Summer cocktail time isn’t over yet, and this Strawberry Vodka Sparkler is going to be topping your list. Basically homemade White Claw or Truly, but with the option to sweeten it up if you are into that kind of thing.
Strawberry Vodka Sparkler
Spiked sparkling seltzer waters are refreshing, but none beat making your own like a strawberry fruit sparkler. I use sparkling seltzer water, infused Absolute with strawberry juice, some simple syrup (if you like sweet!), and some frozen fruit on top to create a very refreshingly tasty adult beverage.
What is simple syrup?
Simple syrup is easy to make and a great thing to have on hand when you want to mix your own cocktails. Everything from margaritas to other types of sours like whiskey sours might call for simple syrup.
Very simply, simple syrup is sugar dissolved in water. You make it by heating equal parts water and sugar until the sugar is fully dissolved then let it cool. You can also make sweet and sour flavored syrup by adding in lemon and lime juice too.
Simple syrups keep for a few weeks in the fridge as long as they are properly sealed, for example, in a large mason jar. Just make sure the lid is on tightly otherwise you will be looking at a jar full of rock candy.
If I don’t have time to make a simple syrup what do I do?
If you are ready for cocktail hour and not ready to wait for water to boil, sugar to dissolve, and the mixture to cool, then there are options.
First, you can find simple syrup typically in the liquor store or in the adult beverages section of the market.
If that is not possible just go with something like 7up. It may have a touch of lemon lime flavoring but that won’t hurt the drink at all and the extra carbonation is only a plus.
What kind of fruit do I add to the Absolute Strawberry Vodka Sparkler?
Of course, strawberries are an obvious choice to add to your cocktail, but why just go with the obvious when there is a world of choices out there that are just as fun and equally tasty?
Since the fruit adds some color and drama to the drink, why not go with pieces of fruit that also work well with strawberries? I suggest some thin slices of frozen peach or mango. Blueberries also work well too.
You can use fresh fruit and if you do then I recommend slicing it up and freezing it first. On the one hand, the icy fruit will help chill the drink down even further, but also it also cuts down on the amount of ice you need, so your drink will be less watered down as it melts.
Is Absolut Juice better than other flavored vodkas?
Initially when I saw this I was worried that the Absolut Juice would taste like the old-style flavored vodkas of our 20’s. More Jolly Rancher than fruit.
It is that “real fruit strawberry flavoring” taste that you find in most strawberry candies and sodas. It has its place, but it isn’t really a real fruit flavor and I’m not a fan.
Absolut Juice is not that.
Are there other strawberry infused vodkas to recommend?
I am less familiar with other infused strawberry vodka, so I can’t recommend a brand. However, if you are up for it, then you can also make your simple syrups fruit syrups.
When you heat the sugar and water, then add the chosen fruit, in this case strawberries. Strain out the pulp, let cool, and then you have a real fruit simple syrup. It will taste authentically like the fruit you make it with.
Just add some of that to whatever vodka you like.
The great thing is mixed vodka and fruit syrup will keep a very long time if after you mix them it is stored in the fridge.
What can you serve with a Strawberry Seltzer Cocktail?
Keep it simple and quick so you can enjoy some relaxation. Here are some quick plates I can suggest that fall in that category:
- Fried wontons – look fancy, taste great, easy to make
- Coconut shrimp – I am sure these are on Bubba Gumps list for a good reason, they taste amazing!
- Traeger spinach artichoke dip – bust out some crackers or sliced baguette, all set to go.
Strawberry Vodka Spritzer
This refreshing cocktail can be customized to be exactly as sweet (or not) as you want it, and uses the new Absolut Juice vodka.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces Absolut Juice Strawberry Vodka
- Club Soda or sparkling seltzer
- 1 ounce simple syrup
Instructions
- Pour between two glasses over ice, and garnish with fresh fruit.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 89Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 39mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 0gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these things for medical purposes please consult an outside, trusted source. Thanks!
Nicole Johnson
Nicole Johnson, a self-taught expert in grilling and outdoor cooking, launched Or Whatever You Do in 2010. Her blog, renowned for its comprehensive and creative outdoor cooking recipes, has garnered a vast audience of millions. Nicole's hands-on experience and passion for grilling shine through her work. Her husband, Jeremiah Johnson, also plays a pivotal role in recipe development, adding his culinary flair to the mix. Together, they form a dynamic duo, offering a rich and varied outdoor cooking experience to their followers.
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