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. Everyone asks 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 sit for about fifteen minutes until they start to release those amazing natural juices.

Muddle the Mint and Fruit:

In the bottom of your pitcher gently muddle together the sugared strawberries and a handful of fresh mint leaves. Use a wooden spoon or muddler. The goal is to just bruise the mint and strawberries a bit to release their fragrance without smashing everything to purée.

Add Spirits and Citrus:

Pour in your cup of vodka and quarter cup of coconut rum. Stir in fresh lemon juice. This helps dissolve the sugar and infuse the berries with that boozy punch.

Pour in the Soda:

Slowly add in the two liters of chilled Sprite or lemon lime soda. Give a gentle stir to combine everything without driving out all the bubbles.

Color and Candy It Up:

If using add a drop or two of purple food coloring for the signature dirty sprite tint. Want even more fun Add a splash of grenadine or a few Jolly Rancher candies for color and extra sweetness.

Ice and Garnish:

Load the pitcher with plenty of ice cubes. Top with lemon slices extra strawberries and a few more fresh mint leaves.

Serve Cold:

Pour into tall glasses over more ice and make sure to scoop up lots of strawberry and mint from the bottom. Garnish each glass with a whole berry and a lemon wedge.

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 mint base up to a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge. Just add soda and ice right before serving for best fizz. Never add ice or soda too early or it will lose its sparkle.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try raspberry lemonade soda in place of straight Sprite if you want a different kind of tang. White rum works if you do not have coconut rum. Non alcoholic versions are great too just skip the spirits and load up on berries.

Serving Suggestions

This drink absolutely shines in clear glass pitchers and tall glasses so everyone can see the color and fruit. Pair it with easy summer snacks like chips pico de gallo or fruit skewers. For a zero proof batch just skip the booze and it still tastes amazing.

If you want this drink to really wow guests, make it in clear pitchers with plenty of ice and fresh garnishes. The color gets everyone talking and with one sip, it becomes a new summer favorite.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I boost the strawberry flavor?

Mash extra strawberries or steep them longer in the soda to maximize infusion and berry notes.

→ Can I make this drink ahead of time?

Mix the fruit and spirit base in advance. Add soda and ice just before serving to keep it fizzy.

→ What non-alcoholic option works for this drink?

Skip spirits and use extra strawberries or a touch of grenadine—perfect for a fun mocktail version.

→ What are the ideal garnishes?

Whole strawberries, fresh mint sprigs, and thin lemon slices add festive visual appeal in every glass.

→ How do I achieve a classic purple hue?

Add drops of purple food coloring for that signature 'dirty sprite' tint before serving.

→ Is a certain type of vodka needed?

Any smooth vodka is suitable—select your favorite or what's on hand for easy mixing.