The Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop is a dazzling cocktail that fuses the bright zest of lemon with the lush sweetness of strawberries, elevated by a frost-kissed chill that makes each sip as refreshing as it is indulgent. It’s a modern, icy evolution of the beloved Lemon Drop Martini—an iconic drink known for its sharp citrus bite, subtle sweetness, and elegant presentation. But this version? It’s summer’s frozen answer to sophistication. Ideal for sun-drenched poolside afternoons, breezy beach evenings, or romantic rooftop nights, this cocktail blends nostalgia and novelty into a frozen glass rimmed with sugar and garnished with charm. It’s visually stunning, vibrantly flavored, and irresistibly cool.
The frozen format not only adds texture but also enhances the overall experience—each sip is smoother, colder, and more concentrated. While lemon and vodka are the traditional anchors of a Lemon Drop, frozen strawberries transform the drink into a fruity, colorful, and full-bodied twist that dances between sweet and tart in perfect harmony. Served in a sugar-rimmed martini or coupe glass and topped with a swirl of lemon twist and a plump berry, this drink looks as good as it tastes.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself to a little mixology magic, this cocktail is the kind of recipe that invites creativity, celebration, and total refreshment.
Why is this recipe so popular?
The popularity of the Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop lies in its blend of simplicity, beauty, and flavor. It takes a time-honored favorite and infuses it with fruity depth and a frozen texture, making it especially appealing in warm weather or for people who love slushie-style drinks with a grown-up twist. It photographs beautifully for social media, thanks to its vibrant red hue and glamorous garnishes.
Moreover, the drink is approachable for both seasoned cocktail lovers and newcomers. With only a handful of ingredients, all of which are readily available, it’s easy to prepare at home without sacrificing sophistication. The balance of sweet, tart, and icy makes it addictive, and the strawberries introduce a lush, berry-forward character that complements the citrus perfectly.
Another reason for its widespread appeal? Customization. You can add herbs like basil or mint, infuse the vodka, or even swap strawberries for other fruits like raspberries or peaches—each variation creates a new yet familiar experience.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Bold Strawberry Flavor: Frozen strawberries add intense fruity notes and a thick, luscious texture.
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Refreshing and Icy: It’s basically an adult slushie—perfect for hot days or whenever you crave something ultra-refreshing.
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Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a blender, you’ll have this drink ready in just minutes.
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Visually Stunning: The rich pink-red color, sugar rim, and fruit garnish make it a total showstopper.
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Balanced Taste: The tartness from lemon juice, sweetness from simple syrup, and vodka’s neutral base combine into a perfect harmony.
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Customizable: Make it more tart, more sweet, or even stronger based on your preferences.
Ingredients
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2 oz vodka (plain or citrus-infused for extra zest) 🍸
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1 oz fresh lemon juice (from about 1 medium lemon) 🍋
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1/2 oz simple syrup (or more depending on sweetness preference) 🍯
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1/2 cup frozen strawberries (unsweetened, for the richest flavor) 🍓
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Ice (about 1 cup, or enough to achieve a thick frozen consistency) 🧊
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Sugar for rimming the glass (coarse or fine, white or colored) 🍬
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Lemon twist and strawberry for garnish (optional but recommended)
Preparation
Step 1:
Prepare your glass.
Take your martini or coupe glass and rub a lemon wedge around the rim. Dip the rim into a plate of sugar to coat it evenly. Set aside in the freezer to chill while you make the cocktail.
Step 2:
Measure your ingredients.
Add 2 oz of vodka, 1 oz of fresh lemon juice, 1/2 oz of simple syrup, and 1/2 cup of frozen strawberries to a blender.
Step 3:
Add ice.
Toss in about 1 cup of ice, or just enough to create a thick frozen consistency. If you prefer a slightly slushier drink, add more ice; if you want it stronger, reduce the ice.
Step 4:
Blend until smooth.
Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and thick, with no chunks of strawberry or ice. The texture should resemble a frozen daiquiri or margarita.
Step 5:
Pour and garnish.
Take your chilled, sugar-rimmed glass and pour the mixture in. Garnish with a fresh strawberry on the rim and a curled lemon twist for that final elegant touch. Serve immediately.
Variation
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Minty Strawberry Lemon Drop: Add 3–4 fresh mint leaves before blending for a cooling herbal touch.
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Spicy Kick: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or muddle a slice of jalapeño for a spicy-sweet twist.
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Boozier Blend: Use 1 oz of limoncello in place of half the vodka for a more citrus-forward experience.
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Berry Mix: Use a mix of frozen raspberries and strawberries for a tarter profile and a deeper color.
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Creamy Strawberry Drop: Add 1 oz of coconut cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy, tropical version.
COOKING Note
Though it’s not technically “cooked,” the Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop benefits from ingredient quality and temperature management. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for best results—bottled juice simply won’t offer the same brightness. Choose high-quality vodka (citrus vodka is a nice touch), and make sure the strawberries are fully frozen to ensure the proper slushy consistency.
Additionally, chilling the glass beforehand helps keep the drink cold longer without diluting it too quickly. If your blender struggles with ice, pulse in intervals to avoid overworking the motor.
Serving Suggestions
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Glassware: Best served in a chilled coupe or martini glass with a sugared rim.
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Occasions: Ideal for summer barbecues, girls’ night in, romantic dates, or Sunday brunches.
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Pairing Ideas: Complement this drink with fruit skewers, goat cheese crostini, grilled shrimp, or even lemon bars for dessert.
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Presentation Tips: Use a fresh strawberry and curled lemon peel for an elegant finish. A cocktail pick or small flower also elevates the visual.
Tips
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Blend in short bursts to control texture and avoid melting the ice too quickly.
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Use frozen fruit—don’t substitute with fresh unless you’re adding additional ice, or it won’t thicken properly.
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Adjust sweetness by tasting before serving; if your strawberries are very tart, add a bit more syrup.
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Double the batch for entertaining. Just multiply the ingredients and blend in batches if needed.
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Garnish with style—use edible flowers or flavored sugars to take presentation to the next level.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Nutritional Information (approximate, per serving)
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Calories: 190 kcal
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Protein: 0.5 g
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Sodium: 2 mg
Note: Values may vary based on brand of ingredients and exact proportions.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
A: You can, but you’ll need to add more ice, which can dilute the flavor. Frozen berries are preferred for the right consistency and flavor concentration.
Q: Is there a non-alcoholic version of this?
A: Yes! Simply replace vodka with lemonade or sparkling water for a refreshing frozen mocktail version.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: It’s best served immediately. If you must prepare in advance, blend the drink and store it in the freezer, then re-blend before serving to refresh the texture.
Q: What’s the best vodka to use?
A: A smooth, clean-tasting vodka works best. Citrus-infused vodkas are also excellent for this drink and amplify the lemony zing.
Q: How can I make the sugar rim stick better?
A: Always wet the rim with a lemon wedge before dipping it into sugar. For extra adhesion, use a bit of simple syrup.
Q: Can I batch this for a party?
A: Absolutely. Multiply the ingredients by the number of guests and blend in batches. Serve in a pitcher kept over ice or in a punch bowl with ladle.
Conclusion
The Frozen Strawberry Lemon Drop is not just a drink—it’s a sensory experience. From the cool chill that kisses your lips to the sweet-tart explosion on your tongue, every sip is a mini-vacation in a glass. With its dazzling color, perfect balance of flavors, and refreshing texture, this cocktail stands as a modern icon in the frozen drink world. It honors its classic Lemon Drop roots while offering a fresh and fruity new twist that’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
Easy to make yet elegant enough for any special occasion, this drink bridges the gap between sophistication and fun. So grab your blender, your favorite vodka, and a bag of frozen strawberries—because the ultimate frozen cocktail adventure awaits.