Strawberry Daiquiri Recipe: Sweet, Frozen & Refreshing

Some drinks are pure nostalgia. The kind that instantly takes you back to summer vacations, poolside laughs, and sunburned shoulders wrapped in towels. The Strawberry Daiquiri is one of those drinks. It’s sweet, tart, ice-cold, and unapologetically fun—a grown-up slushie with tropical spirit and fruity punch. Whether you’re sipping it from a hurricane glass with a paper umbrella or blending it up at home in a swimsuit and flip-flops, it’s a cocktail that brings the good times in big, frosty waves.

I fell in love with strawberry daiquiris long before I knew what a proper daiquiri even was. My first memory of one was at a beach resort with my family—I was probably eleven, and I got the “virgin” version. It came in a bright glass, overflowing with crushed ice and a strawberry perched on top like a little crown. I felt so fancy, so adult. Fast forward a decade, and I found myself ordering the real thing at a beach shack in Key West, where the bartender poured fresh strawberry purée, a splash of lime, and a healthy dose of white rum into a blender. It wasn’t just sweet—it was balanced, refreshing, and bracing in the best way. It wasn’t a syrupy sugar bomb. It was a cocktail. And I’ve been making them that way ever since.

Now, when I make strawberry daiquiris at home, I lean into that vibe—simple ingredients, tons of flavor, and a whole lot of crushed ice. It’s the drink I pull out when friends drop by in the summer, or when I need a mental beach day but I’m stuck at home. It’s always a hit, always easy, and always reminds me that cocktails don’t need to be complicated to be seriously satisfying.

The Perfect Drink for Heatwaves, Beach Days & Impromptu Celebrations

There’s something about a frozen strawberry daiquiri that screams summer louder than a popsicle truck on a Saturday afternoon. It’s frosty, vibrant, and instantly cooling—ideal for days when the sun is relentless and the only solution is blending something icy and boozy. It’s also wildly festive. You could be sitting alone on your porch with one of these and still feel like you’re at a beach party.

For beach days or pool parties, the strawberry daiquiri is basically required drinking. It’s easy to batch, fun to serve, and endlessly customizable. It also makes a fantastic signature cocktail for summer birthdays, backyard BBQs, or bridal showers with tropical themes. And because it’s frozen, you can blend everything in advance and stash it in the freezer until you’re ready to serve. The texture holds up beautifully.

But let’s not limit this to summer. I’ve made strawberry daiquiris in the dead of winter just to bring a little brightness into a gray afternoon. Something about that mix of berries, lime, and rum makes everything feel a little sunnier. And if you keep frozen strawberries on hand, you’re always just five minutes away from your own private getaway—snowstorm or not.

Picture Gallery:

Why Strawberries, Lime, and Rum Are a Timeless Trio

The daiquiri is one of the simplest and most iconic cocktails ever: rum, lime, and sugar. That’s it. When you introduce strawberries into the mix, you’re not reinventing the wheel—you’re giving it a juicy, red upgrade. And it works so well.

Strawberries bring natural sweetness, vibrant color, and a tart edge that balances beautifully with citrus and spirits. When frozen, they also create the perfect slushy texture that makes this drink so satisfying on a hot day. You can use fresh ones too—just add ice—but frozen strawberries are often more consistent and make things super easy.

Lime juice adds acidity and brightness. Without it, the drink could feel flat or too sweet. With it, the flavors come alive. It’s what keeps the drink from tasting like a smoothie and instead reminds you: yes, this is a cocktail.

White rum is the classic choice—clean, slightly sweet, and mellow enough to let the strawberries shine. It gives the drink that beachy, Caribbean backbone. If you want something bolder, try aged rum or even a hint of overproof for extra kick.

Simple syrup brings everything together. It softens the lime’s sharpness and helps smooth the icy texture. You can adjust the sweetness based on your berries—ripe strawberries might need less, while out-of-season ones may need more.

Together, these ingredients blend into something that’s equal parts icy treat and sophisticated sipper.

How to Make Strawberry Daiquiri: The Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 oz white rum
• 1 oz fresh lime juice
• 1/2 oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup frozen strawberries (or 1/2 cup fresh + 1/2 cup ice)
• Ice (optional, for texture)
• Optional garnish: strawberry, lime wheel, mint sprig

Instructions:

1. Blend it all up: Add rum, lime juice, simple syrup, and strawberries to a blender. Add a handful of ice if using fresh strawberries or if you want an icier texture. Blend until smooth and slushy.
2. Taste and adjust: Add more lime for tartness, more syrup for sweetness, or more ice for a thicker consistency. Blend again if needed.
3. Pour and serve: Pour into a chilled cocktail glass, hurricane glass, or any tall glass you love.
4. Garnish and enjoy: Add a fresh strawberry, a lime slice, or a sprig of mint for a little flair.

Optional Add-Ins:

• A splash of triple sec or orange liqueur for citrus depth
• A few fresh basil leaves for herbal contrast
• Coconut milk or cream for a creamy twist
• Sparkling wine float for a festive topper
• A pinch of sea salt to brighten the flavor

FAQ Section:

Can I use fresh strawberries?
Absolutely. Just add a bit more ice to get that frozen texture. Frozen strawberries make it easier, but both work.

What’s the best rum to use?
White rum is traditional—clean and light. For more complexity, try aged rum or add a splash of overproof for extra punch.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes! Blend and freeze the mixture in a sealed container. When ready to serve, let it sit for a few minutes, then re-blend to refresh the texture.

Is it very sweet?
It’s sweet, but not cloying. The lime keeps it balanced. You can always adjust the syrup based on your taste.

Can I make it without alcohol?
Totally. Just skip the rum and blend strawberries with lime juice, syrup, and ice for a delicious mocktail.

Variations:

• Spicy Strawberry Daiquiri: Add a small slice of jalapeño before blending for a spicy-sweet kick.
• Strawberry Coconut Daiquiri: Blend with coconut cream for a creamy island twist.
• Boozy Strawberry Float: Pour over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a wild dessert drink.
• Berry Blend Daiquiri: Add raspberries or blackberries to mix up the flavor.
• Minty Strawberry Daiquiri: Muddle mint or add it to the blender for extra freshness.

When to Serve It:

Hot Summer Days:
The ultimate cool-down. Nothing beats the frozen daiquiri’s brain-freeze-in-a-good-way feel when the temps are rising.

BBQs & Cookouts:
Pairs perfectly with grilled food and sunshine. Make a pitcher and watch it disappear fast.

Afternoon Tea or Picnics:
Serve in mason jars or insulated cups for a fun, grown-up take on fruity refreshment.

After a Workout:
Make a virgin version with extra lime and strawberries for a refreshing, hydrating cooldown.

Occasions to Serve It:

• Beach vacations
• Pool parties
• Summer birthdays
• Bridal showers
• Bachelorette weekends
• 4th of July festivities
• Movie nights on the patio
• Garden hangouts
• Sunday Fundays
• Whenever you’re dreaming of sunshine and sweetness

Conclusion:

The Strawberry Daiquiri is the drink that doesn’t need to be serious to be seriously good. It’s playful, pretty, and packed with flavor—but beneath the frozen surface is a perfectly balanced cocktail that delivers every time. It’s sweet, tart, and ice-cold, with just enough rum to remind you this isn’t just dessert—it’s a tropical escape.

Whether you’re blending it up for a party, serving it with snacks on the deck, or sneaking a solo moment of summer in the middle of a busy week, the Strawberry Daiquiri is always the right move. It’s sunshine in a glass. Go ahead, sip slow—or don’t. Just enjoy the ride.