Strawberry Shortcake Martini with Whipped Cream Vodka

This Strawberry Shortcake Martini tastes just like the classic dessert in a glass. It only takes fresh strawberries, whipped cream vodka, lemon juice, and nutty amaretto to whip this drink up in a flash!

I love me a good dessert cocktail. I’ve made several different variations based on some of my favorite desserts and sweet treats including an Orange Creamsicle Martini and Snickers Irish Latte amongst others.

While I love cream-based drinks that contain dairy, I like using whipped cream vodka to give the feel and flavor of cream without feeling heavy. It just feels much lighter, which is really important to me in the middle of Charleston summers. 🥵

Not only is a Strawberry Shortcake Martini great for summer, but it works wonderfully as a Spring, Valentine’s Day, or Mother’s Day cocktail as well!

Ingredients

Fresh strawberries – Ripe, fresh, and juicy strawberries in their peak season are ideal as they give the most flavor and aroma. You can use frozen strawberries if need be. 

Whipped cream vodka – I do recommend the whipped cream flavored vodka as this is what gives the “cream” flavor. Many other recipes call for vanilla or cake vodka, which is fine, but the amaretto in this recipe already gives a sweet “baked” flavor. If you want you can do a split base between the whipped cream vodka and another flavored vodka. 

Amaretto – This is the key secret ingredient that gives the flavor of the cake part of Strawberry Shortcake Martini. I used amaretto as my key ingredient to do the same thing in my Peach Cobbler Cocktail and Sugar Cookie Martini. 

Lemon juice – Use freshly squeezed whenever possible as bottled doesn’t give the same flavor. Don’t skip it either, the sweetness of the other ingredients needs to be balanced with the tartness of the lemon juice. 

Step-by-Step Instructions 

Step 1: Muddle the strawberries in the bottom of an empty cocktail shaker. Then, add the vodka.

Step 2: Add the amaretto and lemon juice to the shaker. Then, add your ice and shake until well chilled. 

Step 3: Strain into a coupe or martini glass and garnish with a fresh strawberry on a cocktail pick.

General Tips and Variations

Add a sweet rim by rolling the rim in vanilla frosting. 

Try adding a touch of edible glitter to the shaker for a fun little touch.

Make it a little richer and more decadent by adding a bit of heavy cream or cream liqueur, such as Baileys. You can use regular Baileys, but they also make a “strawberries and cream” flavor as well which would be a lovely addition.

If you don’t have or want to use amaretto, try Frangelico for a nutty hazelnut flavor that will still give the “cake” flavor. 

Want a sweeter cocktail? Add a little simple syrup (like my elderflower syrup). Or, try a bit of strawberry jam when you add the other ingredients to the shaker. 

If it’s too sweet for your liking, just add a touch of lemon juice to balance. 

How to Make a Big Batch and Make Ahead Tips

If you want to serve this to a crowd, this recipe can easily be scaled up by multiplying the measurements by the number of servings you need. I’ve included measurements for 8 servings in the recipe card below for your convenience. 

Start by muddling your strawberries in the bottom of a large pitcher with a long wooden spoon. Or, you can puree the strawberries in a blender or food processor to make things easier.

Add the rest of the ingredients to the pitcher and stir well. Chill in the fridge for up to 1 day in advance. Make sure you stir well again just prior to serving as the strawberry puree has a tendency to settle at the bottom. 

If you are serving the cocktails right away and don’t have time to chill the batch in the fridge, simply add each serving to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake well and strain into each person’s glass. Avoid adding ice directly to the pitcher as this will water down and dilute the flavors.