The Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes is a vibrant, bubbly, and refreshingly fruity drink that turns any gathering into a celebration! Bursting with sweet-tart strawberry puree, zesty lemon, and a playful cascade of jewel-like berry ice cubes, this mocktail is as beautiful to look at as it is fun to sip—perfect for summer, family gatherings, or any moment that deserves to sparkle.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Showstopper Looks: Those berry-studded ice cubes don’t just keep your drink cool—they transform every glass into a dazzling centerpiece.
- Customizable Sweetness: Whether you love your mocktails tart or on the sweeter side, the homemade strawberry syrup puree lets you adjust each glass to suit your taste.
- Wholesome Ingredients: Fresh fruit, a touch of maple syrup, and fizzy water—not a drop of artificial flavoring in sight!
- Easy & Family-Friendly: No complicated steps, no alcohol—just pure, playful refreshment everyone can enjoy together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes only calls for a handful of ingredients, but each one shines. Every fruit, syrup, and splash of fizz works together to create a mocktail that’s both dazzling and delicious—you’ll see (and taste!) the difference simple, quality components make.
- Sparkling Water: The effervescent base that gives this mocktail its lively bubbles and a crisp, refreshing finish.
- Lemon Juice: A few teaspoons add just the right amount of sunny brightness and helps balance the strawberry’s sweetness.
- Berry Ice Cubes: Made with fresh chopped strawberries and blueberries, these ice cubes infuse your drink with extra berry flavor as they melt—plus, they look absolutely gorgeous!
- Fresh Blueberries: Adds bursts of juicy flavor and beautiful deep purple color inside the ice cubes.
- Fresh Strawberries (chopped): For both ice cubes and garnish, strawberries bring that iconic summery sweetness to every sip.
- Strawberry Syrup Puree: Homemade from strawberries, water, and maple syrup—it’s the heart of the mocktail, adding luscious fruitiness and a mesmerizing rosy color.
- Maple Syrup (or honey/coconut sugar): Naturally sweetens the strawberry puree without making it heavy or cloying. Omit for a sugar-free version, or swap for your favorite!
Variations
One of my favorite things about the Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes is how entirely you can make it your own! Whether you want to honor dietary needs, use what you have, or just try something new, here are some creative twists to try.
- Citrus Switch-Up: Try lime or orange juice in place of lemon for a different tang and an extra layer of fruity brightness.
- Make It Sugar-Free: Omit the maple syrup, or swap in a low-glycemic or zero-calorie sweetener to suit your needs without sacrificing flavor.
- Bubbly Swaps: Use flavored sparkling water or even kombucha for a probiotic twist that pairs deliciously with the berry puree.
- Mixed Berry Version: Toss in raspberries, blackberries, or sliced grapes to your ice cubes or the puree for more color and complexity.
- Grown-Up Upgrade: For adults, a splash of vodka or gin easily turns this into a sophisticated cocktail without altering the core of the recipe.
How to Make Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes
Step 1: Make Berry Ice Cubes
Start by chopping fresh strawberries and, if you’re using extra-large blueberries, slice them in half for maximum berry gorgeousness. Scatter these fruity gems into your ice cube tray, then fill with cold water and tuck the tray into the freezer until the cubes are completely solid—this usually takes at least 4 hours for the most dramatic effect. The anticipation while they freeze is totally worth it!
Step 2: Prepare Strawberry Syrup Puree
In a saucepan, combine your strawberries (fresh or frozen is fine), water, and your choice of maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then let it simmer until the strawberries collapse and release their juicy magic—about 15–20 minutes. Once slightly cooled, blend the mixture into a thick, ruby-red syrup. You can strain it for a silky finish, but I love leaving a little pulp for extra body!
Step 3: Build and Serve the Mocktail
To assemble, add 4–5 tablespoons of homemade strawberry syrup puree to the bottom of each glass (go ahead and eyeball it for that gorgeous color!). Pop in a few berry ice cubes, squeeze in 2–3 teaspoons of zippy lemon juice, then top off with sparkling water. Taste and adjust—add more puree if you love it sweet, a splash more lemon for tang, or extra fizz for a lighter sip. Stir, drop in a strawberry slice or two, and toast to the simple pleasures in life!
Pro Tips for Making Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes
- Crystal Clear Cubes: Use filtered or boiled (then cooled) water for your ice trays to get crystal-clear berry ice cubes that look truly showstopping in your glass.
- Strawberry Sweetness: Taste your strawberries before cooking—if they’re super ripe, you may want to dial back the syrup; if they’re tart, a little extra sweetener will make your puree sing.
- Plan Ahead for Ice: Make your berry ice cubes the day before, so you’re not waiting around for them to freeze right when the craving hits (they keep beautifully for days in a zip-top baggie).
- Fizz at the Finish: Always pour sparkling water just before serving for the freshest, most satisfying bubbles—mocktail magic in every sip!
How to Serve Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes
Garnishes
This mocktail is already dazzling, but for an extra special touch, float thin lemon wheels, a fanned strawberry, or even a tiny sprig of fresh mint on top. Edible flowers, if you have them, are a swoon-worthy choice—just be sure they’re safe to eat. A sugar-rimmed glass adds shimmer and looks fabulous, especially for parties!
Side Dishes
The Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes pairs perfectly with just about anything light and fresh—think finger sandwiches, fruit platters, picnic salads, or shortbread cookies. It’s a crowd-pleaser for brunch, garden parties, or afternoon snacks with friends.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your mocktail in tall glasses to show off the floating berry cubes, or pour into mason jars for a rustic picnic vibe. For a festive touch, use colored paper straws or top off each drink with a cocktail umbrella. If hosting a group, set up a DIY sparkle bar with bowls of berry cubes, sliced citrus, and extra strawberry puree—let everyone create their own masterpiece!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’ve made extra strawberry syrup puree, stash it in a clean, airtight jar in the fridge—it’ll stay tasty for 4–6 days. The berry ice cubes happily keep in the freezer in a zip-top bag, ready to dazzle your next drink any time.
Freezing
Berry ice cubes can be made well in advance—up to a week or two before serving. The strawberry syrup puree can also be frozen in a small container or ice cube tray; just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to create another round of Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes.
Reheating
No reheating needed for this refreshment! If your strawberry syrup thickens too much in the fridge, give it a gentle stir or let it come to room temperature for easy mixing. Then it’s ready to go in your next frosty, sparkling glass.
FAQs
-
Can I make the Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prep your berry ice cubes and strawberry syrup puree the night before, and store them in the freezer and fridge. When it’s party time, simply assemble your drinks, add sparkling water, and serve immediately for the freshest fizz and flavor.
-
Is it possible to use frozen berries for the puree and ice cubes?
Yes—frozen strawberries work perfectly for the syrup puree and can even be used in the ice cubes (though they color the water a bit more). Just thaw and chop if using in the cubes, and enjoy that intense berry flavor!
-
How do I adjust the sweetness of this mocktail?
You can control the sweetness by adding more or less syrup puree to your glass. Taste your puree after blending—add a splash more maple syrup for extra sweetness or a squeeze more lemon for tartness until it’s your perfect flavor!
-
Can I make this recipe as a cocktail instead of a mocktail?
Definitely! To create a simple cocktail version, just add a shot of your favorite vodka, gin, or white rum along with the sparkling water and syrup. Adjust the proportions to preference for a dazzling, grown-up twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a drink that brings cozy memories, festive cheer, and a pop of color to any table, the Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail with Berry Ice Cubes is your answer. I can’t wait for you to share this sparkling treat with friends and family—here’s to creating little moments of joy, one fizzy, berry-bright sip at a time!
Print
Strawberry Sparkler Mocktail Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Non-Alcoholic
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and fruity mocktail recipe for a Strawberry Sparkler with Berry Ice Cubes. This non-alcoholic drink is perfect for a summer gathering or a relaxing evening at home.
Ingredients
For Berry Ice Cubes:
- Fresh Blueberries
- Fresh Strawberries (chopped)
- Water
For Strawberry Syrup Puree:
- 1 1/2 cups Strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup (can omit to keep sugar-free or use honey, coconut sugar)
For Strawberry Sparkler Drink:
- Sparkling Water
- Lemon Juice
- Strawberry Syrup Puree
Instructions
- Berry Ice Cubes: Start by chopping strawberries and cutting blueberries in half. Place them in an ice cube tray, top with water, and freeze until solid.
- Strawberry Syrup Puree: In a saucepan, simmer strawberries, water, and maple syrup until soft. Blend into a thick syrup. Refrigerate.
- Strawberry Sparkler Drink: In a glass, add strawberry syrup, fruit ice cubes, lemon juice, and sparkling water. Adjust sweetness to taste. Stir and enjoy!
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding more or less syrup.
- Feel free to customize with your favorite fruits.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
