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 when everyone asked 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

Instructions

Prep the Strawberries:

Hull and slice two cups of fresh strawberries. Toss these with sugar in a bowl and let them sit for about fifteen minutes until the berries release their natural juices and become glossy. This step is what gives the base of your drink a deep fruity syrup.

Muddle the Mint and Fruit:

In the bottom of your pitcher gently muddle the sugared strawberries with a handful of fresh mint leaves. Use the back end of a wooden spoon to crush just enough to bruise the mint and fruit. You want to release fragrance and flavor but not turn everything to mush.

Add Spirits and Citrus:

Pour in your cup of vodka and quarter cup of coconut rum over the muddled mixture. Stir in fresh lemon juice making sure everything mixes well. This breaks down sugar and lets the berries soak up all that bright tang and smoothing coconut note.

Pour in the Soda:

Gently pour in two liters of cold Sprite or lemon lime soda. Stir the pitcher softly so you keep as much fizz as possible while combining the flavors evenly.

Color and Candy It Up:

If you want that vivid dirty sprite color add just a drop or two of purple food coloring and swirl until you see a perfect blush streak through the drink. If you love sweets a splash of grenadine or a handful of Jolly Rancher candies adds even more fun and a sweet kick.

Ice and Garnish:

Pack the pitcher full of ice cubes so the whole mix chills down fast without losing fizz. Top with lots of thin lemon slices extra sliced strawberries and a few more mint leaves.

Serve Cold:

Pour into tall glasses loaded with extra ice. Be sure to scoop up some of the muddled strawberry and mint into each glass. Garnish every serving with a whole strawberry and wedge of lemon for extra color and fresh aroma.

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 and mint base up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge. Avoid adding soda or ice until you are actually serving so you never lose that fizzy sparkle. If you finish the batch mid-party just toss in fresh ice and pour more soda over any leftover base and garnish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Switch it up with raspberry lemonade soda or even a ginger ale for a fun twist if Sprite is not what you have on hand. No coconut rum No problem just use more vodka or try white rum instead. For a nonalcoholic version double the berries skip the spirits and add a little grenadine or berry syrup for a bold mocktail.

Serving Suggestions

This recipe begs to be served outdoors in a clear pitcher so all the color and fruit show off. Tall glasses are best so you can scoop in strawberry pieces and mint. Goes great with summer foods like fresh salsa chips or watermelon.

Party Drink Context

Dirty Sprite got its start in pop culture as a flashy fun drink but adding strawberries and tropical notes makes this totally original for summer. It always feels like a mini vacation pouring pitchers for a backyard crowd. It is hands off and quick to build so you are not stuck bartending while others mingle.

If you want a knockout drink that doubles as the conversation starter at any party Strawberry Dirty Sprite has you covered. It is easy unapologetically colorful and every single glass tastes like summer in a glass.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I boost strawberry flavor?

Mash extra fresh strawberries or let them steep in soda to intensify their natural taste and color.

→ Can I prepare this beverage ahead of time?

Mix the strawberry-mint base in advance and keep chilled. Add soda and ice just before serving for maximum fizz.

→ How do I make a non-alcoholic version?

Skip the vodka and coconut rum. Use more berries or add grenadine for extra fun and flavor.

→ What garnishes make the drink stand out?

Use whole strawberries, fresh mint leaves, and thin lemon slices for a vibrant, festive look.

→ How do I get the classic purple color?

Add a drop or two of purple food coloring and stir gently to achieve that signature, playful tint.

→ Is a specific vodka brand needed?

Any smooth vodka works well. Choose what you prefer or have on hand for the best flavor balance.