This Easy Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Sour blends sweet strawberries with tart lemonade and smooth whiskey. It’s a refreshing treat perfect for warm days!
On a sunny afternoon, there’s nothing better than sipping this drink while pretending to be on a beach vacation! 🍓🍋 I love making a big batch to share with friends!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whiskey: Bourbon is my go-to here since its sweetness pairs beautifully with strawberries. If you prefer something lighter, you could swap it for rye whiskey, although it has a spicier flavor.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice works, but it lacks that vibrant taste. Just use less simple syrup, as bottled can be sweeter.
Simple Syrup: You can easily make your own by mixing equal parts sugar and water until dissolved. If you’re cutting back on sugar, honey or agave syrup can be good substitutes. Just adjust the amount to taste!
Fresh Strawberries: Fresh is best, but frozen strawberries will work too! Just let them thaw a bit before you muddle them.
Lemonade: Store-bought lemonade is convenient, but homemade lemonade (just water, lemon juice, and sugar) is even tastier. If you want a healthier version, try sparkling water with lemon for a light fizz!
How Do I Muddle Strawberries Without Making a Mess?
Muddling is all about releasing flavors without creating a mushy mess. Follow these tips for the perfect muddle:
- Use a sturdy muddler or the back of a wooden spoon.
- Gently press down and give a little twist; don’t smash them too hard!
- Make sure to do this in the shaker to catch any juices. You can start with just a few berries before adding more.
This technique keeps the strawberries juicy for your drink while avoiding a puree that can be hard to mix well!
How to Make Easy Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Sour
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 ounces whiskey (bourbon works great)
- 1 ounce fresh lemon juice
- 1 ounce simple syrup (or to taste)
- 3-4 fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 ounces lemonade
- Ice cubes
- Lemon slice and whole strawberry for garnish
Time Needed:
This refreshing cocktail will take you about 10 minutes to prepare. That includes muddling the strawberries, shaking the drink, and garnishing. It’s a quick and easy process that ends with a delicious result!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Muddle the Strawberries:
Start by taking your fresh strawberries and placing them in a cocktail shaker. Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently crush the strawberries until they are nice and juicy. This will release all their sweet flavor—yum!
2. Add the Liquids:
Next, pour in the whiskey, fresh lemon juice, simple syrup, and lemonade. This blend brings all the flavors together, creating that delightful sweet and tart mix we love in a whiskey sour.
3. Shake It Up:
Now it’s time to shake! Fill the shaker with ice cubes and put the lid on tightly. Shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. You want it nice and chilled, and shaking will mix all the ingredients perfectly.
4. Strain and Pour:
Grab a rocks glass and fill it with fresh ice. Carefully strain the mixture from the shaker into the glass, leaving the strawberry pulp behind. Feel free to use a fine mesh strainer if you want to catch all the little bits.
5. Garnish:
Make your drink look fancy by garnishing it with a lemon slice on the rim of the glass and a whole strawberry for an extra pop of color. It’s all about those little touches!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Your Easy Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Sour is ready to enjoy! Serve immediately and savor the refreshing flavors. Perfect for a sunny day or a fun gathering with friends!
FAQs for Easy Strawberry Lemonade Whiskey Sour
Can I Use Frozen Strawberries Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work just fine. Just let them thaw for a bit before muddling to ensure you get all the juicy flavor. You may also want to adjust the amount of simple syrup since frozen fruit can sometimes be sweeter.
What If I Don’t Have Simple Syrup?
No worries! You can easily make your own simple syrup by combining equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat it gently until the sugar dissolves, then let it cool. Alternatively, honey or agave syrup can be excellent substitutes, just adjust to taste!
How Can I Make This Non-Alcoholic?
For a refreshing mocktail, simply omit the whiskey and replace it with extra lemonade or a lemon-flavored sparkling water. You can still muddle the strawberries for that delicious fruity flavor!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Cocktails?
This cocktail is best fresh, but if you have leftover mixtures, you can refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in an airtight container. Just remember to give it a good shake before serving again!
