Strawberry Martini (made with REAL strawberries)

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This fruity strawberry martini is an easy and delicious vodka cocktail to make this spring. Made with strawberry syrup infused with real strawberries for a powerful strawberry flavor. Then shaken with vodka and a bit of lemon juice and served in a chilled glass.

Strawberry martini being poured from a cocktail shaker into a martini glass, on a black background.

Flavored martinis such as this espresso martini, this grapefruit martini, this lemon basil martini or this raspberry martini are always fun cocktails to make.

If you like strawberry flavored drinks, try this strawberry mocktail, this strawberry bellini or this strawberry gimlet for a refreshing summer drink. You can also try one of these fruity strawberry vodka drinks.

For other vodka based drinks, try these watermelon shooters, this grapefruit cocktail or this vodka sunrise.

This strawberry martini recipe is perfect for serving during cocktail hour with a dessert-like appetizer, such as these chocolate dipped orange slices.

Jump to:

Why this is the best strawberry vodka martini
Ingredients
Instructions
Variations
Expert Tips
FAQ
📖 Recipe

Overhead view of martini garnished with a strawberry and a slice of lemon.

Why this is the best strawberry vodka martini

It’s made with real strawberries. The strawberry flavor comes from real fruit so there is no artificial flavoring. The strawberry flavor comes from a homemade strawberry simple syrup that is made with real strawberries, so there is no artificial flavoring!
Simple ingredients. You don’t need to buy expensive, flavored liqueurs for this martini. All the ingredients are easy to find.
It’s easy to make. In just 20 minutes you can prepare a large batch of strawberry martinis for a crowd.

Ingredients

Strawberries: If it’s strawberry season, use fresh strawberries. However, you can also use frozen strawberries to make the strawberry syrup. Just make sure to let them thaw slightly first.
Vodka: Use your favorite brand. If you have strawberry flavored vodka, you can use that, but it is not needed for this recipe. If you don’t like vodka, you can substitute it for another liquor, such as gin or rum.
Lemon: A bit of lemon juice adds a slight tartness and brightness to this martini. Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor.
Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to make the strawberry simple syrup.
Water: Water is used to make the strawberry syrup. Use filtered water to avoid any unpleasant tastes from tap water.

Instructions

Step 1: First, make the homemade strawberry simple syrup. Heat the strawberries, water and sugar on a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer before removing the pan from the heat, and straining out the strawberry chunks.

Step 2: Add the strawberry syrup, vodka and lemon juice to a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well, strain and serve.

Variations

There are lots of variations you can make with this strawberry vodka martini. Here are some ideas:

Strawberry Basil Martini: Replace half of the strawberry simple syrup with this basil simple syrup.
Chocolate Strawberry Martini: Add in a ½ ounce of this chocolate simple syrup.
Strawberry Limoncello Martini: Add in ½ to 1 oz of limoncello.
Strawberry Banana Martini: Replace half of the strawberry simple syrup with this banana syrup.

Expert Tips

Make the syrup in advance. If you are making these martinis for guests, it’s easiest to make the syrup a day or two ahead of time. Store strawberry syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 10 days.
Don’t boil the strawberry syrup. At most bring the mixture to a very gentle simmer. Don’t boil the mixture otherwise too much water will evaporate, leaving you with a thick, sticky syrup.
Chill the glasses. For an extra cold cocktail, chill the glasses in the fridge or freezer for 30 minutes before serving.

FAQ

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes, just let them thaw before making the simple syrup.

Can I use a store bought strawberry syrup?

Yes you can use a store bought strawberry simple syrup. However, it will have a more artificial flavor compared to the homemade strawberry syrup.

How do I store leftover strawberry syrup?

Store any leftover syrup in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a couple weeks.

What other recipes use strawberry simple syrup?

If you want ideas for how to use up extra syrup, try this strawberry gimlet, this strawberry milk tea or this strawberry mojito.

Strawberry martini, garnished with a strawberry, on a black background, with pink pebbles and flowers scattered around.

📖 Recipe