Strawberry Dirty Sprite Drink (Printer-Friendly)

Fresh strawberries, lemon-lime soda, spirits, and mint mingle for a vibrant, crowd-pleasing summer refreshment.

# What You'll Need:

01 - 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced

02 - 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

03 - 1 cup vodka

04 - 1/4 cup coconut rum

05 - 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice

06 - 2 liters lemon-lime soda (such as Sprite), chilled

07 - 1 handful fresh mint leaves

08 - Ice cubes, as needed

09 - 1 lemon, thinly sliced

10 - Extra strawberries, whole or sliced

11 - Fresh mint sprigs

12 - 1 to 2 drops purple food coloring

13 - 2 tablespoons grenadine

14 - Jolly Rancher candies

01 - Combine sliced strawberries and sugar in a mixing bowl; toss to coat and let stand for 15 minutes until juices are released.

02 - Gently muddle the macerated strawberries with mint leaves in the bottom of a large pitcher using a wooden spoon just until fragrant.

03 - Pour vodka, coconut rum, and fresh lemon juice over the muddled fruit and mint; stir gently to combine and dissolve sugar.

04 - Slowly add the chilled lemon-lime soda to the pitcher, stirring gently to maintain carbonation.

05 - If desired, add purple food coloring, grenadine, or a few Jolly Rancher candies; stir gently until evenly colored.

06 - Fill the pitcher with ice, then garnish with lemon slices, extra strawberries, and fresh mint sprigs.

07 - Pour into tall glasses over additional ice; garnish each with a whole strawberry and a lemon wedge.

01 - Use peak season ripe strawberries for the most vibrant flavor and color.

02 - Prepare the strawberry-mint base in advance and refrigerate; add soda and ice just before serving for optimal freshness.

03 - Chilling the soda before mixing preserves maximum fizz.

04 - This beverage can be made alcohol-free by omitting the vodka and coconut rum and increasing the strawberries or adding more grenadine.

05 - Garnish generously to create a visually striking presentation for parties.