Welcome to my absolute favorite Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri recipe. I stumbled upon this perfect combination when hosting a summer party for friends who don't drink alcohol.
The secret? Blending both frozen and fresh strawberries creates this incredible creamy texture that stays perfectly smooth as you sip. No more watery separation or ice chunks! The fresh lime juice gives it that signature daiquiri tang without the rum.
Trust me, once you try this version, you'll love it, too!
Why I Love This
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: Create a premium mocktail experience without bartending skills
- Perfect Texture: Our special blend of frozen and fresh strawberries creates a smooth, creamy consistency that doesn't separate
- Family-Friendly: A hit with adults and children alike—perfect for gatherings and celebrations
- Nutrient-Rich: Packed with vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants from fresh strawberries
- Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness and thickness to your preference
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes—perfect for impromptu entertaining
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare components in advance for even faster assembly
- Versatile: Perfect for baby showers, summer parties, or any alcohol-free celebration
Ingredients
I've carefully selected these ingredients to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. The combination of frozen and fresh strawberries is the secret to that smooth, creamy consistency that doesn't water down as it melts.
Fresh lime juice provides the essential tangy kick that makes a daiquiri distinctive, while maple syrup adds natural sweetness without overwhelming the fruit flavors. The optional non-alcoholic rum or bitters give that subtle complexity you'd expect from a cocktail.
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- ½ cup fresh strawberries, plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (approximately 4-5 limes)
- ½ cup maple syrup (or preferred sweetener, see alternatives below)
- 60ml non-alcoholic rum or a few drops of bitters (optional)
- Fresh lime wedges for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Equipment
- High-Speed Blender: Essential for creating that perfectly smooth, creamy texture without ice chunks (a food processor can work in a pinch but won't yield as smooth a result)
- Citrus Juicer: For extracting maximum juice from fresh limes with minimal effort
- Measuring Cups: For precise ingredient proportions that ensure balanced flavor
- Cocktail Glasses: Preferably chilled coupe or margarita glasses for an elegant presentation
- Cocktail Picks or Skewers: For creating beautiful strawberry garnishes
- Fine Mesh Strainer: Optional for removing seeds if you prefer an ultra-smooth texture
How To Make
- Place your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you start - this keeps your drink colder longer.
- Add all your ingredients to a blender: the frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries, lime juice, maple syrup, and optional non-alcoholic rum or bitters.
- Blend everything on high speed for about 30-45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Check the consistency and taste - if it's too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time and blend again; if not sweet enough, add a bit more maple syrup.
- Pour into your chilled glasses, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and lime wedge, and enjoy immediately.
Substitutions
Sweetener Options:
- Honey: Use ⅓ cup for a more floral sweetness (note: not vegan)
- Agave Nectar: Use ⅓ cup for a neutral, smooth sweetness
- Simple Syrup: Use ½ cup homemade sugar syrup (1:1 ratio of sugar:water)
- Stevia or Monk Fruit: Use 2 teaspoons plus ¼ cup water for a zero-calorie option
- Coconut Sugar Syrup: Use ½ cup for a caramel-like flavor profile
Fruit Variations:
- Mixed Berries: Replace half the strawberries with raspberries or blackberries
- Tropical Twist: Add ¼ cup frozen mango or pineapple
- Watermelon Wonder: Substitute ½ cup of the frozen strawberries with frozen watermelon chunks
Non-Alcoholic Spirit Alternatives:
- Seedlip Spice 94: Adds complexity without alcohol
- Monday Zero Alcohol Gin: Creates a strawberry gin-like experience
- Ritual Zero Proof Rum Alternative: Perfect rum-like warmth
- Homemade Option: A few drops of vanilla extract and ¼ teaspoon almond extract
Pro Tips
- Use Peak-Season Strawberries: The ripeness and quality of your strawberries dramatically affect the final flavor. When using in-season, sweet strawberries, you can often reduce the amount of sweetener.
- Freeze Your Own Strawberries: While store-bought frozen strawberries work well, freezing your own fresh strawberries at peak ripeness can elevate the flavor. Hull and slice strawberries, then freeze them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag.
- The Secret to Perfect Texture: The combination of both frozen and fresh strawberries is what gives this mocktail its ideal consistency. Don't skip the fresh ones!
- Lime Juice Matters: Always use freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. Roll limes on the counter with gentle pressure before juicing to maximize yield.
- Chill Everything: For the coldest, most refreshing drink, chill not only your glasses but also your fresh strawberries and lime juice before blending.
- Garnish with Purpose: Thread three strawberries on a cocktail pick for an elegant garnish that mimics the classic daiquiri presentation.
- Make It Photo-Ready: For picture-perfect presentation, brush the rim of your glass with lime juice and dip in sugar for a decorative edge.
FAQ
Yes! Blend and store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 24 hours. Let it thaw slightly and re-blend briefly before serving.
This could be from using too much ice instead of frozen strawberries, or from letting it sit too long. Our recipe's special ratio of frozen to fresh strawberries minimizes separation.
Start with just ¼ cup of maple syrup and add more to taste. When using in-season strawberries, you might not need much sweetener at all.
Fresh is strongly recommended for the best flavor, but in a pinch, bottled will work. Reduce the amount by about 25% as bottled tends to be more concentrated.
You can adapt this recipe using monk fruit sweetener or stevia for a low-glycemic option. Always consult your healthcare provider for specific dietary recommendations.
Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a few slices of fresh ginger, or an extra splash of bitters for complexity.
This virgin strawberry daiquiri pairs beautifully with spicy foods, grilled seafood, Mexican cuisine, or as a complement to a dessert course.
Freeze the blended mixture for about 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes, then serve with a spoon or thick straw.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen strawberries
- ½ cup fresh strawberries plus extra for garnish
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice approximately 4-5 limes
- ½ cup maple syrup or preferred sweetener, see alternatives below
- 60 ml non-alcoholic rum or a few drops of bitters optional
- Fresh lime wedges for garnish
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Place your serving glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes before you start - this keeps your drink colder longer.
- Add all your ingredients to a blender: the frozen strawberries, fresh strawberries, lime juice, maple syrup, and optional non-alcoholic rum or bitters.
- Blend everything on high speed for about 30-45 seconds until smooth and creamy.
- Check the consistency and taste - if it's too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time and blend again; if not sweet enough, add a bit more maple syrup.
- Pour into your chilled glasses, garnish with a fresh strawberry slice and lime wedge, and enjoy immediately!
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