Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail Recipe
I love making refreshing cocktails for hot summer days. The Strawberry Lemon Drop is one of my favorites.
This sweet and tangy drink blends fresh strawberries, lemon juice, vodka, and simple syrup for a perfect balance of flavors.
The key to a great Strawberry Lemon Drop is using ripe, juicy strawberries. I puree them with some sugar to bring out their natural sweetness.
Then, I shake the puree with ice, vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup. The result is a bright pink cocktail that’s both pretty and delicious.
For an extra special touch, I rim the glass with sugar. This adds a sweet crunch that complements the tart lemon flavor.
I also like to garnish with a strawberry and lemon slice. It’s a simple cocktail that always impresses my guests at summer gatherings.
Recipe Card
Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail
Ingredients
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz fresh lemon juice
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 6-8 fresh strawberries
- Ice
- Sugar (for rimming glass)
- Strawberry and lemon slice (for garnish)
Instructions
- Muddle 6-8 strawberries in a shaker to release juice.
- Add vodka, lemon juice, and simple syrup to the shaker.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds.
- Rim a martini glass with sugar by running a lemon wedge around the rim and dipping it in sugar.
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with a strawberry and a lemon slice. Serve immediately.
Crafting the Perfect Strawberry Lemon Drop
A Strawberry Lemon Drop is a sweet, tangy cocktail combining fresh fruit flavors with a vodka kick. I’ll share my top tips for making this drink shine.
Essential Ingredients
I always start with high-quality vodka as the base. For the fruit elements, I use fresh strawberries and lemon juice. These give the drink its vibrant flavor and color. I add simple syrup or strawberry syrup to balance the tartness.
Some recipes call for limoncello, which adds extra lemon punch. I keep sugar on hand for rimming the glass. This adds a sweet crunch to each sip.
For the best taste, I use ripe strawberries. If they’re not in season, frozen ones work, too. I make sure to have plenty of ice for shaking and serving.
Mixology Techniques
I begin by muddling fresh strawberries in a cocktail shaker. This releases their juices and flavor.
Next, I add vodka, lemon juice, and syrup. Then, I fill the shaker with ice and shake it hard for about 15 seconds.
This chills the drink and mixes all the flavors together.
Before pouring, I rim the glass with sugar. I run a lemon wedge around the edge and dip it in sugar.
This step isn’t just for looks – it adds extra sweetness to each sip.
I strain the mixture into the glass. I use a fine-mesh strainer to catch any strawberry bits if I want a smoother drink.
Garnish and Presentation
The right glass makes a big difference. For a classic look, I use a martini glass or a coupe glass, which shows off the drink’s pretty pink color.
I like to keep the garnish simple. A lemon twist or a small strawberry on the rim works well. Sometimes, I float a thin lemon slice on top of the drink.
If I want to get fancy, I’ll add a strawberry slice to the rim of the glass, which will give a hint of what’s inside.
I serve the drink right away while it’s ice cold. The contrast between the chilled drink and the sugar rim makes this cocktail so enjoyable.
Variations and Nutritional Considerations
The Strawberry Lemon Drop Cocktail offers room for creative twists and dietary adjustments. I’ll explore some unique variations and provide info on nutrition and alternatives.
Creative Twists on a Classic Cocktail
I love experimenting with this cocktail. Try swapping regular vodka for strawberry or lemon vodka to boost flavor.
For a bubbly twist, add a splash of lemon-lime soda.
Berry syrup or fresh strawberry puree can replace strawberry liqueur. Frozen strawberries work well, too, as they keep the drink cold and add natural sweetness.
I sometimes make a Blueberry Lemon Drop using blueberries instead of strawberries for a fun spin. It’s just as tasty!
Limoncello can stand in for triple sec or Cointreau, giving an extra lemony kick.
Dietary Information and Alternatives
This cocktail can be high in sugar and calories. I use less simple syrup or a sugar-free substitute to lighten it up.
I cut the vodka amount in half for a lower-alcohol version and added more soda water.
Calories: About 200-250 per serving
Sugar: 15-20 grams
Alcohol: 15-20% ABV
For a non-alcoholic version:
- Replace vodka with extra soda water or lemon juice
- Use alcohol-free triple-sec syrup
- Add a dash of vanilla extract for depth
These swaps make a tasty “mocktail” that’s safe for everyone to enjoy.
