This Olive Garden Spiked Strawberry Lemonade is a light, super easy summer drink — fresh strawberries, real lemon juice, and a little something extra if you want. It’s cheap to make, big batch friendly, and hits that sweet spot between chill and fun.
Jump to RecipeQuick Summary
- Prep time: 10 mins
- Cook time: 2 mins
- Flavor: sweet-tart, fruity, just a hint floral
- Great for: patio nights, BBQs, lazy weekends
Why I Like This Recipe
Was just gonna make plain lemonade, but then I had strawberries. And vodka. So, yeah. Mixed everything in a blender and hoped for the best — it slapped. Made a whole pitcher, and let’s just say it didn’t last long. That little hit of rosewater? Optional but kinda cool.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup honey or sugar
- 6 large lemons, juiced (1½ cups)
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled
- 5 cups water
- 2 tbsp rosewater (optional)
- Vodka (start with 1–1½ oz per glass, or spike the whole pitcher)
How To Make Spiked Strawberry Lemonade
- Make the syrup: Small pot. 1 cup water + sweetener. Simmer till it’s clear (or smooth, if honey). Done in a minute.
- Blend it all: Toss strawberries + lemon juice into blender. Blend till smooth, no chunks left.
- Mix it up: Grab a big pitcher. Dump in the blended stuff, syrup, 4 cups cold water, and rosewater if using. Stir.
- Add the fun part (if you want): Vodka — in the pitcher or per glass. Your call.
- Serve cold: Ice, slice of lemon, strawberry on top if you’re feeling cute.

Tips for Success
- Blend really well — no one likes surprise pulp.
- Adjust sweetness to your taste — some strawberries are sweeter than others.
- Chill it before serving if you’ve got time.
- Don’t overdo the rosewater. A little goes far.
- If you spike it, go slow. It’s sneaky.
Storage
- Fridge: Keeps 2–3 days in a sealed pitcher. Stir before serving — it settles a bit.
- Freezer (prep hack): Blend the lemon + strawberry part and freeze it in cubes. Add water + vodka later for a slushy vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Eh, you can… but fresh really makes it better. - What kind of alcohol works best?
Vodka’s clean and simple. Rum would work too, but changes the vibe. - Is rosewater required?
Nope. Skip it if you’re not into floral. - Can I make it sugar-free?
Try stevia or monk fruit. Syrup still works the same. - Any non-alcoholic version?
Yeah, just leave the booze out. Still refreshing.
Common Mistakes and How to Dodge Them
- Not blending enough:
Chunky lemonade isn’t a vibe. Give it time in the blender. - Too much rosewater:
It’s like perfume if you overdo it. Measure that stuff. - Under-sweetening (or over):
Taste your strawberries. Adjust the sugar/honey from there. - Watering it down too much:
5 cups is solid — more than that and the flavor drops off. - Vodka overload:
It’s easy to forget how much you added. Measure if you’re batching it.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving )
- Calories: 138 kcal
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 31g
- Protein: 1.4g
- Fat: 0.4g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Vitamin C: 76mg
Spiked Strawberry Lemonade Recipe
Course: DrinksCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy8
servings10
minutes2
minutes138
kcalA super refreshing lemonade with fresh strawberries and a splash of vodka if you’re feeling it. Sweet, tart, and a little floral.
Ingredients
¾ cup honey or sugar
6 lemons, juiced (1½ cups)
1 lb strawberries, hulled
5 cups cold water
2 tbsp rosewater (optional)
Vodka (1–1½ oz per glass or to taste)
Directions
- Simmer water + sugar/honey till clear.
- Blend strawberries + lemon juice.
- Pour everything into a pitcher.
- Add 4 cups cold water + rosewater. Stir.
- Add vodka if using.
- Serve over ice with garnish.
Notes
- Blend till silky. No chunks.
- Rosewater is strong — don’t guess.
- Chill before serving if possible.
- Store leftovers in fridge, stir before pouring.