Summer is all about refreshing, fruity cocktails that are simple to make. After all, if I’m relaxing by the pool or enjoying a barbecue with friends and family, I don’t want to fuss over complicated drinks. This strawberry vodka lemonade checks all the boxes for an easy yet delicious beverage!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
A strawberry vodka lemonade is so simple to make, with just 2 core ingredients required (plus ice and any fresh fruit you want to add, but the latter is optional).
This strawberry vodka cocktail is a great mixed drink that’s ideal for entertaining and days when you just want to kick back and chill without a lot of fuss! This recipe scales easily for a pitcher, but it’s just as simple to make by the glass, so it suits any occasion.
Vodka lemonades are refreshing and the perfect mix of tart and sweet which just scream summer!
Katie’s tip
I’m using Smirnoff strawberry flavored vodka to make mine, because I have leftovers from my chocolate covered strawberry martini I made earlier this year.
However, like many cocktails, there are lots of different ingredients you can use, and variations to try to really make this strawberry vodka lemonade mixed drink your own, so I’ll give you all the details below.
Quick + Easy Recipes
straight to your inbox
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Ingredients
- 2 ounces strawberry vodka (such as Smirnoff)
- 4-6 ounces prepared strawberry lemonade (such as Simply Strawberry Lemonade)
- Ice cubes
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
- If you don’t have strawberry vodka, you can also use plain or lemon (citron) vodka for this recipe. You can also use a strawberry lemonade flavored vodka, such as Svedka
- The amount of strawberry lemonade you need will vary based on your glass size and personal strength preferences. I usually do 5-6 ounces in a highball glass (but feel free to adjust for your personal tastes)
- You can also use regular lemonade and add 1 Tbsp (or to taste) of strawberry flavored syrup, muddled fresh strawberries (3-4), or strawberry jam instead
- Garnishes are entirely optional, but can include fresh strawberries, a slice of lemon, or a sprig of mint for color and flavor
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Variations
Frozen
Add all ingredients (start with 4 ounces of lemonade) to a blender with about 1 cup of ice. Pulse until a slushy consistency is reached for a frozen strawberry vodka lemonade.
You can adjust with more ice to thicken or more lemonade to thin the consistency if needed.
Sparkling
Substitute half the lemonade for a sparkling or carbonated beverage. This could be flavored (unsweetened) sparkling water in lemon, strawberry, or strawberry lemonade flavors, which also helps to reduce overall sweetness.
For a sweeter option, you can add lemon lime soda such as Sprite, to make a bubbly strawberry vodka lemonade with Sprite.
Punch
For a party punch bowl, combine a 2 liter bottle of Sprite or 7-Up, a 52 fl oz bottle of strawberry lemonade, and 1-2 cups of strawberry vodka (start with 1 and adjust to strength preference).
Mix well, then add ice, lemon slices, and fresh (washed) strawberries in the bowl, and you have strawberry vodka lemonade punch.
How to Make Strawberry Vodka Lemonade: Step By Step
- Fill a highball glass with ice and any fresh fruit you want to add to your drink (though that is entirely optional). Use large ice cubes or crushed ice, either is fine
- Pour in the strawberry vodka
- Top with the strawberry lemonade (adjust quantity as needed based on exact size of glasses and ice)
- Stir gently, garnish if desired, and enjoy!
- Blackberry Vodka Lemonade
- Blue Raspberry Vodka Lemonade
Recipe FAQs
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries in This Drink?
Yes, you can use frozen strawberries. They make a great alternative for some (or all) of the ice, and add flavor while reducing dilution.
If you plan to make a frozen strawberry vodka lemonade, blend some strawberries directly from frozen with the other ingredients for a thicker, slushier drink.
What Type of Vodka Is Best for Strawberry Vodka Lemonade?
A neutral-flavored vodka works best for strawberry vodka lemonade to let the strawberry and lemon flavors shine. Tito’s is a very popular choice for this.
However, you can also experiment with flavored vodkas like strawberry or lemon for an extra flavor boost. Smirnoff is a common selection for strawberry vodka based cocktails.
How Do I Adjust the Sweetness of Strawberry Vodka Lemonade?
For a sweeter drink, add more lemonade. Alternatively, you can also adjust by adding simple syrup, honey, or agave to taste.
For a less sweet drink, replace some of the strawberry lemonade with an unsweetened sparkling water in lemon or strawberry flavor. You can also make your own homemade lemonade instead of using prepared, which allows you more control to adjust sweetness.
Can I Make Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients (except the ice) up to 48 hours in advance. Store in a pitcher in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Add ice and any carbonated elements you’d like to add just before serving for maximum freshness.
Are There Non-Alcoholic Versions of Strawberry Vodka Lemonade?
Yes, to make a non-alcoholic mocktail version, simply omit the vodka. Add strawberry or lemon sparkling water to the strawberry lemonade for a fun and fizzy drink.
Garnish with a fresh strawberry, sprig of mint, or slice of lemon for the “cocktail” touch on this mocktail version.
What Garnishes Work Well With This Drink?
Garnish strawberry vodka lemonade with fresh strawberry slices, lemon wedges, or a sprig of mint.
For a festive touch, you can also rim the glass with sugar prior to mixing the cocktail.
How Should I Serve Strawberry Vodka Lemonade?
Serve strawberry vodka lemonade over ice in a tall glass.
For an extra refreshing touch, chill the glasses beforehand and add a few whole strawberries or lemon slices to the drink.
Can I Add Other Fruits to Strawberry Vodka Lemonade?
Absolutely! You can mix in other berries like raspberries or blueberries, or add a splash of peach or watermelon juice for a unique twist.
You can also experiment with different flavors of lemonade and vodka to create different combinations (like watermelon lemonade and strawberry vodka, or strawberry lemonade and blueberry vodka as examples).
Recipe Pro Tips
- I personally feel this strawberry vodka cocktail is medium strength as written. However, you can add more or less vodka or lemonade to change the ratio to suit your preferences. If the drink is too sweet, opt for adding unsweetened sparkling water or fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness levels
- If you want to add some frozen strawberries instead of some or all of the ice, feel free! Not only is it a nice touch visually, but it also adds flavor and reduces dilution when compared to just plain ice
Storage and Serving Tips for Strawberry Vodka Lemonade
- You can mix your strawberry vodka lemonade up to 48 hours in advance (without the ice) and store in a pitcher in the refrigerator. If you make homemade lemonade or add fresh fruit, reduce the time to 24 hours for best freshness
- Strawberry vodka lemonade mixed drinks are best served in a highball glass of some style. I use Collins glasses, but pint glasses and mason jars are other great options too
More Lemonade Cocktails
Final Thoughts
This simple strawberry vodka lemonade is the perfect cocktail recipe for summer! With just 2 ingredients plus ice, you can kick back and relax anytime, or enjoy low-stress entertaining.
Of course, like most cocktails, you can make it more complex if you prefer, with different vodka, fruits, carbonated elements, or homemade lemonade – the choice is yours!
This refreshing strawberry vodka cocktail is the perfect mixed drink for your pool parties, barbecues, and other summer fun. Whether you’re serving it by the glass or the pitcher, it’s sure to be a crowd pleaser!
Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Highball glass (or similar)
Ingredients
- 2 ounces strawberry vodka (such as Smirnoff)
- 4-6 ounces prepared strawberry lemonade (such as Simply Strawberry Lemonade)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Fill a highball glass with ice and any fresh fruit you want to add to your drink (though that is entirely optional). Use large ice cubes or crushed ice, either is fineIce cubes
- Pour in the strawberry vodka2 ounces strawberry vodka
- Top with the strawberry lemonade (adjust quantity as needed based on exact size of glasses and ice)4-6 ounces prepared strawberry lemonade
- Stir gently, garnish if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- The amount of strawberry lemonade you need will vary based on your glass size and personal strength preferences. I usually do 5-6 ounces in a highball glass (but feel free to adjust for your personal tastes)
- You can also use regular lemonade and add 1 Tbsp (or to taste) of strawberry flavored syrup, muddled fresh strawberries (3-4), or strawberry jam instead
- Garnishes are entirely optional, but can include fresh strawberries, a slice of lemon, or a sprig of mint for color and flavor
- This strawberry vodka cocktail is medium strength as written. However, you can add more or less vodka or lemonade to change the ratio to suit your preferences. If the drink is too sweet, opt for adding unsweetened sparkling water or fresh lemon juice to balance the sweetness levels
- If you want to add some frozen strawberries instead of some or all of the ice, feel free! Not only is it a nice touch visually, but it also adds flavor and reduces dilution when compared to just plain ice
- Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, size of glass and ice cubes, any garnishes added, and actual quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
Nutrition
