When the heat of the day fades into the warmth of a golden sunset, there’s no better way to cool off than with a Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail in hand. This drink is not only refreshingly tart and sweet but also delightfully vibrant in color—making it perfect for any summer celebration or elegant cocktail hour.
If you love the classic Lemon Drop Martini, this fruity twist will take your taste buds to the next level. Combining fresh strawberries, vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup, this cocktail offers a sweet citrus burst that’s as stunning as it is sippable.
Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail
Ingrédients
Method
- Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a martini or coupe glass, then dip it into sugar to coat. Set aside to chill.
- Muddle or puree the fresh strawberries until smooth.
- In a cocktail shaker, combine vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and the strawberry puree.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15–20 seconds, until well chilled and frosty.
- Strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into the prepared glass, leaving the pulp behind.
- Garnish with a lemon slice on the rim and a halved strawberry floated on top.
Notes
What Is a Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail?
The Strawberry Lemon Drop is a fun and fruity spin on the traditional Lemon Drop cocktail. The base of vodka and lemon juice remains, but the addition of fresh strawberries gives it a beautiful color and a juicier, rounder flavor. It’s sweet, tangy, and a little bit bold—just like summer itself.
It’s especially popular at brunches, bachelorette parties, and spring/summer events. Serve it in a chilled martini glass with a sugared rim for an elegant touch.
🍓 Bonus: Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C—so while it’s a cocktail, there’s a hint of fruit-forward wholesomeness, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Strawberry Lemon Drop recipe uses fresh, simple ingredients to give you that bright and fresh flavor:
- 2 oz vodka – Any smooth, neutral vodka works best.
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice – Bright, tart, and citrusy.
- ¾ oz simple syrup – Made with equal parts sugar and water.
- ½ cup fresh strawberries – Hulled and sliced for blending.
- Ice – For shaking and chilling the drink.
- Sugar (for rimming the glass) – Adds a sweet, crunchy contrast.
- Garnish: lemon slice & fresh strawberry
Each ingredient plays a key role: the strawberries add natural sweetness and color, while the lemon juice balances everything with a bright, acidic kick. The simple syrup mellows the acidity and ties it all together.
Tools You’ll Need
For best results, gather the following:
- Cocktail shaker
- Fine mesh strainer (to remove strawberry pulp)
- Martini glass or coupe glass
- Muddler or spoon
- Blender or hand blender (optional for smoother puree
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for a perfect Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail every time:
- Rim your glass: Rub a lemon wedge around the rim and dip it in sugar. Set the glass aside to chill.
- Muddle or puree strawberries: Use a blender or muddler to break down the strawberries until smooth.
- Add all ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, add vodka, lemon juice, simple syrup, and strawberry puree. Fill the shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously: Shake for 15–20 seconds until the shaker is frosty and well-mixed.
- Strain and pour: Use a fine mesh strainer to pour the cocktail into your prepared glass, leaving the pulp behind.
- Garnish: Add a lemon slice on the rim and float a halved strawberry for a visual pop.
Flavor Profile: What to Expect
- Tart and Refreshing: Thanks to the lemon juice, it cuts through sweetness and cools you down.
- Sweet and Fruity: The strawberries add not only flavor but a natural sweetness.
- Smooth and Sippable: Vodka offers a clean base that lets the fruit flavors shine.
- Balanced Finish: The simple syrup binds everything together without overpowering.
Why You’ll Love This Drink
- 🍓 Uses fresh seasonal fruit
- 🍋 Perfect balance of sweet and sour
- 🍸 Looks elegant and colorful
- ✨ Can be made in advance
- 🎉 Works well for parties, brunches, or date nights
Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail Variations
Want to customize this cocktail to your taste? Try one of these creative tweaks:
- Spicy Version: Add a thin slice of jalapeño when muddling strawberries.
- Sparkling Strawberry Drop: Top with club soda or prosecco.
- Strawberry Basil Lemon Drop: Muddle fresh basil leaves with strawberries.
- Low-Sugar Version: Use a sugar substitute in the simple syrup.
- Frozen Lemon Drop: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy treat.
Mocktail Version (Zero Alcohol)
If you’re skipping alcohol but still want the experience, you can absolutely enjoy a Strawberry Lemon Drop mocktail.
Just replace the vodka with:
- Sparkling water or club soda (for fizz)
- Lemon-lime soda (for sweetness and bubbles)
- Tonic water (for a more grown-up feel)
Keep the strawberries, lemon juice, and simple syrup—this keeps the fresh flavor intact.
Food Pairings for a Complete Experience
Pair your Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail with light, flavorful dishes to elevate the moment:
- Goat cheese crostini
- Grilled shrimp skewers
- Fresh fruit salad with mint
- Strawberry spinach salad
- Lemon garlic chicken bites
- Cheesecake or lemon tart for dessert
These combos bring out the drink’s fresh acidity and berry-forward flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them first. Fresh strawberries offer better color and brightness, though.
2. What type of vodka should I use?
Go for a smooth, mid-shelf vodka like Tito’s, Absolut, or a fruit-infused version.
3. How do I make simple syrup?
Combine 1 part sugar and 1 part water. Heat gently until sugar dissolves. Let cool before using.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix all ingredients (except garnish and ice) and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
5. What’s the difference between a Lemon Drop and Strawberry Lemon Drop?
The Strawberry version includes fresh berries for added sweetness, color, and complexity.
Linking Suggestions
- Strawberry Lemonade Margarita
- Berry Breeze Cocktail
- Tropical Peach Punch
- Pineapple Coconut Vodka Cooler
These links support SEO and offer readers more drink ideas with similar ingredients.
Other Resources (Add with context)
- How to Make Simple Syrup – Serious Eats
- Health Benefits of Strawberries – WebMD
- How to Rim a Glass Like a Pro – Liquor.com
Final Thoughts: Why This Drink Belongs in Your Repertoire
The Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail is a drink that balances elegance with fun, sweet with tart, and freshness with flair. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and flexible enough to suit any occasion—from brunch to beach parties, girls’ night to date night.
Whether you’re muddling for one or batching for a crowd, this cocktail is sure to impress. It’s one of those recipes that belongs in every home bartender’s toolkit.