Easy Strawberry Martini with Vodka

Fruity martinis are so perfect for warmer weather like Spring or Summer. And, strawberry based ones are great for all sorts of holiday occasions like Valentine’s Day. 

Recently, I made a Strawberry Gin and Tonic and Blueberry Martini so I decided to keep the berry party going with this Strawberry Martini. 

Ingredient Notes and Suggestions

Strawberries – You can use fresh or frozen strawberries in this drink – your choice!

Simple syrup – This adds a touch of sweetness and helps the strawberries release their juices and flavor. You can buy simple syrup or make your own by dissolving 1 cup of sugar with 1 cup of water heated on a stovetop or in the microwave. Allow it to completely cool before you use it. 

Vodka – I used regular vodka, but there are so many options you can substitute. Something like strawberry or citron vodka would work excellently. 

Triple sec – When it comes to triple sec, you truly get what you pay for. If your budget allows, I can’t recommend enough using Cointreau. Its flavor is way more intense than the lower priced varieties of triple sec. 

Lemon juice – Unlike the strawberries, I highly recommend using freshly squeezed lemon juice. The bottled juice can give an off or dull flavor to the drink. If I’m making just one drink, I use a hand squeezer. Or, if I’m making a batch, I use my electric citrus juicer. Both make the whole process a lot easier. 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Add the strawberries and simple syrup to the bottom of the cocktail shaker and muddle using a cocktail muddler or wooden spoon until all of the strawberries’ juices have been released. Then, add the vodka and triple sec to the shaker.

Step 2: Add the lemon juice to the shaker along with some ice. Shake until well chilled. Your hand should feel very cold when you’re done shaking.

Step 3: Strain into a coupe or cocktail glass. Then, garnish with a fresh strawberry on a cocktail pick, if desired.

Expert Tips

It is easier to muddle strawberries that have been sliced vs. whole strawberries, so give them a quick chop before adding them to the shaker. 

If you want a smooth cocktail, pop the strawberries into a mini food processor and blend until smooth. If you don’t want any pulp in your drink at all, then put the strawberry puree through a fine mesh sieve. 

For a sweeter drink, increase the simple syrup. 

To get a more tart or sour cocktail, increase the amount of lemon juice. 

Try chilling your glass by placing it in the freezer for 10-15 minutes. Or, for a quicker chill, add ice cubes to the cocktail glass before you start making the Strawberry Martini – then, dump the ice out of the glass and pour in your martini. 

Variations and Substitutions

Want to modify the recipe to suit your tastes? Here are a few ideas to get you going:

• Swap the strawberries for other berries such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries. I have a similar recipe for a Blackberry Martini if you’d like to check that out.  

• Try adding a sugar rim by dipping the rim in some lemon juice and then rolling it in granulated sugar. 

• Swap the vodka for your favorite gin. If you need a recommendation, try using the Empress Elderflower Rose Gin – it has a lovely flavor and color that would complement a Strawberry Martini.

• Swap the regular simple syrup for an elderflower syrup or liqueur such as St. Germain. 
• Change out the regular vodka with whipped cream vodka, like I did in my Strawberry Shortcake Martini.

Batching and Making Ahead

Batching and making this drink ahead of time is very easy to do. To batch the cocktail, simply multiply the number of servings you wish to have by the amounts of each ingredient. To be helpful, I’ve included the measurements to serve 8 in the recipe card notes.

To make a batch, you simply muddle the strawberries in the bottom of a large pitcher using a long wooden spoon or puree the strawberries in a food processor or blender. Then add the rest of the ingredients. To chill each drink, you can pour a serving into a cocktail shaker with ice to shake and strain into each martini glass. 

To make ahead, simply put the pitcher in the fridge up to 1 day in advance. Since it’s already chilled, you don’t have to use the cocktail shaker to chill the drink. Just make sure that you give it a good stir before serving as the strawberry pulp can settle at the bottom.