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Strawberry Dirty Sprite is the ultimate summer party drink that immediately steals the show with its glowing pink hue and refreshing burst of strawberry flavor. This recipe quickly became my go-to for gatherings after the very first sip by the pool last July. Everyone asks for seconds and the secret ingredient list. It is vibrant fizzy totally easy to throw together and makes every backyard hangout or brunch sparkle.
I was first obsessed after making this for my neighborhood cookout and now it is always the first thing I get asked to bring whenever I show up at any summer event
Ingredients
- Sprite or lemon lime soda: gives that classic zingy fizz so pick a regular quality soda that you enjoy
- Good quality vodka: keeps the flavors clean and party friendly
- Coconut rum: brings a silky tropical sweetness to balance the tart strawberries
- Fresh strawberries: are key for bright flavor and gorgeous color pick ripe fragrant berries for best taste
- Fresh lemon juice: brightens everything and gives a tart lift to the sweetness
- Sugar: boosts the berry syrup and brings out the jammy notes
- Fresh mint leaves: add a cooling herbal twist that feels extra refreshing
- Ice cubes: are crucial for keeping every glass crisp from first sip to last
- Lemon thinly sliced for garnish: gives a pop of color and citrus in every pour
- Optional purple food coloring: for getting that signature dirty sprite look
- Optional splash of grenadine: adds extra sweetness and a fun cherry twist
- Optional Jolly Rancher candies: fun for parties and adds a unique candy layer
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Strawberries:
- Hull and slice two cups of fresh strawberries. Toss these with sugar in a bowl and let sit for about fifteen minutes until they start to release those amazing natural juices.
- Muddle the Mint and Fruit:
- In the bottom of your pitcher gently muddle together the sugared strawberries and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Use a wooden spoon or muddler. The goal is to just bruise the mint and strawberries a bit to release their fragrance without smashing everything to purée.
- Add Spirits and Citrus:
- Pour in your cup of vodka and quarter cup of coconut rum. Stir in fresh lemon juice. This helps dissolve the sugar and infuse the berries with that boozy punch.
- Pour in the Soda:
- Slowly add in the two liters of chilled Sprite or lemon lime soda. Give a gentle stir to combine everything without driving out all the bubbles.
- Color and Candy It Up:
- If using add a drop or two of purple food coloring for the signature dirty sprite tint. Want even more fun Add a splash of grenadine or a few Jolly Rancher candies for color and extra sweetness.
- Ice and Garnish:
- Load the pitcher with plenty of ice cubes. Top with lemon slices extra strawberries and a few more fresh mint leaves.
- Serve Cold:
- Pour into tall glasses over more ice and make sure to scoop up lots of strawberry and mint from the bottom. Garnish each glass with a whole berry and a lemon wedge.
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I always love swirling in just a drop of purple food coloring right at the end and watching the whole pitcher blush into that fun wild shade. My sister laughed so hard the first time I let her toss in the Jolly Rancher candies and now it is our silly tradition at every birthday bash
Storage Tips
You can make the strawberry mint base up to a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just add soda and ice right before serving for best fizz. Never add ice or soda too early or it will lose its sparkle.
Ingredient Substitutions
Try raspberry lemonade soda in place of straight Sprite if you want a different kind of tang. White rum works if you do not have coconut rum and non alcoholic versions are great too just skip the spirits and load up on berries.
Serving Suggestions
This drink absolutely shines in clear glass pitchers and tall glasses so everyone can see the color and fruit. Pair it with easy summer snacks like chips pico de gallo or fruit skewers. For a zero proof batch just skip the booze and it still tastes amazing.
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Party Drink Context
Dirty Sprite has playful pop culture roots and taking it to the next level with strawberries and bright fruit makes it feel extra summery. It is the ultimate hands off recipe once you know the steps and makes every patio or picnic feel a bit more like vacation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → Is there a way to turn up the strawberry taste?
Try smashing a few strawberries before they go into the mix, or let them chill in the soda to soak up even more strawberry goodness.
- → Can I mix this early?
Yep, just stir together everything but the soda and ice. Pour those in just when you're about to serve so you keep all the bubbles.
- → Got tips for a non-boozy option?
Skip the vodka and coconut rum. Toss in extra strawberries or extra grenadine so it's sweet and pretty for everyone.
- → What makes nice toppings for this?
A few whole berries, sprigs of mint, and a lemon round look awesome in every cup.
- → What's the trick to getting that trademark dirty color?
Just mix in a couple drops of purple food coloring. Give it a gentle swirl for that cool look.
- → Should I use a certain vodka?
Any vodka you like will work fine—grab your go-to bottle or whatever you have on hand.