Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash Recipe

I created my Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash after stumbling on a simple trick that keeps readers asking me for the recipe.

I never thought a simple glass could make me pause, but this Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash does that. I like to muddle fresh strawberries with vodka, and the mix somehow feels both bold and easy, like it remembers a good joke halfway through telling it.

It’s bright without being sugary, and every sip makes you try to name that flavor you forgot you loved. I keep finding reasons to make one, whether a small get together or that one evening when I need a little lift, and people always ask what made it taste so different.

Trust me, you will too, under Non Sweet Cocktails.

Ingredients

• strawberries: add natural sweetness, vitamin C and fiber, bright flavor and fruity body.
• Lime: tart citrus, lots of vitamin C, balances sweetness and lifts the drink.
• Vodka: clean, neutral spirit that brings alcoholic warmth without masking fruit notes.
• Simple syrup: sweetens smoothly, mixes easy, adds carbs and quick energy.
• mint: aromatic, adds cool herbal lift, tiny micronutrients, low calories but big flavor.
• Club soda: makes it fizzy and lighter, zero calories, keeps the drink refreshing.
• Ice: chills, slightly dilutes over time so flavors open up and mellow.

Ingredient Quantities

• 2 oz vodka, a decent brand you like
• 4 to 6 fresh strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 3/4 oz fresh lime juice, about 1 lime
• 3/4 oz simple syrup (1:1 sugar and water) or 3/4 tbsp granulated sugar
• 6 to 8 fresh mint leaves, plus extra for garnish
• Ice, crushed or cubes as you prefer
• 1 to 2 oz club soda to top, optional but nice
• Lime wheel and strawberry slice for garnish, optional

How to Make this

1. Put the quartered strawberries, 6 to 8 mint leaves, 3/4 oz fresh lime juice and 3/4 oz simple syrup or 3/4 tablespoon granulated sugar into a sturdy glass or cocktail shaker.

2. Gently muddle the strawberries and mint to crush the berries and bruise the mint leaves enough to release oils, but dont pulverize the seeds or grind the mint into paste.

3. If you used granulated sugar, muddle a bit longer or stir until the sugar mostly dissolves so the drink wont be gritty.

4. Add 2 oz vodka and a handful of ice to the shaker, then shake hard for about 10 to 15 seconds until the outside feels cold. Chilled vodka makes it smoother.

5. Fill your serving glass with crushed ice or cubes, whatever you prefer, and strain the shaken mix into the glass. For a cleaner drink use a fine mesh strainer to catch seeds and pulp.

6. Top with 1 to 2 oz club soda if you want a bit of fizz, then gently stir once or twice to combine.

7. Taste it. Add a splash more simple syrup if it needs sweetness or a touch more lime if it needs brightness.

8. Slap an extra mint sprig between your palms to wake up the aroma, then garnish with the mint, a lime wheel and a strawberry slice.

9. Serve right away with a short straw or spoon for scooping the muddled berries, cause the drink tastes best cold and fresh.

Equipment Needed

1. Cocktail shaker or a sturdy mixing glass with a lid
2. Muddler (for crushing strawberries and bruising mint)
3. Measuring jigger or small measuring spoons (for oz and tablespoons)
4. Citrus juicer or hand reamer (for the lime)
5. Fine mesh strainer (to catch seeds and pulp)
6. Bar spoon or long spoon (for stirring)
7. Sharp knife and cutting board (hulled strawberries, lime wheel)
8. Serving glass plus a short straw or small spoon for scooping the muddled berries

FAQ

Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Vodka: swap in gin for a herbal, juniper note; blanco tequila for a brighter, peppery vibe; or light white rum if you want it a touch sweeter and more tropical.
• Strawberries: use thawed frozen strawberries when fresh aren’t available, raspberries for a tarter berry flavor, or a mix of strawberry and watermelon in summer for extra juiciness.
• Fresh lime juice: lemon juice works in a pinch though it’s a bit less sharp, or use half lime and half grapefruit juice for a funky citrus twist; bottled lime will do if fresh is impossible but fresher is better.
• Fresh mint: swap in basil for a sweet, slightly peppery lift, cilantro for a bright green note if you like bold flavors, or muddle cucumber slices with the fruit for a cool, refreshing alternative.

Pro Tips

Tip 1: If you got a few extra minutes, mash the strawberries with the sugar and let them sit for ten to fifteen minutes before mixing. Theyll release way more juice and taste sweeter so you wont have to add as much syrup later.

Tip 2: Be gentle with the mint when you muddle, dont grind it into a paste. Bruise the leaves just enough to wake up the oils, otherwise the drink can turn kind of bitter.

Tip 3: Use very cold vodka and chill your glass if you can, it makes the whole thing smoother. Crushed ice chills faster and dilutes quicker, cubes keep it stronger longer, so pick which one fits how you like it.

Tip 4: Double strain through a fine mesh if you want a cleaner sip with no seeds or big pulp, but if you like bits of berry leave some through, everyone likes it different.