Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash: A Refreshing Sip of Summer in Every Glass

Thank you so much for stopping by—it truly means the world to me to share these joyful little sips with you. Today, I’m thrilled to bring you a recipe that celebrates the peak of warm weather and fresh seasonal fruit: the Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash. This cocktail is everything you want in a summer drink—bright, fizzy, subtly sweet, and loaded with ripe, juicy strawberries and fresh lime juice. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging poolside, or simply winding down after a long day, this vodka smash is the kind of drink that makes any moment feel like a celebration.

If you love easy cocktails with fresh fruit and minimal fuss, you’re in for a real treat. Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter so you never miss out on more simple, seasonal recipes just like this. I send all the good stuff straight to your inbox.

What Is a Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash?

A vodka smash is a cocktail that typically involves muddled fruit and/or herbs combined with a spirit—in this case, vodka—plus something fizzy or refreshing to top it off. It’s one of those drinks that sounds fancy but is incredibly easy to make at home. The beauty of a smash is its flexibility. You can customize it to match whatever you’ve got in the fridge, and once you understand the basic ratio, it opens the door to endless creative combinations.

In this particular version, we’re leaning into a classic summer flavor pairing: strawberries and lime. The strawberries are muddled with honey and lime juice to create a vibrant, slightly sweet base. Vodka is added, then the whole thing is topped with sparkling soda water for a bit of bubbly lift. It’s easy to make, easy to love, and so pretty to serve.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash

There are a dozen reasons this cocktail is in heavy rotation at my house once the temperature starts rising. For starters, it’s made with ingredients that are either already in your kitchen or incredibly easy to find. There’s no special equipment needed, and no need to be an expert mixologist. If you can stir a spoon and muddle fruit with a fork, you’re good to go.

You’ll also love it because:

• It’s light, crisp, and not overly sweet.
• The honey adds a smooth, natural sweetness without overpowering the other ingredients.
• You can make it in under five minutes, which is always a win.
• It’s versatile—use whatever fruit or herbs you like.
• It looks gorgeous in a glass with simple garnishes, making it perfect for guests or date nights at home.

What It Tastes Like

The flavor profile of this cocktail is vibrant and juicy, thanks to the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries balanced by the sharp zing of fresh lime juice. The vodka adds a clean, neutral base that lets the fruit shine, and the honey ties everything together with its smooth, mellow notes. The splash of soda water adds effervescence that makes each sip feel light and refreshing.

You’ll notice that the lime doesn’t overwhelm the strawberry—it complements it perfectly. The result is a cocktail that’s balanced, not cloying, and incredibly drinkable. It’s the kind of drink you can sip slowly on a hot afternoon or serve in a big pitcher at your next summer gathering.

Healthier Cocktail? Yes, Please

While I wouldn’t call any cocktail a health drink, there are some things to love about this one. You’re using fresh, whole ingredients—no syrups or artificial mixers here. Strawberries are naturally rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, while lime juice provides a zesty burst of flavor without added sugar. And because this recipe uses honey instead of refined sugar, it’s a little easier on your body, too.

The amount of vodka in each serving is moderate—about two ounces—so it offers just enough of a kick without being overwhelming. Plus, you’re in total control of how sweet or strong you want to make it.

Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 2)

• 4 ounces vodka
• 1 cup fresh strawberries, chopped
• 2 teaspoons honey (add more to taste if desired)
• 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (about 1 to 2 limes)
• About 1/4 to 1/3 cup soda water per glass
• Ice

Optional Garnishes:

• Lime slices
• Strawberry slices
• Fresh mint sprigs

Tools for the Job

You don’t need any fancy bartending gear to make this drink. Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Cocktail shaker or sturdy measuring cup
• Muddler or the back of a wooden spoon
• Two lowball or rocks glasses
• Long-handled spoon for stirring

If you’re planning to make this for a group, a pitcher or large mason jar can make the process even easier.

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

Like I said, this recipe is versatile. It welcomes your creativity, especially if you’re working with what you have in the fridge. Here are a few ideas:

• No honey? You can substitute with agave nectar, maple syrup, or a homemade simple syrup.
• Prefer a different fruit? Raspberries, blackberries, or peaches also pair beautifully with lime.
• Want it boozier? Increase the vodka to 3 ounces per serving.
• Want it lighter? Reduce the vodka to 1 ounce and increase the soda water.
• Add herbs: Mint, basil, or thyme muddled in with the strawberries adds herbal depth.
• Add citrus zest: A little lime or orange zest brings extra aroma and a more complex flavor.

How to Make a Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash

1. Muddle the Fruit

Place the chopped strawberries, honey, and lime juice in a cocktail shaker or measuring cup. Use a muddler or the back of a spoon to mash the strawberries until they release their juices and create a vibrant red pulp.

2. Strain or Leave Chunky

If you prefer a smoother drink, strain the mixture evenly into two lowball glasses filled with ice. If you enjoy a little texture and fresh fruit in your cocktail, you can skip the straining and pour the entire muddled mixture directly into your glasses.

3. Add Vodka

Pour 2 ounces of vodka into each glass. Stir gently to combine with the strawberry-lime base.

4. Add Soda Water

Top each glass with soda water—somewhere between 1/4 to 1/3 cup, depending on how bubbly you like your drink. Stir again to incorporate.

5. Garnish and Serve

Top with a slice of lime, a few strawberry slices, and a fresh sprig of mint for a beautiful finish. Serve immediately and enjoy cold.

What to Serve With This Cocktail

This vodka smash pairs wonderfully with a wide range of summer-inspired dishes. Whether you’re serving snacks, appetizers, or a full meal, here are some pairing ideas:

• Grilled shrimp with garlic and herbs
• Chicken tacos with mango salsa
• Tomato bruschetta with basil and balsamic glaze
• Charcuterie board with soft cheeses and fresh fruit
• Caprese salad skewers
• Chips and guacamole

If you’re looking for more cocktail inspiration to pair with your summer entertaining, check out a few more fresh and fruity favorites:

• Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots – A fun, boozy treat perfect for parties.
• Jolly Rancher Vodka Cocktail Recipe – Bursting with nostalgic candy flavor, this cocktail is a showstopper.
• Refreshing Raspberry Cheesecake Freakshake – Not a cocktail, but this sweet, decadent shake is a dessert lover’s dream.

Tips for Making the Perfect Vodka Smash

• Use the ripest strawberries you can find. The better the berries, the better the flavor.
• Chill your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. It keeps the drink extra crisp.
• Always taste before serving. You can adjust the honey, lime, or soda water to match your preferences.
• Don’t skimp on the garnish. It adds aroma and visual appeal, enhancing the overall experience.
• For an even fancier presentation, serve with crushed ice and a striped paper straw.

Make-Ahead and Storage Options

You can absolutely prep parts of this cocktail ahead of time to make things even easier.

• Make the strawberry-lime-honey base up to 24 hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
• When you’re ready to serve, just add the vodka, ice, and soda water.
• You can also freeze the base in ice cube trays. When you’re ready to make the cocktail, pop out a few cubes and build the drink directly in your glass.

Leftover cocktail mix will keep in the fridge for up to two days, but it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, just thaw them first and expect a softer texture. Frozen strawberries still bring great flavor and are perfect if fresh berries aren’t in season.

Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Omit the vodka and increase the soda water or use a flavored sparkling water. You can also muddle in a few slices of cucumber or mint for an extra refreshing mocktail.

What type of vodka should I use?
Any decent mid-range vodka will work well here. Since the fruit adds so much flavor, you don’t need anything super top-shelf, but avoid the super cheap stuff. A clean, smooth vodka will give the best result.

Can I make a big batch?
Yes, just multiply the ingredients by the number of servings you want and combine the strawberry-lime-honey mixture in a large pitcher. Wait to add the vodka and soda water until just before serving to keep it bubbly.

Is this drink sweet?
It’s lightly sweet, thanks to the strawberries and honey. You’re in control of the final sweetness level—just adjust the amount of honey to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so special about taking a few fresh, simple ingredients and turning them into something beautiful. This Strawberry Lime Vodka Smash is exactly that kind of recipe. It’s uncomplicated but full of flavor, vibrant in color and spirit, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re mixing up two drinks for a quiet evening or scaling it up for a sunny get-together, this cocktail brings a little sparkle to the everyday.

Don’t forget to explore more of my fruit-forward drink recipes like the Beach Peach Lemonade Jello Shots or the incredibly fun Jolly Rancher Vodka Cocktail Recipe. And if you’re more of a dessert lover, you’ll want to sip on the Refreshing Raspberry Cheesecake Freakshake—it’s as indulgent as it sounds.

If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a review, drop a comment below, or tag me in your photos on Pinterest. I can’t wait to see your beautiful creations.

Approximate Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 140
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 9g
• Protein: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Alcohol: 2 oz vodka (~26g)

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