In search of a refreshing summer drink without the alcohol? Give this strawberry mocktail a try! With fresh strawberries and lemon juice for tart, sweet flavor, it's easy to make, non-alcoholic, and the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
Why We Love This Recipe
- Alcohol free: This strawberry mocktail is perfect for those who are abstaining, including expectant mothers, designated drivers, or anyone who simply prefers to skip the booze. It can also easily be turned into a regular cocktail by adding vodka or tequila, so it's great to make for a crowd. The best part? Even without the liquor, it's super satisfying and delicious, so nobody is missing out!
- Super easy to make:Â All you need for this recipe are four ingredients, a blender and a mesh sieve, and it takes just about 5 minutes of your time. It's that easy!
- Seasonal treat: We love making this strawberry mocktail in the summer, when strawberries are in-season and at their peak freshness. It's the perfect way to use up any extra strawberries you might have in your fridge.
- Sweet, tangy, floral and bubbly:Â Strawberries and simple syrup add sweetness, lemon juice brightens everything up, elderflower tonic water adds that extra "oomph" that takes this strawberry mocktail to the next level.
Ingredient Notes
- Strawberries: Fresh are best, but we certainly won't judge if you make these strawberry mocktails with frozen strawberries. Just thaw them out in the microwave before blending.
- Simple syrup: If you can't find simple syrup or aren't in the mood to make it from scratch, feel free to substitute it with agave or honey.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed always tastes best in cocktails! We used lemon juice to create a strawberry lemonade flavor, but you can also use lime juice to create a strawberry limeade. Just use whatever citrus you prefer!
- Tonic water: We love the subtle floral taste of elderflower, so we opted for an elderflower-flavored tonic water, but you can use plain tonic water, club soda, or sparkling water in this recipe. The elderflower also adds that extra note of flavor that really elevates this strawberry mocktail and makes it extra satisfying, especially for those that miss the kick of alcohol.
Expert Tips and FAQs
- Garnish: What's the fun of this strawberry mocktail without a pretty garnish!? For this mocktail, we love showcasing the ingredients with a lemon wedge or some strawberry slices. We also add a sprig of mint.
- Customizable: Since this strawberry mocktail is not based on any traditional cocktails, feel free to get creative. Add in the citrus of your choice (lemon, lime, even grapefruit would work), and the topper of your choice (tonic, club soda, sparkling water). You could even try subbing out the strawberries for blueberries or raspberries.
- Straining:Â Since strawberry seeds are so small, they can be a bit of a pain to strain. We recommend using a fine mesh sieve to help with that. Inevitably, seeds and strawberry pulp will clog up the holes of the sieve, so use a flexible silicone spatula to periodically scrape the bottom of the sieve and push the pulp through.
- When it's extra hot:Â Add crushed ice or ice cubes to the bottom of the glass before pouring in the strawberry mixture.
- Make ahead and storage: Strawberries can be blended and strained ahead of time, and then stored in an airtight container for 2-3 days in the fridge. When ready to make, just stir the strawberry mixture and pour into glasses, then top with tonic water.
- Tip for squeezing citrus:Â If you refrigerate your citrus, be sure to give it a good roll against your counter for 10-15 seconds, or throw it in the microwave for ten seconds. This will help maximize the amount of juice you'll get out of your lemon or lime.
Variations
- Make it for a crowd: Increase the recipe quantities by 4, and serve in a pitcher with extra sliced strawberries and lemon added in, sangria-style.
- Make it slushy: Use frozen strawberries and don't strain the mixture – just pour the frozen drink into glasses, top with tonic water and stir.
- Make it a strawberry mojito mocktail: Muddle some mint in the bottom of your glass before pouring in the blended strawberry, and garnish with even more mint. Voilà !
- Strawberry limeade: Just replace the lemon juice with lime juice.
- Strawberry mule mocktail: Replace the tonic water with non alcoholic ginger beer, and sub out the lemon for limes.
- Add basil: Strawberries and basil are a lovely flavor combination, so if you want a bit of basil flavor in your mocktail, muddle a few basil leaves in your glass before pouring in the strawberry mixture.
- Infuse the simple syrup: This is the easiest way to add extra flavor and it's so versatile! Infuse your simple syrup with herbs (mint, basil, thyme), jalapeño, ginger, lavender, vanilla bean, or anything else your heart desires.
