The Art of Mixology: Classic Cocktails and Curious Concoctions
Buy Now →The Sour Strawberry Smash is a vibrant, sweet, and tart cocktail that brings together strawberry vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, all served in a sour candy-rimmed glass for an extra punch of flavor! It’s a fun and playful drink, perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or when you’re craving a tangy treat.
Ingredients
- 4 oz Strawberry Vodka (adds a bold, fruity kick)
- 2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice (brings a bright, citrusy tang)
- 2 oz Simple Syrup (balances the tartness with a touch of sweetness)
- ½ cup Crushed Sour Candy (for rimming the glass – try Sour Patch Kids or Warheads!)
- Ice (for shaking and serving) (keeps it chilled and refreshing)
Garnish (Optional, but Recommended!)
- Fresh Strawberries or Lemon Slices (for a fruity and colorful presentation)
- Candy Skewer (for extra fun, skewer some sour candies for garnish!)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Glass
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a glass.
- Dip the rim into crushed sour candy to coat it evenly.
2️⃣ Shake the Cocktail
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
4 oz strawberry vodka
2 oz fresh lemon juice
2 oz simple syrup - Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
3️⃣ Strain & Serve
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
4️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy
- (Optional) Garnish with a fresh strawberry, lemon slice, or a skewer of sour candy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this bold, sweet, and sour cocktail!
Notes & Pro Tips
Use Fresh Lemon Juice for the Best Flavor – Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the tangy, citrusy balance.
Chill Your Glass for Extra Refreshment – Place the glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving.
Adjust the Sweetness – Prefer it less sweet? Reduce simple syrup to 1.5 oz. Want it sweeter? Add extra simple syrup or a splash of grenadine.
Try a Fizzy Twist! – Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a bubbly variation.
Make It a Frozen Cocktail! – Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy, sour strawberry delight.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Sour Strawberry Smash
Use Fresh Lemon Juice for the Best Flavor – Bottled lemon juice can taste artificial. Freshly squeezed juice adds a brighter, fresher citrus tang that perfectly balances the sweetness.
Chill Your Glass for Extra Refreshment – Place your glass in the freezer for 5-10 minutes before serving. A frosty glass keeps your cocktail cooler for longer and enhances the experience.
Get a Perfect Candy Rim – To get the best candy-coated rim, dip the rim in honey, simple syrup, or lemon juice before rolling it in crushed sour candy. This ensures the candy sticks well and adds an extra layer of flavor.
Experiment with Different Sour Candies – Try Sour Patch Kids, Warheads, sour gummy worms, or crushed Jolly Ranchers for unique flavor variations and added fun!
Adjust the Sweetness to Your Taste – If you love extra tart flavors, reduce the simple syrup to 1.5 oz. If you prefer it sweeter, add a splash of grenadine or a bit more simple syrup.
Shake Vigorously for a Well-Blended Drink – Shaking the cocktail with ice for at least 15 seconds ensures that all the flavors are properly mixed and chilled to perfection.
Try a Fizzy Twist! – Add a splash of club soda, lemon-lime soda, or tonic water to give your cocktail a light, bubbly finish.
Make It a Frozen Cocktail! – Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy, frozen Sour Strawberry Smash that’s perfect for hot days.
Elevate the Garnish – Instead of just a lemon slice or cherry, try a strawberry slice, a twisted lemon peel, or a skewer of sour gummy candies to make the drink extra eye-catching.
Use Flavored Vodka for a Twist 🍸 – While strawberry vodka is great, try using citrus vodka, vanilla vodka, or even whipped cream vodka for a fun flavor twist!
Want a Boozier Kick? – Add ½ oz triple sec or a splash of cranberry juice for a slightly stronger, more layered flavor.
Hosting a Party? Make a Large Batch! – Multiply the ingredients and serve in a large pitcher with ice for an easy-to-serve, crowd-pleasing drink.
Conservation and Storage for the Sour Strawberry Smash
Best Served Fresh
The Sour Strawberry Smash is best enjoyed immediately after shaking for the freshest taste and perfect balance of sweet and sour flavors. The ice dilution helps mellow the tartness while keeping the drink refreshing.
Short-Term Storage (Up to 6 Hours)
Pre-Mix the Ingredients – If you want to prepare ahead, combine:
Strawberry vodka
Lemon juice
Simple syrup
DO NOT add ice yet, as it will dilute the cocktail over time.
Store in an Airtight Container – Pour the mixed ingredients into a sealed glass bottle or mason jar and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.
Shake Before Serving – When ready to serve, shake the mixture with ice to chill and properly blend the flavors.
Rim the Glass Just Before Serving – For the best candy-coated rim, dip the glass in lemon juice or simple syrup, then roll it in crushed sour candy just before pouring the drink.
Long-Term Storage (Not Recommended)
Do Not Store Overnight – The fresh lemon juice will lose its brightness and may develop a slightly bitter taste over time.
Avoid Freezing – Freezing alters the balance of flavors and can cause separation when thawed.
Batch Preparation for Parties
Make a Large Batch (Up to 4 Hours in Advance) – Multiply the ingredients and mix in a pitcher or large sealed bottle, storing in the fridge.
Serve Over Ice When Ready – Always shake or stir before serving to redistribute flavors and ensure a well-balanced drink.
Offer a Topping Bar! – Provide a variety of sour candies, lemon slices, and strawberries so guests can customize their garnish.
By following these conservation and storage tips, you’ll ensure your Sour Strawberry Smash stays fresh, flavorful, and perfectly balanced for every sip!
Substitutions and Variations
- Prefer It Milder? 🍹 – Reduce the vodka to 3 oz and add a splash of sparkling water.
- Make It a Mocktail! 🍭 – Swap vodka for strawberry juice and club soda for a kid-friendly version.
- Swap Strawberry Vodka for Tequila 🍓 – For a strawberry-lemon margarita vibe.
- Turn It into a Sour Martini! 🍸 – Serve in a chilled martini glass without ice for an elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes! Pre-mix everything except the ice and garnish, store in the fridge, and shake with ice just before serving.
What does this cocktail taste like?
It’s a sweet and tart mix of strawberry, lemon, and candy flavors, with a smooth vodka finish.
Can I use a different citrus juice?
Yes! Try lime juice or grapefruit juice for a different citrusy twist.
How do I make it extra refreshing?
Serve it over crushed ice or add a splash of club soda for a lighter feel.
Conclusion: A Must-Try Sweet & Sour Cocktail!
The Sour Strawberry Smash is a fun, vibrant, and deliciously tangy drink that’s perfect for parties, happy hour, or anytime you’re craving something sweet and sour. With its candy-rimmed glass and fruity flavors, this cocktail is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Love sweet & sour drinks? Try these next!
Strawberry Lemonade Martini – A smooth and citrusy delight.
Raspberry Lemon Drop – A tart, berry-infused vodka cocktail.
Tried this recipe? Share your photos on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram! Cheers!
Print
Sour Strawberry Smash Cocktail!
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
The Sour Strawberry Smash is a vibrant, sweet, and tart cocktail that brings together strawberry vodka, fresh lemon juice, and simple syrup, all served in a sour candy-rimmed glass for an extra punch of flavor! It’s a fun and playful drink, perfect for parties, summer gatherings, or when you’re craving a tangy treat.
Ingredients
- 4 oz Strawberry Vodka 🍓 (adds a bold, fruity kick)
- 2 oz Fresh Lemon Juice 🍋 (brings a bright, citrusy tang)
- 2 oz Simple Syrup 🍯 (balances the tartness with a touch of sweetness)
- ½ cup Crushed Sour Candy 🍬 (for rimming the glass – try Sour Patch Kids or Warheads!)
- Ice (for shaking and serving) ❄️ (keeps it chilled and refreshing)
🍋 Garnish (Optional, but Recommended!)
- Fresh Strawberries or Lemon Slices 🍓🍋 (for a fruity and colorful presentation)
- Candy Skewer 🍬 (for extra fun, skewer some sour candies for garnish!)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Glass 🍬
- Run a lemon wedge around the rim of a glass.
- Dip the rim into crushed sour candy to coat it evenly.
2️⃣ Shake the Cocktail 🍸
- In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, add:
✅ 4 oz strawberry vodka
✅ 2 oz fresh lemon juice
✅ 2 oz simple syrup - Shake vigorously for 15 seconds until well chilled.
3️⃣ Strain & Serve 🥂
- Strain the mixture into the prepared glass filled with fresh ice.
4️⃣ Garnish & Enjoy 🍓🍋
- (Optional) Garnish with a fresh strawberry, lemon slice, or a skewer of sour candy.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this bold, sweet, and sour cocktail!
Equipment
8 Inches Professional Muddler for Cocktails Set
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Riedel Drink Specific Glassware Rocks Glass,9.98 oz (Engraved)
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The Home Bartender: The Third Edition: 200+ Cocktails Made with Four Ingredients or Less
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Thoughtfully Cocktails, Mix and Match Mini Sampler Cocktail Mixer Set
Buy Now →Notes
✔ Use Fresh Lemon Juice for the Best Flavor 🍋 – Freshly squeezed lemon juice enhances the tangy, citrusy balance.
✔ Chill Your Glass for Extra Refreshment ❄️ – Place the glass in the freezer for 5 minutes before serving.
✔ Adjust the Sweetness 🍬 – Prefer it less sweet? Reduce simple syrup to 1.5 oz. Want it sweeter? Add extra simple syrup or a splash of grenadine.
✔ Try a Fizzy Twist! 🥤 – Top with club soda or lemon-lime soda for a bubbly variation.
✔ Make It a Frozen Cocktail! 🧊 – Blend all ingredients with crushed ice for a slushy, sour strawberry delight.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 seconds
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: Shaken
- Cuisine: Modern
Keywords: Sour Strawberry Cocktail, Candy Rim Drink, Sweet and Sour Vodka Drink, Lemon Vodka Cocktail