual glasses when serving.
5. Is there a way to make it sugar-free?
Yep! Use sugar-free lemonade and unsweetened strawberry puree. You can also swap simple syrup (if used) with monk fruit sweetener or stevia syrup.
