Description
A bright, zesty punch combining fresh strawberries, lemon juice, and smooth vodka, perfect for summer gatherings. This easy-to-make recipe balances tartness and sweetness with a refreshing fizz.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4–5 medium fresh lemons (for about 1 cup fresh lemon juice)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 cups cold water
- 1 1/2 cups vodka (350 ml)
- 2 cups club soda or sparkling water
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Place the sliced strawberries in a bowl or pitcher. Gently crush them with a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon until they release juice but still hold some shape. Add granulated sugar and stir well. Let sit for about 10 minutes to macerate.
- Juice the lemons using a citrus juicer to get about 1 cup (240 ml) of fresh lemon juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp.
- Add the fresh lemon juice and cold water to the strawberry syrup mixture. Stir thoroughly to dissolve any remaining sugar and blend flavors. Adjust sweetness by adding more sugar or water if needed.
- Pour in the vodka and stir gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to chill and let flavors marry.
- Just before serving, add the club soda or sparkling water to the punch and stir gently. Add plenty of ice cubes, lemon slices, and fresh mint leaves for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
Add sparkling water just before serving to keep the fizz fresh. Avoid over-muddling strawberries to prevent cloudiness. For a non-alcoholic version, omit vodka and increase sparkling water or substitute with lemon-lime soda. Use fresh lemons and strawberries for best flavor. Prepare syrup and lemonade base up to 24 hours ahead, add vodka and soda before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 ounces (240 ml)
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
Keywords: strawberry lemonade, vodka punch, summer drink, refreshing punch, party punch, easy cocktail, fresh fruit punch