Strawberry Gin Fizz Recipe

If you’re craving a cocktail that’s bursting with fresh, fruity brightness and a touch of elegance, the Strawberry Gin Fizz is exactly what you need. This drink marries ripe strawberries’ natural sweetness with the crisp botanicals of gin and a delicate elderflower liqueur, all topped off with sparkling water’s lively bubbles. It’s a vibrant, refreshing sipper that feels like spring in a glass, making it perfect for brunches, garden gatherings, or simply unwinding on a sunny afternoon.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for the Strawberry Gin Fizz is refreshingly simple but absolutely essential to nail the perfect balance of flavors. Each component plays its part—fresh strawberries give juicy fruitiness and color, elderflower liqueur contributes subtle floral hints, and sparkling water adds a crisp finish that lifts the entire drink.

Fresh strawberries: Choose ripe, juicy berries for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
Gin: Opt for a quality gin with botanical notes that complement the strawberry and floral flavors.
Elderflower liqueur: Adds a light, fragrant floral note that keeps the cocktail delicate and balanced.
Fresh lemon juice: Provides a bright acidity to cut through the sweetness and add zing.
Sugar syrup: Simple syrup helps adjust sweetness easily while dissolving smoothly in the drink.
Sparkling water: Brings effervescence and a refreshing finish without overpowering flavors.
Fresh mint leaves: Used as a garnish, mint adds an herbaceous aroma that awakens the senses.
Ice cubes: Essential to chill the cocktail perfectly and refresh you with each sip.

How to Make Strawberry Gin Fizz

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberries

Start by washing and hulling about 4 to 5 ripe strawberries. Then, muddle them gently in a shaker to release their juices without turning them into a complete puree. This step ensures your Strawberry Gin Fizz has fresh fruit flavor and a touch of texture for character.

Step 2: Mix the Base Ingredients

Add 2 ounces of your chosen gin, 1 ounce of elderflower liqueur, 0.75 ounces of fresh lemon juice, and 0.5 ounces of sugar syrup into the shaker with the muddled strawberries. The combination of tart, sweet, floral, and botanical creates a harmonious base to build your cocktail.

Step 3: Shake with Ice

Fill the shaker with ice cubes and give it a vigorous shake for about 15 seconds. This chills the mixture and slightly dilutes it, which helps mellow the flavors so they blend beautifully while maintaining freshness.

Step 4: Strain and Top with Sparkling Water

Strain the mixture into a tall glass filled with fresh ice to remove strawberry pulp and seeds, creating a smooth drink. Finish by topping with sparkling water to add bubbles and lighten the overall feel. Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finally, adorn your Strawberry Gin Fizz with a sprig of fresh mint and a strawberry slice on the rim for a pop of color and aroma. Serve immediately for the best experience.

How to Serve Strawberry Gin Fizz

Garnishes

Garnishes are more than decoration—they elevate the sensory experience of the Strawberry Gin Fizz. Fresh mint leaves not only add a lovely green contrast but also release a refreshing fragrance as you sip. A strawberry half on the rim hints at the star ingredient and invites you to take another delightful sip.

Side Dishes

The light and fruity nature of the Strawberry Gin Fizz pairs beautifully with dishes that won’t overpower it. Think fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette, seafood like grilled shrimp or smoked salmon, and light cheeses such as goat cheese or brie. These sides complement the cocktail’s bright profile perfectly, making for a well-rounded gathering.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra touch of fun, try serving the Strawberry Gin Fizz in vintage glassware or mason jars to embrace a casual garden-party vibe. You could also freeze strawberry slices in ice cubes for a stunning visual and slow-release flavor infusion. Adding edible flowers atop the mint garnish can further amp up the cocktail’s springtime charm.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Strawberry Gin Fizz, it’s best to store it in the fridge in an airtight container to preserve its freshness. Because the sparkling water loses fizziness quickly, it’s wise to keep the bubbly separate and add it fresh before serving again.

Freezing

Freezing a fizzy cocktail like the Strawberry Gin Fizz is not ideal because carbonation does not hold up well in the freezer. However, you can freeze the strawberry-elderflower-gin base in ice cube trays and add fresh sparkling water and lemon juice when ready to enjoy a chilled but fizzy cocktail.

Reheating

The Strawberry Gin Fizz is best enjoyed cold, so reheating is not recommended. If you prefer a warmer twist, consider creating a separate warm cocktail inspired by the flavors, but maintain this recipe cold to keep its signature refreshing fizz and brightness.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for Strawberry Gin Fizz?

While fresh strawberries deliver the best flavor and texture, frozen berries can work in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess liquid before muddling to avoid watering down the cocktail.

What gin works best in a Strawberry Gin Fizz?

A London dry gin with prominent botanical notes usually complements the strawberries and elderflower well. You can experiment with floral or citrus-forward gins to tailor the cocktail to your liking.

Is elderflower liqueur essential?

Elderflower liqueur adds a subtle floral layer that makes the Strawberry Gin Fizz special, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with a splash of elderflower syrup or omit it for a more straightforward strawberry gin fizz.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail?

Absolutely! Replace gin and elderflower liqueur with elderflower cordial and a bit more sparkling water for lovely floral notes, and keep fresh strawberries and lemon juice for that bright, refreshing essence.

How do I prevent the cocktail from becoming too sweet?

Adjust the sugar syrup quantity gradually, tasting as you go. Lemon juice also helps balance sweetness, so don’t hesitate to add a touch more if you prefer a tarter finish.

Final Thoughts

There’s something wonderfully uplifting about the Strawberry Gin Fizz that makes it a standout among springtime cocktails. It’s fresh, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant—perfect for brightening any occasion. Once you try mixing up this vibrant drink, I’m confident it will become your go-to for celebrating the season with friends or indulging in a moment of pure refreshment. Cheers to sipping something delightful!