Did you ever wish you could drink your dessert, preferably in a boozy format? Then you’ll love this strawberry shortcake cocktail! It’s a sweet mixed drink inspired by the classic summer dessert that’s bubbly, fruity, fun, and my favorite part – easy to make!
What is a Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail?
A strawberry shortcake cocktail is a rich, dessert-inspired drink that captures the flavors of the classic strawberry shortcake dessert.
Served in a rocks or other lowball glass, it combines vanilla or cake-flavored vodka, strawberry liqueur or puree, and a cream element (like half-and-half, Irish cream, or cream soda) to create a smooth, indulgent texture.
Finish with crushed graham crackers or shortbread cookies on the rim, and fresh strawberries for the perfect touch. It’s a perfect cocktail for summer gatherings, dessert pairings, or a fun twist on a classic treat!
Quick + Easy Recipes
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Ingredients List
- 2 ounces whipped cream flavor vodka
- 1 ounce strawberry puree
- 3 ounces cream soda
For the Rim
- 2 Tbsp crushed graham crackers
- Lemon juice, simple syrup, or a little extra puree
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- You could also use vanilla, cake, or even strawberry flavored vodka instead of whipped cream flavor
- I had leftover strawberry puree from making my Tipsy Cupid recipe which is why I opted for using it here. However, you can also puree fresh strawberries (2-3 medium sized) and strain the seeds and pulp, or use strawberry flavored simple syrup instead!
- Instead of cream soda, you can use a lemon lime soda (like Sprite or 7 Up) and add ½ tsp almond extract or ½ ounce amaretto liqueur
- For a creamier drink, add ½ ounce of half and half, Tequila Rose, or Irish cream (the Baileys strawberries and cream flavor is a great option here)!
- While the rim is optional I find it adds a nice finishing touch to the drink. Feel free to substitute shortbread crumbs instead of the graham crackers here. To crush your crackers, use a food processor, coffee grinder, or a Ziploc bag and hard object, like a mallet or rolling pin
Step By Step Instructions
- Rim your glass by dipping the edge into a plate or shallow bowl with a little simple syrup (or similar), and then dip the wet edge into another plate or shallow bowl with the graham cracker crumbs. Turn to coat
- Add the whipped cream vodka and the strawberry puree to the glass, and stir to mix well
- Fill the glass with ice, then top with the cream soda
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry if desired, and enjoy!
Recommended Pairings
Desserts
- Shortbread Cookies – The buttery texture and mild sweetness enhance the “shortcake” flavor in the cocktail
- Strawberry Cheesecake – A creamy, tangy dessert that pairs well with the drink’s strawberry and vanilla notes
- Vanilla Cupcakes With Strawberry Frosting – Complements the cocktail’s smooth and fruity profile!
- White Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries – A decadent pairing that brings out the sweetness of the drink
Savory Snacks
- Brie or Mascarpone on Crackers – Soft, creamy cheeses add a rich contrast to the drink’s sweetness
- Salted Nuts – Almonds or cashews balance the cocktail’s rich and creamy flavors.
- Buttery Croissants With Strawberry Jam – A flaky, slightly savory pastry that enhances the strawberry and cream elements. Make Frozen Croissants in the Air Fryer for a quick option!
Brunch Pairings
- Pancakes, Waffles, or Crepes With Whipped Cream & Berries – A perfect match for the cocktail’s dessert-like profile!
- French Toast With Powdered Sugar & Strawberries – The cinnamon and custard flavors complement the creamy, fruity drink
Recipe FAQs
Which Alcohol Goes with Strawberries?
Strawberries pair well with a variety of spirits, depending on the desired flavor profile. Vanilla or cake-flavored vodka enhances the dessert-like sweetness, while strawberry liqueur intensifies the fruitiness.
Rum (especially coconut or white rum) works well for a tropical twist, and amaretto adds a nutty depth that complements strawberries beautifully. For a lighter option, prosecco or rosé wine creates a refreshing, bubbly pairing!
Can You Make a Non-Alcoholic Version?
Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic strawberry shortcake mocktail, replace the vodka with ½ tsp vanilla or almond extract for flavor. The rest of the ingredients can remain the same, though you can add half and half (or a plant-based milk) for a creamy texture option.
For added fun, top with whipped cream and crushed shortbread cookies for a true dessert-like experience!
Tips For the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail
- This drink is on the weaker side due to the ratio of liquor to mixers. For a stronger drink, add more vodka or reduce the amount of soda added
- A strawberry shortcake cocktail is a dessert drink, so it is sweet. If you prefer a less-sweet drink, use fresh strawberries instead of a simple syrup or puree, or swap in unsweetened sparkling water or club soda instead of the cream soda (you’ll want to add ½ tsp almond extract or a ½ ounce of a cream liqueur like Baileys for flavor if you do this)
Serving and Presentation Tips
- Glassware. This recipe is versatile and can be served in your cocktail glass of choice. I like stemless wine glasses, but any lowball rocks-style glass is also a great option. For a “fancier” drink, use a martini glass or coupe glass instead!
- This drink is best served fresh due to the ice and carbonation. However, you can mix the vodka and strawberry syrup in a pitcher in the fridge up to 24 hours in advance (scale for desired servings for a party). Rim glasses, add ice, then fill halfway with the mixture and top with soda just before serving!
More Strawberry Shortcake Recipes
- Strawberry Shortcake Martini
- Strawberry Shortcake Milkshake
Final Thoughts
This tasty strawberry shortcake cocktail is a sweet, dessert-like drink that always reminds me of the old-fashioned dessert favorite we always enjoy at the peak of summer strawberry season!
However, this mixed drink is even easier to make, and perfectly refreshing for those warm summer nights. Whether you serve it by the glass or the batch, this is the perfect mixed drink to enjoy with dessert, or even for brunch.
I like to serve it for backyard barbecues and summer parties, but it would be equally good sipped poolside, or even for Easter or Mother’s Day brunch!
Easy Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail With Vodka
Equipment
- Stemless wine glass (or similar)
- Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 ounces whipped cream flavor vodka
- 1 ounce strawberry puree
- 3 ounces cream soda
For the Rim
- 1-2 Tbsp graham cracker crumbs (amount approximate)
- Lemon juice, simple syrup, or a little extra puree
Instructions
- Rim your glass by dipping the edge into a plate or shallow bowl with a little simple syrup (or similar), and then dip the wet edge into another plate or shallow bowl with the graham cracker crumbs. Turn to coat1-2 Tbsp graham cracker crumbs, Lemon juice, simple syrup, or a little extra puree
- Add the whipped cream vodka and the strawberry puree to the glass, and stir to mix well2 ounces whipped cream flavor vodka, 1 ounce strawberry puree
- Fill the glass with ice, then top with the cream soda3 ounces cream soda
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- You can use vanilla, cake, or strawberry vodka instead of whipped cream flavor
- For the strawberry puree, you can substitute pureed fresh strawberries (2-3 medium sized) and strain the seeds and pulp, or use strawberry flavored simple syrup instead
- Instead of cream soda, you can use a lemon lime soda (like Sprite or 7 Up) or an unsweetened sparkling water or club soda (to reduce sweetness) and add ½ tsp almond extract or ½ ounce amaretto liqueur to compensate for flavor
- For a creamier drink, add ½ ounce of half and half, Tequila Rose, or Irish cream (the Baileys strawberries and cream flavor is great here)
- Feel free to substitute shortbread crumbs instead of the graham crackers here. To crush your crackers, use a food processor, coffee grinder, or a Ziploc bag and hard object, like a mallet or rolling pin
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any garnishes added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
