Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Cocktail Recipe

This strawberry vodka lemonade is bright, refreshing, and made with real, simple ingredients — no refined sugar required. It blends a homemade strawberry purée with a honey simple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and vodka for a seasonal cocktail that tastes like summer in a glass.

We prefer fresh ingredients in cocktails, and this recipe is entirely homemade: blend and strain fresh strawberries for a seedless purée, whisk up a simple honey syrup, and squeeze fresh lemons. Combine with vodka and ice for an easy, vibrant drink that’s perfect for warm weather gatherings.

Sweet, tart, and thirst-quenching, this spiked lemonade highlights ripe strawberries and bright lemon. Use it as a base for variations or double the recipe to serve a crowd. Cheers!

What is in strawberry vodka lemonade?

This strawberry vodka lemonade is built from three main components that you can prepare ahead of time:

1. Strawberry Purée: Fresh strawberries blended with a little water and then strained for a smooth, seed-free purée. Use a high-speed blender to fully break down the berries, then press the purée through a fine sieve.
2. Honey Simple Syrup: A quick syrup made from equal parts honey and water, heated just until combined and slightly reduced. This adds sweetness and a mellow floral note without refined sugar.
3. Fresh Lemon Juice + Vodka: Plenty of fresh lemon juice gives the lemonade its bright, tart backbone. Combine that with vodka and additional water to reach your preferred strength and dilution. Expect to use roughly 4–6 lemons to yield about 1 cup of juice.

Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Variations

This recipe is easy to customize. Try one of the following variations to match your taste or what’s in season:

Berries: Substitute equal amounts of fresh raspberries or blackberries, or blend a mix of berries for a mixed-berry vodka lemonade.

Sweetness: Adjust the balance between tart and sweet by using more or less honey syrup. For a sweeter cocktail, reduce the lemon; for a tarter profile, add less syrup.

Simple Syrup: Replace the honey syrup with a classic sugar simple syrup if you prefer or need a vegan option.

Try it!

How to Make Simple Syrup

Simple syrup is a must-have for cocktails. Make it by simmering equal parts water and sugar (or honey and water for a honey syrup) until the sugar dissolves, then cool and store.

Storage

Store the prepared lemonade (without ice) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Because this drink uses fresh strawberry purée and freshly squeezed lemon juice, it won’t keep as long as commercially pasteurized beverages. Stir or shake before serving if any separation occurs.

Serving Suggestions

This strawberry vodka lemonade is ideal for summer: backyard barbecues, poolside afternoons, or casual dinner parties. Garnish each glass with a lemon wedge and a fresh strawberry, or rim the glass with sugar for a festive touch. Serve chilled over ice in mason jars or tall glasses for a relaxed presentation.

For a non-alcoholic option, try the strawberry lemonade with muddled basil for added complexity.

Strawberry Vodka Lemonade

Homemade strawberry purée, fresh lemon juice, honey simple syrup, water, and vodka combine into a bright, seasonal cocktail. Easy to make and perfect for warm weather entertaining.

By: Lee Funke

Prep: 30 mins

Cook: 0 mins

Total: 30 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

Honey Simple Syrup

• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup honey

Strawberry Purée

• 1 lb. fresh strawberries
• 1 cup water (for blending)

Other

• 1 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (about 4–6 large lemons)
• 1.5 cups water (to dilute)
• 8 oz. vodka (1 cup)

Instructions

• Make the honey simple syrup: combine honey and 1/2 cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
• Prepare the strawberry purée: remove stems, place strawberries and 1 cup water in a blender, and blend on high until smooth. Pass the mixture through a fine sieve, pressing with a spoon to remove seeds. Reserve the purée.
• Juice the lemons until you have about 1 cup of fresh lemon juice. Depending on size and juiciness, this will require approximately 4–6 lemons.
• In a large pitcher, combine the strained strawberry purée, fresh lemon juice, 1.5 cups water, and vodka. Stir well to combine. Add honey simple syrup to taste — start with all of it, then adjust if you prefer sweeter or tarter.
• Chill the pitcher for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve over ice and garnish with lemon wedges or sliced strawberries.

Tips & Notes

• Make ahead: Prepare the honey syrup and strawberry purée a day in advance and keep refrigerated to streamline assembly on the day of serving.
• Adjust strength: Reduce or increase the vodka to suit your preference; adding more water creates a lighter, more refreshing pitcher.
• Storage: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator. Stir before serving.

Watch It

Nutrition

Calories: 200 kcal
Carbohydrates: 53 g
Protein: 1 g
Fat: 0 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar: 26 g

Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.