If you're looking for a delicious cocktail you can't go wrong with this spiked strawberry lemonade vodka drink. It's a pitcher drink made with fresh, ripe berries 🍓 - perfect with Mexican food!
Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.
Add the sliced berries.
Simmer another minute or two. Let cool.
Blend until smooth. Let cool.
Add the strawberry mixture, vodka, and lemon juice to a pitcher. Stir well.
Slice a few strawberries and lemon wheels to add to the pitcher.
Chill at least 2 hours if possible and serve ice cold, garnished with lemon wheels and whole berries.
Non-alcoholic homemade strawberry lemonade
Follow the instructions above but leave out the vodka.
Add an extra half cup of lemon juice and an extra half cup of strawberry syrup.
Taste and adjust mixture so it's just the way you like it.
Video
Notes
Use the ripest berries possible.
Let the sugar syrup and strawberry mixture cool before continuing with the recipe. If you don't you may burn off some of the alcohol or run the chance of the pitcher shattering if it's glass.
This is better the second day. Make it, cover tightly, and refrigerate.
Some people prefer to strain the strawberry and syrup mixture through a fine mesh sieve to get rid of any fiber or seeds from the berries.
You can skip the lemon juice and use prepared lemonade or lemonade mix and water if you like. I don't like it that way but many people do.
Leave the vodka out for a delicious strawberry lemonade that is kid friendly.
Always store in the refrigerator, tightly covered.
You can leave the vodka out and freeze the strawberry lemonade part in ice cube trays. Just add to your blender with a couple of ounces of vodka when ready to serve.
You can use frozen strawberries 🍓 - just thaw them and let them drain in a colander over a bowl. Measure and use the liquid that drains off as part of the water called for in the recipe.
Variations
Use an equal measure of lime juice in place of lemon for spiked strawberry limeade.
Use raspberries, cherries, or blueberries in place of strawberries (equal measure).
Use frozen strawberries and blend with partially frozen sugar syrup for a strawberry vodka lemonade slush.
Use a flavored vodka. Try strawberry, lemon, or another favorite.
Silver tequila is a great substitute for the vodka.
Leave out the sugar syrup and top the berries and lemon juice off with Sprite or 7-Up.