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Strawberry Vodka Lemonade is a cool summertime cocktail that is simple, refreshing, and easy to make in a large batch for your backyard barbecues. A quick combo of strawberry simple syrup, freshly squeezed lemonade, and vodka is your answer to the best party cocktails!

Looking for more party cocktails to try? Look no further! Try my fan-favorite Classic Skinny Margaritas (or Swirl Margaritas), my personal favorite Mai Tai Recipe, or some tangy Limoncello Moscow Mules. There is also the Classic Moscow Mule as well!

Two glasses of vodka strawberry lemonades.

Vodka Lemonade

Since my Strawberry Vodka Lemonade Slushies are a huge hit with so many, I decided to make a non-frozen version for y’all. These are so simple to prepare in advance and get even tastier as they chill. I recommend doubling (or even tripling) for your next party, and serving these to your family and friends!

Three words (ok, four) describe these cocktails. 😀

Tangy – Freshly squeezed lemon, y’all!
Slightly Sweet – I added minimal sugar because we don’t like overly sweet cocktails. So if you like yours sweet, then add more sugar to your strawberry simple syrup!
Boozy – Nobody ever claims my cocktails to be weak! But drink responsibly (and eat)!

A strawberry vodka lemonade with a hand on the straw.

Three Parts:

Strawberry Simple Syrup – A combo of fresh strawberries, sugar, and water. You can make this sweeter if preferred. You can also keep a jar of regular simple syrup handy to add for those who like a sweeter drink.
Freshly Squeezed Lemons – Key to this cocktail. Use fresh lemons and stay away from the jarred stuff in the store.
Vodka – I usually go with Ketel One Vodka, but any good quality vodka is fine.

How to make Strawberry Vodka Lemonade:

Step 1
Make the simple syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries, sugar, and water. Bring to a boil and then simmer for a few minutes. Use a utensil to break the strawberries apart. For this recipe, I ended up with about 1 1/2 cups of simple syrup after straining out the pulp.

Step 2
Strain simple syrup. Pour the strawberry mixture into a fine mesh sieve over a measuring cup or bowl. Press the pulp into the sieve to extract as much liquid as possible. I like to let it strain for 15 minutes or so. Chill the juice and discard the pulp (or use it in something else).

A pan of quartered strawberries with sugar.

A pan of cooked strawberries for cocktails.

Step 3
Squeeze the lemons. Use a citrus press to squeeze about 6 lemons. You’ll need about one cup of fresh juice.

Side shot of lemon juice with 1/2 lemons just squeezed.

Step 4
Combine ingredients. Combine the strained juice, fresh lemon juice, and vodka in a carafe or pitcher. Add some lemon wedges, if desired.

Step 5
Chill. Chill the strawberry vodka lemonade for at least an hour before serving. You can also prep several hours in advance and keep chilled.

A carafe of strawberry vodka lemonade with lemon slices.

Step 6
Prep glasses. Prep glasses by adding some sliced strawberries, lemon slices, and ice to desired glasses. Pour vodka lemonade into the glasses.

Serve. Enjoy with a straw and serve with some yummy snacks! (See below.)

A hand holding up a strawberry lemonade with vodka.

Virgin Drinks

You can make this virgin by:

Skipping the vodka.
Doubling the simple syrup. You’ll need to add extra sugar too, especially if you are serving them to kids.
Adding more lemon juice.

Cocktail Tips

Prep in advance. When you’re making cocktails for more than just you, it’s important to prep to make sure you have everything planned out. You can make this one in advance without a problem, but some drinks will require some last-minute prep.
Use fresh ingredients. For this recipe, make sure you use RIPE strawberries. Mine were perfectly red and juicy so they provided a super sweet syrup. It’s also important to always keep fresh citrus on hand (like lemons and limes) because they are used so often.
Focus on presentation. Use some nice glasses for cocktails. None of those red solo cups, y’all! I love to keep a variety of mason jars because they are so versatile. You also can’t go wrong by shopping at Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn for super cute glasses!
Garnish. Now that I’m a food and cocktail blogger, I’m all about the garnishes. Wedges of lemons, limes, oranges, and strawberries as well as salt and sugar rims are key. The sky is the limit here!

Party Snacks

You need to enjoy some snacks to go with these cocktails. And I’ve got choices for you!

Cowboy Caviar with Avocado – A healthy dip aside from the chips. But 100% worth it!
Baked Artichoke Dip – A blog favorite!
Southern Pimento Cheese – My latest dip and it’s a good one.
Healthy Hummus Recipe – Yup, healthy and delish.

Overhead shot of two jars os strawberry lemonades with vodka.

Kitchen Tools Used: (affiliate links)

xoxo ~Sue