This recipe for a simple mojito-inspired Strawberry Mocktail screams summertime.
If you're craving something refreshing and bursting with sweet strawberries, then you're in for a treat. This non-alcoholic beverage is perfect for those warm days when you want to cool down with a delicious drink in hand.
Imagine the taste of ripe, fresh strawberries dancing on your taste buds, coupled with the zing of citrusy lemon and the invigorating fizz of sparkling water. This mocktail offers the perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors, making it a hit for all ages.
If you love to create drinks with fresh fruits, check out my recipe for Strawberry Syrup made with fresh strawberry puree. It comes in handy when making Strawberry Sweet Tea, another perfect drink to serve on a hot summer day.
What is a Mocktail?
If you're reading about this recipe, chances are you know what a mocktail is. However, if you're unfamiliar with the concept, let's chat for a minute.
A mocktail is a non-alcoholic beverage that looks and tastes like a cocktail but contains no alcohol. Another term for it would be a virgin cocktail.
Common ingredients used in mocktails include a variety of fresh ingredients like fruit juices, fresh fruit, and herbs. These tasty drinks can also include tonic water, sodas or ginger beer, and flavored syrups, allowing for endless possibilities in creating a refreshing and flavorful delicious beverage. They can be served in a highball glass, wine glass, or even a mason jar.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing Flavor - A strawberry mocktail offers a burst of refreshing flavor and is one of the best ways to quench your thirst in the summer months. With the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries and the tangy kick of lemon juice, each sip is like a taste of summer in a glass.
- Versatility - This mocktail recipe features ripe strawberries, tangy lemon, and fizzy sparkling water that's perfect for any occasion. Whether you're sipping poolside on a hot summer day or hosting a baby shower, this non-alcoholic drink is sure to be a hit.
- Simple Ingredients, Easy Preparation - With just a handful of ingredients like strawberries, lemon, and sparkling water, you can whip up a delicious strawberry mocktail in minutes. There's no need for fancy equipment or complicated techniques - simply muddle, mix, and garnish for a refreshing drink that's ready to enjoy.
Substitutions
- Not a fan of lemon? No problem! You can easily swap it out for fresh lime juice to give your mocktail a refreshing twist.
- Prefer a sweeter drink? Consider using club soda instead of sparkling water, or try adding a splash of your favorite fruit juice like cranberry or grapefruit.
Variations
This Strawberry Mojito Mocktail features fresh mint leaves. Here are some suggestions for using this Strawberry mocktail base recipe to make a few other easy mocktails.
- Strawberry Limeade - Skip the lemon and double up on the lime slices for an extra burst of citrusy flavor. Increase the amount of sparkling water to achieve a lighter, bubbly drink. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding a touch of simple syrup or honey. Decorate the rim of the glass with a lime wedge.
- Strawberry Daiquiri Mocktail - Instead of using mint leaves, swap them out for fresh basil leaves or omit them altogether. Add a splash of fresh lime juice to enhance the citrusy flavor and create a mocktail reminiscent of a classic strawberry daiquiri. You can also blend the ingredients with some ice for a slushy texture.
- Strawberry Grapefruit Mocktail - Replace the lemon slices with grapefruit slices to infuse a tangy grapefruit flavor into your mocktail. You can also add a splash of cranberry juice for a touch of sweetness and a vibrant pink hue. Garnish with a grapefruit wedge for an extra burst of citrus aroma.
Ingredients
*For specific ingredient amounts, please scroll down to the printable recipe card.
How To Make This Strawberry Mocktail Recipe
Step 1. Add the diced strawberries and sliced lemons to a glass.
Step 2. Add the fresh mint leaves. Using a cocktail muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, press the ingredients into the bottom of the glass to combine the flavors.
Step 3. Pour sparkling water or soda over the muddled strawberries and stir everything together.
Step 4. Add ice cubes and garnish with strawberry slices or lemon wedges.
Storage
This mocktail is best right after all the ingredients have been combined. If you'd like, you can muddle the fruit and mint and store it in an airtight container for up to 24 hours before serving. Add the soda and ice right before serving for best results.
Pro Tip
This recipe make one serving. If I want to make multiple mocktail at once, I set all my glasses up with the required ingredients like an assembly line. If you prefer, you can multiply the ingredients and muddle the fruit and mint in a large measuring cup or pitcher.
For the best flavor, be sure to use fresh strawberries. If you can't find fresh berries, frozen strawberries will work in a pinch. To make your mocktail extra special, consider adding sugar to the rim of the glass or adding a decorative strawberry slice as a garnish. Presentation is key!
Notes/FAQs
Absolutely! You can prepare the strawberry and lemon mixture in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you're ready to serve, simply pour in the sparkling water and give it a good stir. Easy peasy!
Of course! If you prefer a sweeter drink, you can use maple syrup or coconut sugar as natural sweeteners instead of added sugar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by tasting as you go. Adjusting the sweetness or tartness of a mocktail is simple. You can add more or less of the sweetening agent, such as simple syrup or honey, to control the sweetness. To adjust tartness, you can add more citrus juice
Definitely! If you have a cocktail shaker on hand, feel free to use it to mix your mocktail ingredients. Just be sure to give it a good shake to incorporate all the flavors before pouring it into glasses.
If you don't have a cocktail shaker or muddler, don't worry! You can use alternative methods to mix your mocktail ingredients. For example, you can shake the ingredients together in a tightly sealed jar or use the back of a spoon to gently muddle the fruits and herbs in a glass. The key is to mix the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a well-balanced mocktail.
Garnishes can add flair and flavor to your mocktail. You can use fresh fruit slices, herbs like mint or basil, citrus twists, or even edible flowers. Get creative with your garnishes to make your mocktails visually appealing and extra delicious.
Strawberry Mocktail
Ingredients
- ¾ cup diced strawberries and a few extra strawberries for garnish
- ½ lemon sliced
- 1 can of sparkling water or light-coloured soda of choice
- 5-10 mint leaves
- Ice optional
Instructions
- Add the diced strawberries and sliced lemons to a glass.
- Add the fresh mint leaves. Using a cocktail muddler or the end of a wooden spoon, press the ingredients into the bottom of the glass to combine the flavors.
- Pour sparkling water or soda over the muddled strawberries and stir everything together.
- Add ice cubes and garnish with strawberry slices or lemon wedges.
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