Strawberry Dirty Sprite Drink

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: regular quality matters here for that classic zingy fizz
• Good quality vodka: a smooth brand like Titos keeps flavors clean and party friendly
• Coconut rum: adds a silky tropical sweetness to balance the tart strawberries
• Fresh strawberries: ripe berries make all the difference both in flavor and color
• Fresh lemon juice: bright and elevates the sweetness with just the right tart hit
• Sugar: a pinch helps boost the berry syrup
• Fresh mint leaves: adds cooling herbal notes
• Ice cubes: essential for keeping every glass crisp to the last sip
• Lemon thinly sliced for garnish: adds visual pop and extra citrus hit
• Optional purple food coloring: for a true dirty sprite look
• Optional splash of grenadine: pumps up sweetness and gives a candy cherry twist
• Optional Jolly Rancher candies: for parties where extra sweetness and novelty are musts

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.

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I enhance the strawberry flavor?

Mash a few of the sliced strawberries before adding them, or let them steep in the soda for extra infusion.

→ Can I prepare this drink ahead of time?

Mix the ingredients except for soda and ice, then add those just before serving to maintain fizz.

→ What non-alcoholic version can I serve?

Omit the vodka and coconut rum, and add extra strawberries or a splash of grenadine for a fun mocktail.

→ What are good garnishes for serving?

Whole strawberries, fresh mint, and thin lemon slices give a festive and appealing finish to each glass.

→ How do I achieve the classic 'dirty' color?

Add a drop or two of purple food coloring to the pitcher, stirring gently for a vibrant presentation.

→ Is a specific type of vodka necessary?

Any smooth vodka will work; choose your favorite brand or what you have at home.