Last summer, I was prepping for my daughter’s birthday party an outdoor picnic-style afternoon with lemonade jars, finger foods, and sunshine. In the middle of the chaos, I had this moment where I just wanted something fun and a little fancy for the moms to sip on. I didn’t have time to run to the store, so I grabbed a bag of frozen strawberries from the freezer and thought, “Why not?”
That’s how my obsession with homemade strawberry puree for drinks began.
Honestly, I’m lucky my girls may be picky eaters, but if something’s pink and tastes like strawberries, they’re all in. Their room is even decorated in strawberry pink. So anything I make with strawberries smoothies, drinks, even hydration water gets a thumbs up. And this strawberry puree? It’s become my go-to.
If you’re looking for something simple, pretty, and delicious to stir into your drinks, this recipe is for you.
How to make Strawberry Puree for drinks
You’ll need
To make the perfect strawberry puree for drinks, you only need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have at home.
Strawberries: I used about 12 ounces of strawberries frozen ones from my freezer stash, but fresh works just as well if they’re ripe and sweet. Frozen berries actually break down faster when heated, which makes the process even easier on busy days.
Lemon juice: Just a couple teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice. It brightens up the flavor and helps preserve the beautiful color of the puree. You can skip it if you’re making this just for the kids, but I love the subtle zing it adds.
Sweetener (optional): Honestly, I don’t always add sugar because the strawberries are usually sweet enough, especially for little ones. But if you’re using slightly tart berries or making this for cocktails, a touch of maple syrup, honey, or even simple syrup does wonders.
Water (if needed): Sometimes I splash in a tablespoon or two of water while cooking the strawberries if they seem too thick at the start. Totally optional it just helps them break down more evenly.
That’s it. Just a few simple, wholesome ingredients and you’ve got a vibrant strawberry base ready for any drink moment life throws your way.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making strawberry puree for drinks is one of those quick kitchen wins that feels way fancier than it is. Here’s how I do it, even when I’ve got little hands tugging at my apron.
1. Start with your strawberries.
If you’re using fresh strawberries, rinse and hull them first. For frozen ones, no need to thaw—just toss them straight into a saucepan. I usually go with about 12 ounces, which gives me enough puree for several drinks.
2. Cook them down.
Place the strawberries in a medium saucepan over medium heat. As they warm up, they’ll start releasing their juices. I like to gently mash them with a silicone spatula to help break them down faster. After about 6 to 8 minutes, they should be soft, juicy, and bubbling.
3. Add lemon juice.
Once they’ve cooked down, stir in about 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice. This step isn’t just for flavor it helps preserve that gorgeous pink color. If you’re adding a sweetener (like maple syrup or honey), now’s the time to do it—just a spoonful if needed.
4. Strain for a smooth finish.
This is optional, but I always run the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds and pulp. Especially if I’m serving this in drinks, I want it silky-smooth. Use a spoon to press the mixture through the sieve and get every bit of that delicious puree.
5. Let it cool.
Transfer the puree to a jar or container and let it cool to room temperature. You can store it in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze it in ice cube trays for quick use later.
And that’s it. Homemade strawberry puree for drinks ready to swirl into lemonades, mix into cocktails, or even dress up sparkling water in seconds.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
Strawberry Puree for drinks
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This easy strawberry puree for drinks is made with fresh or frozen strawberries and a splash of lemon juice. Perfect for strawberry lemonade, smoothies, mocktails, cocktails like daiquiris and margaritas, or even stirred into sparkling water. Whether you’re using it for a kids’ drink or an adult cocktail, this additive-free strawberry puree adds vibrant color and natural fruit flavor to every glass.
Ingredients
2 oz. strawberries (fresh or frozen)
2 teaspoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
Optional: 1–2 teaspoons honey, maple syrup, or sugar (if berries are tart)
Optional: 1–2 tablespoons water (if needed to thin out)
Instructions
Step By Step Instructions
Add strawberries to a medium saucepan over medium heat.
Stir occasionally and gently mash the strawberries with a spatula as they cook.
Let them simmer for 6–8 minutes until they break down and juices are released.
Remove from heat. Stir in lemon juice and sweetener, if using.
Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl or jar for a smooth, seedless texture.
Let cool completely before using in drinks.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
Notes
Frozen strawberries work beautifully and require no thawing.
For cocktails or mocktails, start with 1 tablespoon of puree per serving and adjust to taste.
Great in lemonade, smoothies, sparkling water, or strawberry margaritas.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Basics
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 20 kcal
- Sugar: 3.5g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0.6g
- Protein: 0.2g
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How to Use Strawberry Puree for drinks
This strawberry puree for drinks is like your secret weapon for making ordinary drinks feel extra special. Whether you’re planning a brunch, throwing together a weeknight dinner, or just trying to get your kids to drink more water, this stuff is pure magic.
Here are some of our favorite ways to use it at home:
Strawberry Lemonade
This is a classic. Just stir a few spoonfuls of puree into fresh lemonade and serve over ice. It’s sweet, tangy, and the pink color makes it instantly more fun, my girls ask for it every weekend.
Sparkling Strawberry Water
Add a spoonful of strawberry puree to sparkling water for a healthy, fizzy treat. I usually skip sweeteners here since the puree is naturally sweet.
Mocktails
Mix the puree with lime juice, mint, and soda water for a strawberry mojito-inspired drink. Or try it with orange juice and tonic for a refreshing twist.
Smoothies & Milkshakes
If you have leftovers, toss it into your morning smoothie or swirl it into a vanilla milkshake. It blends beautifully and adds that fresh strawberry taste without artificial flavorings.
Iced Tea or Lemon Water
Want to dress up a simple iced tea? A little strawberry puree gives it just enough fruitiness without overpowering the drink.
Strawberry Daiquiri or Margarita
For the grown-ups, this puree is cocktail gold. Add it to rum and lime juice for a frozen daiquiri, or shake it with tequila and triple sec for a strawberry margarita.
Busy Mom Tips for Using Strawberry Puree in Drinks
When you’re trying to juggle real life and still make something a little special, this strawberry puree for drinks can be your go-to shortcut. It’s quick, flexible, and kid-approved even on the busiest days. Here’s how I make it work week after week:
1. Freeze leftover strawberry puree in ice cube trays.
Making a double batch of strawberry puree means you’ll always have some on hand. Just pour it into ice cube trays and freeze. Pop a cube into lemonade, mocktails, or sparkling water when you need a quick flavor boost.
2. Use frozen strawberries straight from the freezer.
No need to thaw. Just drop frozen strawberries directly into the saucepan. They cook down faster and make it super easy to whip up strawberry puree without planning ahead.
3. Keep it in the fridge for easy drink upgrades.
Strawberry puree stays fresh in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. I love adding it to strawberry lemonade, smoothies, or even simple lemon water during the week instant flavor with zero stress.
4. Bring it along for outdoor gatherings.
Whether it’s a picnic, a pool day, or a birthday party, a chilled jar of strawberry puree turns any basic drink into something festive. Mix it into iced tea or use it in non-alcoholic strawberry drinks for adults and kids alike.
5. Let the kids customize their own pink drinks.
Mine love mixing their own strawberry creations. I set out the puree, some sparkling water or juice, and a few fruit slices, and they build their own mocktails. It makes hydration fun and pink drinks are always a win.
FAQ – Strawberry Puree for Drinks
1. How do you make strawberry puree for cocktails?
It’s super simple! Just simmer fresh or frozen strawberries in a saucepan until they break down, then stir in a bit of lemon juice. Strain through a fine mesh sieve for a smooth finish. This puree adds natural sweetness and vibrant flavor to cocktails like daiquiris, margaritas, or even a simple vodka soda.
2. Is strawberry puree the same as syrup?
Not quite. Strawberry puree is made by cooking and blending strawberries into a smooth consistency, often without added sugar. Syrup, on the other hand, usually contains more sugar and has a thinner texture. For drinks, puree gives a more natural fruit flavor and thicker texture perfect for mocktails and smoothies.
3. How do you use strawberry puree in drinks?
You can stir it into lemonades, mix it with sparkling water, blend it into smoothies, or shake it into cocktails. It works beautifully in both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and it’s a great way to add color and fresh flavor without artificial ingredients.
4. Can I use frozen strawberries for puree?
Yes! Frozen strawberries are actually perfect for making strawberry puree for drinks. They break down quickly when heated and are available year-round. Just toss them into your pan straight from the freezer no thawing needed.
Why Strawberry Puree for Drinks Is a Must-Have in Your Kitchen
If you’ve never made strawberry puree for drinks before, I hope this inspires you to give it a try. It’s simple, quick, and turns any ordinary beverage into something a little more special. Whether you’re using frozen strawberries or fresh ones from the market, this puree is the perfect way to add flavor, color, and a homemade touch to lemonades, smoothies, mocktails, or even your favorite cocktails.
As a busy mom, I love recipes like this just a handful of ingredients, no fancy tools, and totally versatile. My girls are hooked on their pink strawberry drinks, and I always keep a jar or a few frozen cubes on hand to mix into whatever we’re drinking that day.
From strawberry daiquiris on date night to strawberry lemonade at snack time, this easy puree has become a fridge staple in our home and I know it will in yours too.
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