I love mixing cocktails and this Strawberry Lime Vodka Tonic is one of my favorites. The tang of freshly squeezed lime, natural sweetness of ripe strawberries, and crisp vodka paired with refreshing tonic water work in perfect harmony. The sugar rim and playful garnish make it feel like a bright summer adventure in a glass.

I love this Strawberry Lime Vodka Tonic because it is one of my favorite boozy drinks for summer. I think that combining 2 oz vodka and 4 oz tonic water with 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice gives a perfect balance of tartness and a little sweetness.
I add 3 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced, so you get a burst of fruity flavor in every sip. You might be surprised at how a pinch of sugar mixed in and extra sugar for rimming the glass adds a sweet contrast while still keeping the drink refreshing.
My recipe is very much a vodka cocktail with a twist, and I like that a lime slice garnish makes it look extra appealing. This cocktail recipe is a fun take on the classic vodka tonic and is great for those warm summer days when you want something light but flavorful.
Why I Like this Recipe
I like this recipe cause it always hits the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, you know? The fresh strawberries mixed with the lime juice and the sugar bring a great flavor explosion that wakes up my taste buds.
I also love that it’s super easy to make. I mean, I don’t have to be a master chef to muddle some strawberries and throw together the ingredients. Its a fun little process that makes me feel like I’m making something special.
Another reason I dig this recipe is the sugar rim on the glass. It might seem like a small touch but it really amps up the whole drink, making it look fancy and taste even sweeter.
Lastly, its the ideal drink for warm weather. The mix of vodka, tonic water and fresh lime juice gives me that fresh, summer vibe every time I take a sip.
Ingredients

Ingredient Quantities
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tonic water
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (plus extra for garnish if desired)
- A pinch of sugar plus extra sugar for rimming the glass
- 1 lime slice garnish
How to Make this
1. Start by wetting the rim of your glass with a lime slice then dip it into sugar making sure it coats the edge well
2. Take 3 fresh strawberries and slice them up thin, keep one extra if you want for garnish later
3. Put the sliced strawberries in a shaker with a pinch of sugar and muddle them until they break down nicely
4. Now add 2 oz vodka and 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker
5. Fill the shaker with ice, cover it up and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds to mix everything together well
6. Fill your prepared glass with ice then strain the muddled mixture into the glass
7. Pour in 4 oz tonic water and give it a gentle stir so all the flavors blend together
8. Garnish with the reserved lime slice (and that extra strawberry if you like) then serve right away and enjoy the summer vibes!
Equipment Needed
1. Cocktail shaker with a lid
2. Muddler
3. Fine mesh strainer
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Citrus juicer or reamer
7. Serving glass
8. Small plate for sugar rim
9. Stirring spoon
FAQ
- Q: Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?
A: Sure, you can swap vodka for a splash of club soda or a non-alcoholic spirit, but note that you might lose a bit of that kick. - Q: Do I really need fresh strawberries?
A: Fresh ones are best coz they’ll give you a brighter flavor, but you can use frozen ones if you need, just thaw and drain them first. - Q: How do I get that perfect sugar rim on my glass?
A: Dampen the rim with a lime wedge and then dip it in sugar – just make sure the glass isn’t too wet or else the sugar might slide off. - Q: Can I make a bigger batch of this drink?
A: Yep, you can easily multiply the ingredients for a party, but mix the tonic water in fresh and carefully, cause it might go flat if left out too long. - Q: How long will it take to prep this drink?
A: It only takes about 5 minutes – just hull and slice your strawberries and squeeze the lime, so you can get your cocktail on pretty quick.
Strawberry Lime Vodka Tonic Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of vodka, you could use white rum for a slightly different but still tasty twist
- If you dont have tonic water then club soda with a splash of bitters works as a substitute
- Freshly squeezed lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice if youre in a pinch though the flavor will change a bit
- Frozen strawberries work well if you cant get fresh ones and they mix in nicely after thawing
- A pinch of sugar can be swapped with a little honey or agave syrup for both mixing in and rimming the glass
Pro Tips
1. Try mashin the strawberries just enough so they release their juice but dont overdo it because too mush fruit pulp can make your drink kinda messy.
2. When shakin the cocktail, keep it to about 10-15 seconds so it stays chilled without waterin it down too much.
3. Add the tonic water at the end and give it a light stir. If you stir too heavy, you lose some bubbles and thats a bummer.
4. For the sugar rim, make sure the lime really wets the edge evenly so the sugar sticks good and gives a nice sweet crunch each sip.
Strawberry Lime Vodka Tonic Recipe
My favorite Strawberry Lime Vodka Tonic Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Cocktail shaker with a lid
2. Muddler
3. Fine mesh strainer
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Citrus juicer or reamer
7. Serving glass
8. Small plate for sugar rim
9. Stirring spoon
Ingredients:
- 2 oz vodka
- 4 oz tonic water
- 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 3 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (plus extra for garnish if desired)
- A pinch of sugar plus extra sugar for rimming the glass
- 1 lime slice garnish
Instructions:
1. Start by wetting the rim of your glass with a lime slice then dip it into sugar making sure it coats the edge well
2. Take 3 fresh strawberries and slice them up thin, keep one extra if you want for garnish later
3. Put the sliced strawberries in a shaker with a pinch of sugar and muddle them until they break down nicely
4. Now add 2 oz vodka and 1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice to the shaker
5. Fill the shaker with ice, cover it up and shake for about 10 to 15 seconds to mix everything together well
6. Fill your prepared glass with ice then strain the muddled mixture into the glass
7. Pour in 4 oz tonic water and give it a gentle stir so all the flavors blend together
8. Garnish with the reserved lime slice (and that extra strawberry if you like) then serve right away and enjoy the summer vibes!









