The Strawberry Lemon Crush is a bright, simple cocktail that mixes the sweetness of strawberry purée with the clean kick of citrus vodka. It’s smooth, slightly tart, and super easy to enjoy. The strawberries bring a fresh, fruity base while the citrus vodka adds just enough bite to keep it lively. Serve it over ice for a chilled, laid-back drink that’s perfect for warm weather, brunch, or easy afternoon sipping. It’s refreshing without being too sweet, and it comes together fast, no fuss, just good flavor in every sip.

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Tasting Notes

The Strawberry Lemon Crush is a bright, refreshing cocktail bursting with fruity flavors and a citrusy zing. Fresh strawberry purée and sliced strawberries provide natural sweetness and a vibrant red hue, while freshly squeezed lemon juice adds a tart, tangy contrast. Citrus vodka enhances the zesty notes, blending seamlessly with the strawberry lemonade for a smooth, balanced drink. Served over ice, this cocktail is both crisp and invigorating, making it a perfect sip for warm days. Garnished with lemon slices and a fresh strawberry, it delivers an eye-catching presentation and a deliciously juicy finish.

Equipment and Glassware

To prepare this refreshing cocktail, you’ll need a cocktail shaker for blending and chilling the ingredients efficiently. A muddler helps extract the full flavor from the fresh strawberries, while a strainer ensures a smooth pour, free from pulp or seeds. A citrus juicer or reamer is useful for extracting fresh lemon juice, enhancing the drink’s brightness. Serve this cocktail in a highball or Collins glass, allowing enough room for ice and the lemonade topper. A cocktail pick or tongs will help place the garnishes for an elegant and polished look.

Ingredients

1/2 oz strawberry puree
2 sliced strawberries
1 oz lemon juice
2 oz citrus vodka
Strawberry Lemonade, to top
Strawberry slice and lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Build the Base: In a cocktail shaker, combine strawberry purée, sliced strawberries, fresh lemon juice, and citrus vodka.
Muddle: Gently muddle the ingredients to release the flavor from the strawberries.
Shake: Add ice to the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds until well chilled.
Strain and Serve: Strain into a mason jar or highball glass filled with fresh ice.
Top Off: Pour in strawberry lemonade until the glass is full.
Garnish: Add lemon slices and a whole strawberry to the rim for a festive finish.

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, use ripe, fresh strawberries and freshly squeezed lemon juice instead of bottled options.
If you prefer a slightly stronger drink, add a splash of triple sec or limoncello to enhance the citrus notes.
Adjust the sweetness by choosing a homemade strawberry lemonade or a premium store-bought version with natural ingredients.
To elevate the presentation, rim the glass with sugar or garnish with a sprig of mint for a refreshing aroma.
For an extra fizzy twist, substitute half of the lemonade with sparkling water or club soda.

When to Serve

The Strawberry Lemon Crush is the ultimate warm-weather cocktail, perfect for summer parties, poolside lounging, and outdoor brunches. Its bright and refreshing flavor profile makes it ideal for picnics, barbecues, and garden gatherings. It’s also a great choice for casual happy hours or as a signature drink for a bridal shower or baby shower. Whether you’re serving it at a festive event or simply enjoying a refreshing sip on a sunny afternoon, this cocktail is sure to impress with its vibrant taste and stunning presentation.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

For the best results, opt for a smooth citrus vodka like Absolut Citron, Ketel One Citroen, or Deep Eddy Lemon Vodka. If using a store-bought strawberry purée, brands like Monin or Torani offer high-quality options, but homemade is always best. When selecting strawberry lemonade, look for one with natural ingredients, such as Simply Lemonade with Strawberry or Newman’s Own. Using fresh, high-quality ingredients will enhance the drink’s natural flavors and create a well-balanced, refreshing cocktail.

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