⏱ 4 min read  ·  ✅ Updated Nov 2026

Last Updated: November 9, 2026

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A virgin strawberry daiquiri blends 1 1/2 cups of frozen strawberries, 1 ounce of fresh lime juice, 1 ounce of simple syrup, and about 1/2 cup of water or lemon-lime soda until slushy. It makes one large or two small servings. The lime keeps the sweetness in check, and frozen berries make the texture thick without needing much ice.

The original daiquiri is a rum, lime, and sugar cocktail. The strawberry version became a blender classic in the second half of the 20th century. This alcohol-free take keeps the slushy texture and is a good fit for summer parties, kids’ tables, and anyone who skips alcohol.

Ingredients (Serves 2)

  • 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries (about 8 oz)
  • 1 oz fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
  • 1 oz simple syrup, or 1 tbsp honey or agave
  • 1/2 cup cold water, lemonade, or lemon-lime soda
  • 1/2 cup ice
  • Fresh strawberries and lime wheels, for garnish
  • Optional: sugar for rimming the glass

Instructions

  1. If you want a sugared rim, rub a lime wedge around the edge of each glass and dip it in sugar on a plate.
  2. Pour the lime juice, simple syrup, and water into a blender.
  3. Add the frozen strawberries and ice.
  4. Blend on high for 30 to 40 seconds, scraping down the sides once, until completely smooth.
  5. Taste. Add more syrup if tart or more lime if too sweet.
  6. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a strawberry on the rim and a lime wheel.

Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries

Fruit type Texture Flavor Notes
Frozen strawberries Thick, slushy Concentrated Best for blended daiquiris
Fresh strawberries plus ice Thinner, icier Bright, fresh Use 1 cup berries and 1 1/2 cups ice
Fresh strawberries, macerated Chunky Sweet and juicy Toss with sugar first for 20 minutes
Strawberry puree Smooth Very fruity Good for pitchers

Frozen berries are often picked at peak ripeness and frozen right away, so they are a reliable choice outside strawberry season. If you buy fresh berries, hull them, slice, and freeze on a tray before bagging, so they won’t clump.

Getting the Texture Right

  • Use less liquid than you expect. Too much water makes it runny; start with 1/4 cup and add more as needed.
  • Blend liquids first. Place liquid at the bottom of the blender, then frozen fruit and ice on top.
  • Use a tamper or stop and stir. Frozen drinks can stall in a blender.
  • Serve right away. The drink melts and separates quickly.
  • Chill the glasses. A pre-chilled glass keeps it frozen longer.

Variations

Strawberry-banana daiquiri

Add half a frozen banana. It makes the drink creamier and naturally sweeter.

Strawberry-lemonade slush

Replace the lime juice and water with 3/4 cup lemonade for a lighter, simpler version.

Strawberry-basil daiquiri

Add 4 or 5 fresh basil leaves to the blender. The herb makes the strawberry taste more fragrant.

Coconut strawberry daiquiri

Replace water with 1/4 cup coconut milk and a splash of lime. It tastes like a strawberry colada.

Layered “sunset” daiquiri

Make half a batch strawberry and half a batch virgin piña colada, then pour them side by side in the glass for a striped look.

Strawberry-watermelon daiquiri

Replace water with 1/2 cup frozen watermelon cubes. Very cooling.

Sweetener Notes

Strawberries vary in sweetness, so taste before adding sweetener. Ripe in-season berries may need only 1/2 oz of syrup. Out-of-season or pale berries may need more. Honey and agave dissolve well and add their own flavor; granulated sugar may leave grains behind in a cold blend, so dissolve it into the syrup first.

Make-Ahead and Storage

  • Pour leftover daiquiri into popsicle molds for frozen treats.
  • Freeze the blended mixture in an ice cube tray, then reblend with a splash of lime juice and water for a fresh serving later.
  • Store prepared syrup in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  • Prepare pre-measured bags of frozen berries and lime juice for quick blending at a party.

Serving and Pairing

This is a refreshing hot-weather drink that works well with:

  • Grilled chicken skewers and burgers
  • Chips with salsa or guacamole
  • Coconut shrimp
  • Fresh fruit salad
  • Vanilla cupcakes or shortbread cookies

Serve in coupe glasses for an elegant touch or in mason jars for a casual picnic. A wide straw helps with the thicker texture.

Scaling to a Pitcher

For six servings, blend in two batches to avoid straining your blender. Use 4 1/2 cups frozen strawberries, 3 oz lime juice, 3 oz simple syrup, and 1 1/2 cups liquid in total, split between the two batches. Pour into a chilled pitcher and keep in the freezer for up to 30 minutes, stirring once, before serving.

FAQ

What is a virgin strawberry daiquiri made of?

Strawberries, lime juice, sweetener, and ice or liquid. Blended until smooth, it contains no alcohol.

Can I make it without a blender?

Mash fresh strawberries with sugar, mix with lime juice and crushed ice, and shake or stir. The result is thinner and chunkier, but still tasty.

Why is my daiquiri too icy?

Probably too much ice and too little fruit. Use frozen fruit rather than ice for thickness.

How can I make it less sweet?

Cut the syrup, add more lime juice, and use unsweetened frozen strawberries. A pinch of salt also balances sweetness.

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