There's nothing quite like the refreshing burst of ripe strawberries to welcome the season of sunshine and blooming flowers. This Springtime Strawberry Sipper is light, fruity, and just the right amount of sweet – perfect for backyard picnics, brunches, or simply sipping on the porch swing as the days get longer.
I first whipped up this cheerful drink when a flat of strawberries from the farmer’s market was ripening faster than we could snack on them. With a splash of citrus and a fizzy finish, it became our go-to refresher for spring afternoons. It’s a hit with both kids and adults, and you can easily tweak it for a grown-up version, too.
Whether you’re planning a party or just want something special to enjoy with lunch, this strawberry sipper is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Let’s dive into what makes this drink so irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Springtime Strawberry Sipper
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite seasonal drink. This Springtime Strawberry Sipper is all about fresh flavor, simplicity, and versatility.
First off, it's a breeze to make. You don’t need any fancy equipment – just a blender and a few fresh ingredients. In under 10 minutes, you’ll have a vibrant drink that tastes like a sip of sunshine.
It’s also incredibly family-friendly. Kids love the natural sweetness of strawberries, and you can skip the sparkling water for younger palates or turn it into a spritzer for the grown-ups.
Budget-friendly, too? Absolutely. You can make a full pitcher for the price of just a couple of café smoothies. Especially during strawberry season, this drink is a perfect way to stretch those berries a little further.
Finally, the flavor is endlessly customizable. Add fresh mint, swap in different citrus juices, or blend in other berries – this recipe is a blank canvas for your springtime creativity.
And now that you're thirsty, let’s talk about the ingredients that make this drink shine.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Springtime Strawberry Sipper lies in its fresh, simple ingredients. Each one contributes something special to the final flavor.
Strawberries are, of course, the star. You’ll want to use the ripest, juiciest berries you can find. If you're using supermarket strawberries and they're a bit underripe, a drizzle of honey or agave can help balance things out.
Fresh lemon juice adds a bright zing that wakes up the sweetness of the berries. You can also try lime for a slightly more tropical twist. Always use freshly squeezed juice – the bottled kind just doesn’t compare.
Honey or agave syrup is optional but recommended, especially if your strawberries aren’t at their peak. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust to your liking.
Sparkling water gives this drink its light, fizzy lift. I like to use unflavored seltzer so the fruit really shines, but feel free to experiment with lemon or berry-flavored waters for extra flair.
You’ll also need a blender to puree the strawberries into a smooth base. A fine mesh strainer is helpful if you prefer a pulp-free drink, but totally optional.
How To Make This Springtime Strawberry Sipper
Creating this sun-kissed drink is quick and easy – perfect for when you want something refreshing without the fuss.
Start by washing and hulling your strawberries. Slice them in half if they’re large, then toss them into your blender. Add the lemon juice and a drizzle of honey or agave, depending on how sweet you like your drinks.
Blend until completely smooth. This should only take 30–60 seconds. If you prefer a silky texture, pour the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher to remove the seeds and pulp.
Next, slowly add your sparkling water to the pitcher. Stir gently so you don’t lose all the bubbles. You can also pour the puree directly into glasses and top with sparkling water individually, which is a fun option for parties.
Serve over ice with a garnish of fresh mint or a slice of lemon. If you’re making this ahead of time, wait to add the sparkling water until just before serving to keep it fizzy and fresh.
All in all, from prep to pour, this drink takes just about 10 minutes. It’s the perfect last-minute refresher when guests drop by – or when you just need a sip of spring in your day.
Storage Options
This Springtime Strawberry Sipper is best enjoyed fresh, but you can definitely prep parts of it ahead of time.
The strawberry puree (before adding sparkling water) can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.
If you end up with leftovers, pour the mixed drink into a sealed jar or bottle and refrigerate. It will keep for 1 day, though the carbonation will fade over time. It still tastes great, just less bubbly.
You can also freeze any leftover puree in ice cube trays. Pop the cubes into your next glass of sparkling water for an instant flavor boost.
To re-carbonate, simply add a splash of fresh seltzer right before drinking. Avoid storing with ice already in the drink to prevent watering it down.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this sipper is how easy it is to customize. Depending on what you have on hand – or your mood – there are endless ways to make it your own.
For a boozy twist, add a shot of vodka, rum, or even Prosecco to each glass. It turns this family-friendly drink into a delightful cocktail for spring brunches or evening porch hangs.
If you're avoiding sugar, skip the sweetener altogether or substitute with a few drops of liquid stevia or monk fruit extract.
Looking to switch things up? Try blending in other fruits like raspberries, watermelon, or even a few slices of cucumber for a spa-like feel.
For a creamier treat, add a splash of coconut milk to the strawberry puree. It gives the drink a tropical vibe that’s perfect for warm afternoons.
And if you’re short on fresh berries, frozen strawberries work just as well. Just thaw them slightly before blending to help your blender out.
No matter how you mix it, this sipper is a celebration of spring in a glass. So go ahead – experiment, taste, and make it your own!
PrintSpringtime Strawberry Sipper Recipe
Delight in the vibrant flavors of the Springtime Strawberry Sipper, a fruity and invigorating drink crafted with fresh strawberries, zesty lemon, and a touch of mint. This easy-to-make beverage is ideal for spring brunches, garden parties, or a relaxing afternoon treat. Whether you're hosting or unwinding, this non-alcoholic refresher brings a splash of sunshine to your glass.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverages
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled
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1 tbsp honey or agave syrup (optional)
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Juice of 1 lemon
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1 cup cold sparkling water or club soda
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Ice cubes
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Fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
Instructions
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In a blender, puree the strawberries with lemon juice and honey (if using) until smooth.
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Strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
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Fill a glass with ice and pour in the strawberry mixture.
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Top with sparkling water or club soda.
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Stir gently and garnish with fresh mint leaves.
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Serve immediately.
Notes
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You can substitute honey with agave syrup or leave it out for a sugar-free version.
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For a twist, add a splash of orange juice or basil instead of mint.
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Chill the glass beforehand for an extra refreshing experience.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 10mg
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