Strawberry Mocktail

My Strawberry Mocktail recipe takes fresh mint, honey, lime, and strawberries to make a delicious blended, virgin cocktail. So sweet, zesty, and refreshing! And since this is a virgin strawberry cocktail, be sure to make plenty for the kids, too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Key Ingredients

• Honey - We're making a simple syrup with honey instead of white sugar, just plain better for you. You can use a stevia based sweetener if you want to cut calories.
  
• Fresh Mint - A few sprigs of mint makes the syrup so rich and flavorful, and makes a beautiful garnish to boot!
  
• Strawberries - Absolutely the best when in season! You can also use frozen strawberries instead.
  
• Fresh Lime - Use both the zest and juice Fresh is best! Bottled lime juice does not have the same flavor. A citrus press will help you get every last drop.
  
• A blender is necessary to blend the mocktail. I love my Vitamix, but your average blender will work fine.

How to make Strawberry Mocktails

1. Heat the honey, water, and mint to in a small saucepan on low to make the simple syrup. Once well combined, let cool and stand for 30 minutes.
   
2. Remove the mint, transfer the syrup to a container, and cool in the fridge.
   
3. Add the strawberries, cooled syrup, lime zest, lime juice, and the ice cubes to a blender.
   
4.  Blend until smooth, pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint and lime slices if desired.

Expert Tips

• To hull the strawberries, stick a straw through bottom of the strawberry towards the stem. The stem will pop right off. Hulling allows you to not waste a bit of strawberry. You can also use a strawberry huller, or just cut the stems off with a paring knife.
  
• You can use either fresh or frozen fruit. It’s nice to use fresh strawberries when they’re in season, and frozen during the winter. If you use frozen, omit the ice. Using frozen berries will result in a thicker drink that's more slushy (YUM), if you like it to stay thinner, just a bit of water.
  
• Make the simple syrup ahead of time. You can also adjust the amount of syrup based on your preferences. If you have any left over, add it to some sparkling water or another mocktail to add flavor and sweetness.
  
• Roll the citrus. Gently roll the limes on your countertop to loosen them. You will get more juice out of them this way.
  
• Since this is mojito inspired, it calls for mint, but you can change the flavor profile with more herbs for a variation. Basil and rosemary, for example, both pair beautifully with strawberries and would be absolutely delicious.
  
• Sub out some of the strawberries for raspberries and/or blueberries.
  
• Add a bit of sparkling water to make things bubbly! It adds no sugar, no calories, but makes this drink a whole lot of fun. If you try it, add it AFTER you blend!

Frequently Asked Questions

Storing

This Strawberry Mocktail is best consumed immediately. It will keep in the refrigerator for a day, but the ingredients may separate a little. Simply run it through the blender.

While it isn't recommended to make the mocktail ahead of time, you can make the simple syrup ahead of time. That will keep in the refrigerator for a week or two.