Strawberry Long Island Cocktail

If you’re a fan of bold cocktails with a deceptive sweetness, the Strawberry Long Island will quickly become your go-to drink. A vivid pink cocktail with all the punch of a traditional Long Island Iced Tea, this recipe replaces cola with strawberry liqueur or puree and adds lemon-lime soda for a light, fruity fizz. It’s an ideal drink for summer gatherings, brunches, parties, and bachelorette celebrations. The Strawberry Long Island isn’t just another flavored cocktail, it’s a masterclass in balance. With five types of liquor seamlessly blended into a sweet and tangy fruit base, it’s dangerously easy to sip. This modern twist on a classic makes a bold visual statement and delivers the same iconic kick Long Island Iced Teas are known for, just with a more playful, berry-forward vibe.

Whether you’re craving something strong, sweet, and showstopping or looking to impress your guests with a unique take on a party staple, this cocktail ticks all the boxes.

Why is This Recipe So Popular?

The popularity of the Strawberry Long Island isn’t just about its looks—although it certainly turns heads with that vibrant red-pink hue. Here’s what keeps people coming back for more:

• Flavor Explosion: It combines the strength of five spirits with the sweet freshness of strawberries and citrus.

• Visually Stunning: Its vibrant color makes it perfect for social media and themed events.

• Unexpected Twist: Everyone knows the Long Island, but the strawberry version offers something refreshingly different.

• Deceptively Smooth: Despite the high alcohol content, it’s light on the palate thanks to fruit and soda.

• Party-Perfect: Ideal for batching and sharing in pitchers at big events.

The Strawberry Long Island proves you don’t need to compromise strength for flavor—or fun.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Still not convinced? Here’s why you’re going to absolutely adore the Strawberry Long Island:

• 🍓 Perfectly Sweet and Tart: Fresh lemon and strawberry create a balanced, not-too-sweet profile.

• 🍸 High Impact, Low Effort: Easy to make, but impressive in taste and appearance.

• 🧊 Super Refreshing: Serve it ice-cold and let the citrus and soda work their magic.

• 🎉 Great for Celebrations: Festive enough for birthdays, holidays, and summer cookouts.

• 🍹 Easily Customizable: Swap ingredients to match your taste or the season.

Ingredients:

These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:

Liquor Base:

• 🥃 ½ oz vodka

• 🥃 ½ oz gin

• 🥃 ½ oz white rum

• 🥃 ½ oz silver tequila

• 🥃 ½ oz triple sec

Flavor Boosters:

• 🍓 1 oz strawberry liqueur or 2 tbsp strawberry puree

• 🍋 ¾ oz fresh lemon juice

• 🍬 ½ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)

Finishers:

• 🥤 Splash of lemon-lime soda or club soda

• ❄️ Ice cubes

Garnish:

• 🍓 Fresh sliced strawberries

• 🍋 Lemon wheel

• 🌿 Mint sprig

• 🍭 Sugar rim (optional, for extra flair)

Preparation:

Step 1: Muddle Your Strawberries (Optional)

If you’re opting for real fruit instead of liqueur, muddle 2–3 ripe strawberries in your shaker until broken down into juicy pulp.

Step 2: Add the Liquors

Pour in the vodka, rum, gin, tequila, and triple sec over the strawberries or directly into your shaker if using liqueur.

Step 3: Add Lemon Juice and Sweetener

Next, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and simple syrup. This is where the tart and sweet come together.

Step 4: Shake It

Fill your shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 10–15 seconds. You want to chill the drink thoroughly and mix the flavors well.

Step 5: Strain and Serve

Strain into a tall glass filled with fresh ice. Use a fine strainer if you muddled fruit to keep seeds and pulp out.

Step 6: Top It Off

Add a splash of lemon-lime soda or club soda. Gently stir to combine.

Step 7: Garnish

Top with a slice of strawberry, lemon wheel, and a sprig of mint for the ultimate finishing touch.

Variations:

One of the best things about the Strawberry Long Island is its versatility. Here are some creative ways to remix it:

1. Frozen Strawberry Long Island

• Blend all ingredients with ice until slushy. Serve in margarita glasses with sugar rims.

2. Peach & Strawberry Long Island

• Replace triple sec with peach schnapps and add peach puree for a summer fruit medley.

3. Tropical Long Island

• Add 1 oz pineapple juice and garnish with a pineapple wedge for a beachy vibe.

4. Basil-Infused Strawberry Long Island

• Muddle fresh basil with your strawberries for a herbaceous spin.

5. Mocktail Version

• Use non-alcoholic spirits and strawberry soda or sparkling water for a zero-proof alternative.

Cooking Note:

These drinks don’t require cooking, but technique still matters:

• Always shake with ice to mellow out the strong spirits and help the flavors integrate.

• Use fresh lemon juice—the bottled stuff just doesn’t cut it.

• Don’t overdo the soda—just a splash enhances the texture and lift without diluting too much.

• Double strain if you’re using real strawberries, especially for a cleaner presentation.

Serving Suggestions:

• 🥂 Serve in tall glasses like hurricanes or highballs for a dramatic effect.

• 🍓 Pair with fresh fruit platters, strawberry shortcake, or lemon bars.

• 🍖 Excellent alongside grilled chicken, pulled pork sliders, or tacos.

• 🎈 Ideal for bachelorette parties, backyard BBQs, or a cozy Friday night.

• 🧁 For a dessert cocktail moment, serve with a sugared rim and mini strawberry skewer.

Tips:

• 🍓 Use chilled glasses to keep the drink colder longer.

• 🍹 Want more fizz? Add sparkling rosé instead of soda for a bubbly twist.

• 🍋 Lemon and strawberry pair perfectly—but lime can work too for a zestier edge.

• 🧊 Make strawberry ice cubes for an extra pop of flavor and color.

• 🎉 To batch: Multiply all ingredients by 4–6 for a party pitcher.

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cooking Time:

0 minutes

Total Time:

5 minutes

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):

• Calories: 280

• Carbohydrates: 18g

• Sugar: 14g

• Protein: 0g

• Fat: 0g

• Sodium: 12mg

• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): ~19–21%

FAQs:

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix all ingredients except the soda and ice. Chill in the fridge and add soda + ice when serving.

Q: Can I use bottled strawberry syrup?
You can, but it’s sweeter and more artificial. If you must, reduce added sugar to avoid an overly sweet cocktail.

Q: What type of tequila works best?
Blanco (silver) tequila is ideal—it’s smooth and clean, letting the strawberry shine.

Q: Can I use flavored vodkas or rums?
Definitely! Strawberry or citrus-flavored vodkas enhance the profile.

Q: What if I don’t have triple sec?
Use Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or even orange juice in a pinch.

Conclusion:

The Strawberry Long Island is everything a cocktail should be, bold, beautiful, and bursting with flavor. It keeps the iconic punch of the original while introducing sweet, fruity complexity that’s perfect for warmer weather or celebratory settings. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this drink is as delightful to sip as it is to serve. Strawberries and booze are a match made in cocktail heaven, and the Strawberry Long Island is proof. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again, for the taste, the color, and the fun.

Cheers to sweet sips and stronger nights!

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