Homemade Strawberry Vodka and Lime Spritzers Recipe

"The perfect summertime drink. I like to make these for a party or BBQ; but, plan ahead - the vodka takes about 5 days to develop a good flavor. Serve these in mason jars with a skewer of strawberries and a lime wedge on the side. Now, you could always use 'store bought' strawberry vodka, if strawberries aren't in season; but, homemade is really delicious; and, really worth making. Prep time does include the 5 days to make the vodka. Obviously I like to make a whole bottle; but, the recipe for the individual drinks serves 5. The infused vodka will last in the refrigerate for 2-3 months; but, I prefer to keep it cold in the freezer - vodka will NOT freeze."

Original is 4 servings

Metric US

I've Tried It

Ingredients

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STRAWBERRY VODKA
1 bottle (750 ml) vodka (no need to buy the expensive stuff for this)
2 pints strawberries, stems removed and quartered
Drink (makes 4 drinks)
6 ounces strawberry vodka

2 limes juiced
2 to 3 cups sparkling water (depending on how strong you like your drink)
Garnish
Fresh whole strawberries on a wooden skewer
1 lime, thin sliced

Nutritional

Serving Size: 1 (532.8 g)
Calories 596.2
Total Fat - 0.3 g
Saturated Fat - 0 g
Cholesterol - 0 mg
Sodium - 18.6 mg
Total Carbohydrate - 23 g
Dietary Fiber - 1.8 g
Sugars - 18.3 g
Protein - 0.6 g
Calcium - 10.4 mg
Iron - 0.4 mg
Vitamin C - 7.2 mg
Thiamin - 0 mg

Step by Step Method

Step 1

Vodka ... The most important thing is to try to get organic or fresh strawberries; ones that you know haven't been sprayed with pesticides. Usually ones from a local farms are pretty good. But, I like to clean mine with a vegetable wash, if possible, before making the vodka.

Step 2

Remove the stem and cut the strawberries in quarters. Add them to a a large jar with a good seal; or, I use a couple of mason jars. Anything that seals and 'keeps' out any air. Then, add the vodka, seal the jar; and lightly 'tilt and swirl' a couple of times to combine the fruit and vodka. Put in a dark, cool, dry place. I use my pantry; a kitchen cabinet also works good. Make sure to 'tilt and swirl' each day. You will have a light flavor in 3 days; or strong flavor in 7. Personally, It's ready after 5 days for me.

Step 3

The vodka will need to be strained before drinking. Some suggest using a cheese cloth for the first strain, which works well - but, I just use a mesh strainer, it works just fine. The second strain, I use a coffee filter. Just add the coffee filter right to the strainer; and, pour the vodka over that. It will get out any small seeds, etc; and, you will end up with a nice clear vodka ready to enjoy.

Step 4

Cocktail Time ... For each mason jar; add, 1 1/2 ozs of the strawberry vodka, 1/4 of the lime juice (or 1/2 lime juiced), and 1/2-3/4 cup sparkling water, (depending on how strong you like your cocktail); and plenty of ice of course.