How to Make a Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail: Easy & Delicious Recipe

If you’re looking for a sweet and springy cocktail that’s just a little different, you’re in luck. This strawberry shortcake cocktail is unlike any drink you’ve ever had, but you’ll love the familiar flavors of whipped cream, strawberry, and lemonade.

Its beautiful pink hue comes from the strawberries, and for an extra splash of color, you can toss in some mint leaves or lemon slices. Just make sure not to leave out the whipped cream vodka – it’s key for achieving that perfect blend of sweetness and classic shortcake flavor. This is definitely one of the best ways to use strawberries.

Fresh + Sweet Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail

A dessert-like drink that's still refreshing. This drink combines the flavor of whipped cream and fresh berries for a sweetness you'll love.

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Equipment

cocktail glass
Small spoon or muddler (for combining strawberries and sugar)
Measuring spoons
Jigger or measuring cup
stirring spoon
Ice cubes

Ingredients

3 strawberries (chopped)
½ tablespoon sugar
2 ounces whipped cream flavored vodka
2 ounces lemonade
2 ounces club soda

Instructions

Prepare the strawberries. In your glass, combine the chopped strawberries and sugar. Let the mixture sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes, allowing the strawberries to release their juices.
Add the ice and liquids. Fill the glass with ice cubes. Then, pour in the 2 ounces of whipped cream-flavored vodka. Next, add the lemonade, followed by the club soda.
Garnish and serve. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. You can also garnish with a sprig of mint and a whole strawberry on the rim of the glass for an extra decorative touch. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Using fresh strawberries boosts the taste. If they’re not sweet enough, sprinkle more sugar on them to get it right.

If you’re making a bunch, quickly chop the strawberries in a food processor to speed things up.

If you don’t like your drink too sweet, go for lemonade that doesn’t add sugar, or cut back on the sugar with the strawberries. You can always add more sugar if you need to.

To keep your drink cooler for longer, stick your glass in the freezer for a bit before you make your cocktail. This makes your drink stay cold and more enjoyable.

Use a bit of vanilla or almond extract instead of vodka for a non-alcoholic version. Then, throw in some extra lemonade or a bit of cream soda to mix things up.

When serving, cut a strawberry halfway and hang it on the edge of your glass for a cool touch. It looks nice and is super easy to do.

This cocktail is my go-to for mixing something fresh and fruity; it has just the right amount of sweetness. I use whipped cream-flavored vodka, fresh strawberries, and a splash of lemonade to make it a refreshing treat that feels elegant without being too heavy. Whether I’m entertaining friends or just looking to relax with something enjoyable, this drink is quick to whip up and looks as fantastic as it tastes. I always let the strawberries and sugar mingle before starting – it brings out their flavors!

If you want to expand your summer drink menu, don’t miss this roundup of summer cocktails filled with more light and refreshing options to enjoy all season long.

cocktail glass with ice, fresh strawberries, mint, and drink, finished strawberry shortcake cocktail

I know you’re going to love it as much as I do.

Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail

Pressing strawberries lightly with a spoon or muddler gets their juice out, which you need for a tasty, fruity drink. Take your time with this!
Add the club soda last to keep its fizz. Stir it in softly so you don’t lose the bubbles.
Try to use big ice cubes because they melt slower. This way, your drink stays cool and doesn’t get diluted too fast.
If you’re using mint for decoration, give the leaves a quick pat in your hands first. This brings out their smell and makes your drink smell great.s
If you’re preparing for a party, mix the strawberries and sugar and store them in the fridge. Then, when it’s time to serve, just put in the ice, vodka, lemonade, and club soda.
If you’re a fan of strawberry-based drinks, you’ll love this Strawberry Pineapple Rum Cocktail—another fruity, tropical option that’s great for summertime sipping.

Key Ingredients and Tools

Here are some simple items you’ll need to make this cocktail. These are essential for achieving the tastiest drink and best look.

whipped cream vodka, club soda, strawberries, and lemonade on white counter

Whipped cream-flavored vodka: This vodka brings a creamy, sweet taste similar to whipped cream, enhancing the dessert-like experience of the drink. If it’s unavailable, vanilla vodka or plain vodka is a good alternative.
Fresh strawberries: Using fresh, ripe strawberries is crucial for the drink’s taste. It provides the best flavor and color. You can use frozen strawberries if necessary, but make sure they’re thawed before use.
Club soda: Club soda introduces a bubbly, refreshing feel to the cocktail. Make sure to add it right at the end to maintain its dizziness. Try sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. The soda will make it sweeter, while sparkling water keeps it lighter.
Mint leaves (optional for decoration): A bit of fresh mint can add a nice scent and look to your drink. It’s usually available in the produce aisle, and a small amount can improve your cocktail. Try basil, or leave it out. Basil can add an interesting flavor, or you can skip it.

These items and tools are key to making your drink taste and look fantastic!

Serving Suggestions

You can serve this drink with fresh fruit salad, vanilla cupcakes, shortbread cookies, a cheese and charcuterie board, or a light summer salad with berries and nuts.

Troubleshooting and Help

Can I use lemon juice instead of lemonade?

You could! Mix fresh lemon juice with some water and sugar to make a quick lemonade. This gives you control over how sweet or tart the drink is. If you’re curious about using alternative acids in recipes, such as citric or ascorbic acid, you can learn more about their role and how to substitute them by checking out this helpful guide from Pomona Pectin’s FAQ on using citric acid or ascorbic acid in place of lemon juice.

What kind of glass should I use?

Any tall glass will work—like a highball or a Collins glass. But honestly, use whatever you have; the drink will taste great no matter the glass!

Can I use a different fruit instead of strawberries?

Sure! Raspberries or blueberries would be great alternatives to change things up. Just remember, the flavor will be a bit different but still delicious. If you love fruity cocktails, you might also want to try something different, like this Blackberry Old Fashioned Cocktail. It’s a great option for those who enjoy bolder berry flavors with a classic twist.

How do I make it less sweet?

If you like a less sweet drink, try using unsweetened lemonade or reduce the sugar mixed with the strawberries. You can always adjust to your taste as you go!

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep parts of it ahead! Mix the strawberries and sugar beforehand and keep them in the fridge for a few hours. Add the ice, vodka, lemonade, and club soda when you’re ready to serve. Easy!

How can I make it fancier for a party?

For a fun twist, you could rim the glass with sugar. Just dip the rim in lemon juice, then in sugar, and it’ll give the drink a fancy look without much effort.

Storage Instructions

This cocktail is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t store well once mixed. The club soda will go flat, and the flavors won’t be as vibrant.

However, you can store the strawberry and sugar mixture separately in the fridge for 1-2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or put it in an airtight container. Add the ice, vodka, lemonade, and club soda when you’re ready to serve.

Freezing the cocktail isn’t recommended, as the texture and flavor will be affected. Stick to making it fresh for the best results!

This cocktail is a refreshing and easy way to bring sweetness to any occasion. Whether for a casual get-together or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s a quick and fun recipe that delivers great flavor without much fuss. I hope you enjoy every sip! Let me know if you try it or make any fun tweaks—I’d love to hear how it turns out!

How to Make a Strawberry Shortcake Cocktail: Easy & Delicious Recipe