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This sparkling strawberry lemonade vodka is the perfect refresher for summer parties and laid-back afternoons. Bright strawberries and zingy lemon come together with a smooth touch of vodka for a crowd-pleasing pitcher drink. When friends stop by and the sun is shining, I love having a batch of this ready to serve over plenty of ice with juicy fruit floating in every glass.
My first time whipping this up was for a backyard barbecue and it disappeared before the burgers were even done. It is now my staple when I want an effortless drink that makes everyone smile.
Ingredients
- Granulated sugar: for sweetness and balance. Look for the fine grain type so it dissolves completely in simple syrup
- Fresh strawberries: give the lemonade a gorgeous color and real berry flavor. Buy plump berries with bright green tops for the juiciest taste
- Lemon juice: delivers zing and freshness. Always squeeze your own lemons for best results and skip the bottle
- Ice cubes and cold water: keep it icy cold and help mellow the flavors so every sip is refreshing
- Vodka: for an adult twist. Choose a smooth vodka with a clean flavor – nothing too sharp or herbal. Feel free to use your favorite brand
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the Simple Syrup:
- Combine one cup of water and one cup of sugar in a small saucepan. Heat this mixture over medium heat until it just starts to simmer. Stir often to dissolve all the sugar. Remove from heat once dissolved and set aside to cool. To save time, pop the hot syrup in the freezer for a few minutes until chilly to the touch
- Prepare the Strawberries:
- Wash the strawberries under cool running water. Drain thoroughly and trim off the green tops. Quarter each berry for easier blending. Place half the package of cleaned strawberries in a blender with half a cup of water. Blend on high until completely smooth. Pour the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl using a spatula to help the juice flow through and remove seeds and pulp
- Juice the Lemons:
- Roll fresh lemons on the counter to soften the fruit and help release more juice. Cut in half and use a handheld citrus juicer or reamer to extract the juice. Measure out the fresh juice for your pitcher. Plan to use extra lemons for garnish slices
- Combine in the Pitcher:
- Pour the fresh lemon juice, cooled simple syrup, strained strawberry juice, and four cups of cold water into a large pitcher. Stir well to combine. Taste and if you want a lighter drink, add more cold water a little at a time
- Add Vodka and Garnishes:
- Pour in up to a cup of vodka and stir to blend. Add handfuls of ice to the pitcher. Slice one or two lemons into thin rounds and drop these along with a few extra quartered strawberries into the pitcher for a gorgeous finish
- Serve Over Ice:
- Fill each glass with ice and pour the strawberry lemonade vodka over. Garnish with an extra lemon slice and a fresh whole berry for a pretty and tasty touch. Serve immediately while everything is chilly
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My favorite part about this recipe is piling in the fresh strawberries. The burst of berry flavor and the splash of color remind me of summer days spent picking fruit with my family. Sometimes I even add extra berries on top just for fun. There is something nostalgic about homemade lemonade and sharing a pitcher with loved ones in the kitchen
Storage Tips
Store leftover lemonade in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed pitcher or jar. The flavors will mellow and blend even more overnight. Add fresh ice and garnishes before serving again. Vodka will help preserve it but enjoy within two days for the freshest taste
Ingredient Substitutions
No vodka No problem. This recipe is just as delicious without and makes a great family-friendly drink. You can also switch the vodka for light rum for a fun twist. Swap in raspberries for part or all of the strawberries for a different spin
Serving Suggestions
Pair this lemonade vodka with simple barbecue favorites or picnic food like fried chicken or grilled veggies. Pour into mason jars or tall glasses with lots of ice for the prettiest presentation. For a light brunch cocktail add a splash of sparkling water
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Cultural or Historical Context
Homemade lemonade is a nostalgic drink that has roots in American picnics and summer holidays. Spiking lemonade with spirits turns it into a celebratory treat fit for adult gatherings. Fresh strawberries peak in early summer which makes this recipe extra popular for Memorial Day or Fourth of July parties
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of vodka works best?
Plain, unflavored vodka is ideal to let the strawberry and lemon flavors shine, but citrus-flavored vodka adds an extra zing if you prefer.
- → How can I make this less sweet?
Use less sugar in your simple syrup, or add more lemon juice and cold water to adjust the tartness to your preference.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, blend and chill the base a few hours in advance, adding ice and garnishes just before serving for the freshest taste.
- → Is there a non-alcoholic version?
Simply leave out the vodka or replace it with sparkling water for a refreshing drink everyone can enjoy.
- → What other spirits can I use?
Light rum pairs wonderfully with the citrus and strawberry flavors if you’d like a different twist on this cocktail.