Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade brings together bold and sweet in the easiest way. Whiskey gives it a strong, peppery base, balanced out by the brightness of lemonade and the smooth sweetness of strawberry puree. A touch of simple syrup ties it all together without overdoing it. It’s chilled, fruity, and just strong enough to keep things interesting. Perfect for front porch sipping, BBQs, or anytime you want a drink that’s laid-back with a little bite.
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Tasting Notes
This Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade cocktail is smooth, tart, and lightly sweet with a fruity finish. The whiskey brings in some warmth and spice, which balances well with the fresh lemonade. The strawberry puree adds a soft berry flavor that blends right in without overpowering the drink. A bit of simple syrup keeps it mellow and easy to sip. The garnish of mint, lemon, and strawberry adds a fresh aroma right at the top of the glass. Overall, it’s a relaxed mix of bold and bright—refreshing but still grounded, with just enough character from the whiskey to make it stand out.
Equipment and Glassware
You don’t need much to put this drink together. A cocktail shaker is helpful to mix everything smoothly, especially with the strawberry puree. A jigger or measuring tool makes it easy to get the right ratios. If you want to go the extra step, use a fine strainer to keep the texture clean. A muddler is optional if you’re working with fresh strawberries. For serving, a rocks or highball glass works best, depending on how much ice you want to use. A straw is optional, but appreciated on warmer days when this drink really shines.
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey
- 3 oz lemonade
- 1 oz strawberry puree
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Garnish: fresh mint, lemon wheel, and strawberry slice
Instructions
- Add whiskey, lemonade, strawberry puree, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with mint, a lemon wheel, and a strawberry slice.
Pro Tips
- Use fresh strawberry puree for a stronger, cleaner fruit flavor.
- Adjust the simple syrup based on how sweet your lemonade is.
- Muddle mint in the shaker for more aroma if you like herbal notes.
- Use crushed ice for a faster chill and more dilution.
- Add a splash of club soda to lighten it up.
- Try smoked rye whiskey for a bolder version.
- Make it a frozen version by blending with ice.
- Garnish right before serving to keep everything looking and smelling fresh.
When to Serve
This Whiskey Strawberry Lemonade drink is perfect for warm weather, weekend gatherings, or relaxed evenings on the porch. It’s a solid pick for barbecue season or outdoor picnics—easy to batch and serve over ice. It also works well for spring and summer events when you want something whiskey-based that isn’t too heavy. Since it’s fruit-forward but still has that rye backbone, it’s great for people who like whiskey but want something a little lighter. Serve it at brunch, at a casual dinner, or just when you feel like something fresh with a bit of a kick.
Which Liquor Brands to Choose
- Homemade lemonade with fresh lemons and sugar
- Bulleit Rye (bold and balanced)
- Rittenhouse Rye (good value, strong flavor)
- Old Forester Rye (peppery and smooth)
- Wild Turkey 101 Rye (a little more kick if you like it strong)
- Simply Lemonade (fresh and widely available)
- Natalie’s Lemonade (if you want a clean, small-batch option)
Similar Cocktails
- Cherry Vanilla Whiskey Float
- Leatherneck Cocktail
- Spiced Cider Lemonade
- Pumpkin Whiskey Smash
- Peach Bourbon Arnold Palmer
Ingredients
- 2 oz whiskey
- 3 oz lemonade
- 1 oz strawberry puree
- 0.5 oz simple syrup
- Garnish: fresh mint lemon wheel, and strawberry slice
Instructions
- Add whiskey, lemonade, strawberry puree, and simple syrup to a shaker filled with ice.
- Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a glass over fresh ice.
- Garnish with mint, a lemon wheel, and a strawberry slice.
Notes
Pro Tips
- You can use store-bought or homemade strawberry puree. For homemade, blend fresh strawberries with a bit of sugar.
- Adjust the sweetness by dialing the simple syrup up or down.
- Muddle a few mint leaves in the shaker if you want more of that herbal note.