There's something magical about the scent of ripe strawberries drifting through your kitchen in the spring. This vibrant pink drink is refreshing, lightly sweet, and perfect for sunny afternoons or weekend brunches with friends.

I created this recipe during one of our first warm weekends of the year, inspired by an overflowing basket of strawberries from the farmer’s market. Now, it’s our go-to spring refresher—equally loved by kids and adults. Whether you're sipping it on the patio or serving it at a baby shower, this drink adds a cheerful touch to any occasion.

Let’s dive into what makes this Springtime Strawberry Sipper so special.

Why You'll Love This Springtime Strawberry Sipper

Get ready to meet your new favorite seasonal beverage. The Springtime Strawberry Sipper is more than just a pretty drink—it’s a crowd-pleasing, feel-good sipper that brings a pop of sunshine to your table.

First of all, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a pitcher in less than 15 minutes. No fancy tools required—just a blender and a fine mesh strainer.

It’s also a budget-friendly option for entertaining. Strawberries are at their peak in spring and early summer, so you can often find them on sale. Pair them with a bit of citrus and sparkling water, and you’ve got a drink that feels fancy without the hefty price tag.

This recipe is naturally non-alcoholic, which makes it a fantastic choice for family-friendly gatherings. But it also plays well with add-ins—think a splash of vodka or prosecco if you're feeling festive.

Finally, it’s a beautiful addition to any spring or summer spread. Its vibrant hue and fresh garnish make it photo-worthy and ideal for special occasions, but it's simple enough to enjoy any day of the week.

Now, let’s take a closer look at what goes into this refreshing sipper.

Ingredient Notes

The beauty of the Springtime Strawberry Sipper lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is chosen for peak seasonal flavor and ease of preparation, creating a drink that's as tasty as it is eye-catching.

Fresh strawberries are the star of the show. Look for berries that are deeply red, fragrant, and slightly soft to the touch. These will be the sweetest and most flavorful. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen ones can be used—just thaw them completely before blending.

Lemon juice adds a bright, tangy contrast that balances the sweetness of the berries. Freshly squeezed is best, but bottled lemon juice works in a pinch. You can also try lime juice for a slightly more tropical twist.

Honey or simple syrup brings just the right amount of sweetness. I usually opt for honey because it blends well with warm water and adds a gentle floral note. If you prefer your drinks less sweet, start with less and adjust to taste.

Sparkling water provides that lovely fizz. You can use unflavored sparkling water, club soda, or even a mild citrus seltzer. For a more indulgent twist, lemon-lime soda or ginger ale works beautifully too.

Mint leaves are optional, but highly recommended for garnish. They add a burst of freshness and make the drink look extra special, especially when paired with sliced strawberries in the glass.

As for equipment, you’ll need a blender to purée the strawberries, a fine mesh strainer to remove the pulp and seeds, and a pitcher for serving. A muddler or wooden spoon is helpful if you plan to infuse the mint leaves directly in the pitcher.

How To Make This Springtime Strawberry Sipper

This delightful beverage comes together in just a few simple steps. Let me walk you through how to make it from start to finish.

Start by rinsing your strawberries thoroughly, removing the stems, and slicing them in half. If you’re using frozen strawberries, make sure they’re completely thawed and drained of excess liquid.

Place the sliced strawberries into a blender along with the lemon juice and your sweetener of choice. Blend until completely smooth. This will take about 30 seconds to a minute, depending on the power of your blender.

Next, pour the strawberry purée through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or pitcher. Use the back of a spoon to press the liquid through, leaving behind the seeds and pulp. This extra step gives the drink a silky texture and clean finish.

Once strained, add the sparkling water and stir gently to combine. Taste your mixture and adjust sweetness if needed. If you're preparing it in advance, hold off on the sparkling water until just before serving to keep the fizz fresh.

Pour the sipper over glasses filled with ice. Garnish each with a sprig of mint and a thin slice of strawberry for a lovely finishing touch. Serve immediately for best flavor and effervescence.

From start to finish, the whole process takes about 15 minutes. You’ll end up with a vibrant, refreshing drink that tastes like spring in a glass.

Storage Options

This drink is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make the strawberry base ahead of time to save yourself a step.

The strawberry purée (pre-straining or post-straining) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before using, as natural separation is common.

If you’d like to freeze the purée, pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. These strawberry cubes are fantastic for quick single servings—just drop a few into a glass and top with sparkling water.

Avoid storing the completed drink with sparkling water added, as it will lose its fizz over time. If you do have leftovers, they’re still tasty flat, or you can try blending them with ice for a quick strawberry slushie.

To reheat? Not this time! Just chill and serve cold. This sipper is all about staying cool and crisp.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about the Springtime Strawberry Sipper is how easy it is to customize. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or using what you have on hand, this recipe adapts beautifully.

For a boozy twist, try adding a shot of vodka or white rum to each glass before pouring the strawberry mixture. Alternatively, swap the sparkling water with prosecco for an elegant brunch cocktail.

If strawberries aren't in season, frozen mixed berries work wonderfully. Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries all contribute lovely color and flavor. Just thaw them completely and blend as you would with fresh strawberries.

To make it sugar-free, use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit sweetener. Just remember these are more concentrated, so start with a small amount and adjust to taste.

Looking for a citrus variation? Substitute orange or lime juice for the lemon juice. Orange will give the drink a softer, rounder flavor, while lime will add a zesty kick.

Feel free to get creative with herbs and spices. Fresh basil pairs beautifully with strawberries, and a dash of ground ginger adds a warming note that’s surprisingly refreshing.

No matter how you make it, this Springtime Strawberry Sipper is your ticket to a burst of sunshine in a glass. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own—after all, spring is the perfect season for trying something new.