There's something magical about that first warm breeze of spring, especially when it’s paired with a glass of homemade Springtime Strawberry Sipper. Bursting with juicy strawberries, zesty lemon, and a touch of fresh mint, this refreshing drink tastes like sunshine in a glass.
I first crafted this sipper after a Saturday trip to the farmers market, arms full of overripe berries that begged to be used immediately. With a few pantry staples and a handful of ice, this simple drink was born—and it's now a staple at all our spring brunches and backyard hangs.
Whether you're hosting a baby shower, sipping solo on the porch, or looking for something non-alcoholic and beautiful for guests of all ages, this recipe hits the sweet spot. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Springtime Strawberry Sipper
Get ready to meet your go-to warm weather drink. This Springtime Strawberry Sipper is the perfect blend of sweet, tangy, and ultra-refreshing—and it looks as good as it tastes.
It's quick and easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and less than 10 minutes of prep, you'll have a batch ready to serve in no time. No need for fancy equipment or bartending skills!
Perfect for entertaining. The vibrant pink hue, fresh strawberry garnish, and mint leaves make this drink an absolute stunner for spring celebrations. Double or triple the batch and serve in a pitcher for effortless elegance.
Naturally sweetened and family-friendly. This recipe uses honey (or agave) instead of refined sugar and contains no alcohol, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. You can also easily spike it for the adults, if desired.
Totally customizable. From swapping out the citrus to adding sparkling water or booze, this sipper adapts to whatever vibe you’re going for. Keep it classic or get creative!
Whether you're enjoying a lazy Sunday morning or toasting at an afternoon picnic, this drink brings a fresh burst of spring to any occasion.
Ingredients Notes
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and seasonal freshness. Here’s a closer look at what makes this Springtime Strawberry Sipper shine.
Fresh strawberries are the star of the show. Look for berries that are deeply red, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch. The riper, the better—they’ll bring maximum sweetness and flavor to your drink. Frozen strawberries work in a pinch, especially if you're blending for a slushie-style version.
Fresh lemon juice adds just the right amount of tartness. It brightens the strawberries and balances the sweetness beautifully. If you’re feeling fancy, try using Meyer lemons for a slightly floral twist.
Honey or agave syrup keeps things naturally sweet. Start with a tablespoon or two and adjust to taste. Honey adds a warm undertone, while agave keeps the flavor neutral and lets the berries shine.
Mint leaves infuse the drink with a refreshing herbal note that screams spring. Muddle them gently to release their oils without turning bitter. If mint isn't your thing, basil is an unexpectedly delicious substitute.
Cold water or sparkling water rounds everything out. Go flat for a more classic lemonade vibe, or use sparkling for a bubbly, festive twist. If you're making this ahead, add the bubbles just before serving to keep things fizzy.
No special equipment is needed beyond a blender or food processor, a fine mesh strainer (if you want a smoother texture), and a large pitcher. Optional: cocktail muddler, citrus juicer, and a cute glass for serving.
How To Make This Springtime Strawberry Sipper
Making this delightful drink is as simple as blend, strain, stir, and sip. Here’s how to bring it to life.
Start by washing and hulling your strawberries, then toss them into a blender. Add the fresh lemon juice and honey or agave syrup, blending until smooth. Give it a taste here and adjust the sweetness if needed. The goal is a vibrant, balanced puree that’s slightly thicker than juice.
If you prefer a smoother texture, pour the puree through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to remove seeds and pulp. This step is optional but highly recommended if you're serving guests or want a cleaner presentation.
Gently muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of your serving pitcher or glass using the back of a spoon or a cocktail muddler. Just a few presses will do—this releases the mint oils without making the drink bitter or overly herbal.
Add your strained strawberry puree to the pitcher and top it off with cold water or sparkling water. Give it a gentle stir to combine. If you’re prepping ahead of time, hold off on adding the water until just before serving.
Finally, fill your glasses with ice and pour in the sipper. Garnish with a sprig of mint and a fresh strawberry slice or lemon wheel for that extra wow factor.
From start to finish, this recipe takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on whether you strain the mixture. It yields about 4–5 servings, and scales beautifully for larger gatherings.
Storage Options
Have leftovers? Lucky you—this Springtime Strawberry Sipper keeps surprisingly well.
Store any extra drink in a sealed glass jar or pitcher in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, though the mint flavor may intensify slightly over time. If you used sparkling water, the bubbles will fade after the first day.
If you want to prep ahead, blend the strawberry mixture and refrigerate it without the mint or water. Then just muddle your herbs and add water before serving to keep things fresh and vibrant.
Freezing is an option too! Pour leftovers into ice cube trays and freeze. These strawberry cubes are perfect for dropping into a glass of water or sparkling soda later for an instant flavor boost.
To re-serve, give the drink a quick stir or shake to redistribute the flavors. If desired, add a splash of fresh lemon juice or honey before drinking.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this recipe is how easy it is to riff on. Whether you’re missing an ingredient or just want to play around, here are some fun ideas.
Make it a cocktail. Add a shot of vodka, gin, or rum to each glass for an adult twist. Rosé or Prosecco also work beautifully if you're going for a brunch-friendly vibe.
Try a different fruit. Swap out the strawberries for raspberries, blackberries, or a combo of berries. Stone fruits like peaches and nectarines also work well once summer rolls around.
Use lime instead of lemon. For a more tropical flair, fresh lime juice adds a bright zing and pairs especially well with mint and berries.
Add cucumber or basil. For a spa-like twist, muddle a few slices of cucumber with the mint, or sub in basil for a sweet-savory herbal note.
Make it slushy. Blend the mixture with ice instead of water for a frozen version that’s perfect for hot days. Garnish with a paper straw and enjoy poolside!
The key is to have fun and make it your own. However you mix it, this Springtime Strawberry Sipper is sure to brighten your day.
PrintSpringtime Strawberry Sipper Recipe
This Springtime Strawberry Sipper is the ultimate refreshing beverage for warm days! Bursting with fresh strawberries, citrus juice, and sparkling water, it's a naturally sweet and tangy non-alcoholic drink. Ideal for spring brunches or garden parties, this vibrant cooler is quick to make, low in calories, and incredibly hydrating. Perfect for vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free diets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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1 tablespoon fresh orange juice
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1 teaspoon honey or agave (optional, to taste)
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1 cup sparkling water or club soda
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Ice cubes
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Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
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In a blender, combine strawberries, lemon juice, orange juice, and sweetener if using. Blend until smooth.
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds.
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Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the strawberry mixture over.
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Top with sparkling water or club soda. Stir gently.
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Garnish with mint leaves if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
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Adjust sweetness based on strawberry ripeness.
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Use chilled ingredients for the best flavor.
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Substitute lime juice for lemon for a twist.
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Can be made ahead and stored (without sparkling water) for 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 65
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 5mg
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