Strawberry Cooler

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 10 min.

Makes

8 servings

Updated: Oct. 04, 2023
During the dog days of summer, my family looks for a cold, thirst-quenching drink. I like this strawberry cooler because it's sparkling, refreshing and fast and easy to make.
Strawberry Cooler Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 3 cups water
  • 5 cups sliced fresh strawberries
  • 3/4 to 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest
  • 1 cup ginger ale
  • Crushed ice
  • Additional strawberries, optional

Directions

  1. In a blender, process the water, sliced strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice and zest in batches until smooth. Strain the berry seeds if desired. Pour mixture into a pitcher; stir in the ginger ale. Serve in chilled glasses over ice. If desired, garnish with strawberries.
Strawberry Cooler Tips

What's the best way to cut strawberries?

Since you blend strawberries to make this strawberry drink, the way to slice them doesn't matter as much as it would for other foods like a strawberry tart, strawberry shortcake and many other strawberry desserts. However, knowing how to hull strawberries for any recipes with fresh strawberries is important. There are a few methods to choose from: Use a straw to push out the leaves and stem, cut off the top of the berry altogether, or use a strawberry huller if you have one. Clean the strawberries only right before you cut them in order to keep them fresher for longer.

What else can you put in strawberry cooler?

There are plenty of ways to customize your strawberry drink. Add sliced peaches or raspberries in the blender with the strawberries, sugar and lemon juice for even more fruity flavor. Try substituting some of the plain granulated sugar for an infused simple syrup with basil or rosemary for more fresh flavor. If you'd prefer a more natural sweetener, agave syrup or honey would work as sugar alternatives as well. If you're not a fan of ginger ale, feel free to use club soda; or on the flip side, ginger beer will provide even more ginger flavor. Other simple and delicious punch recipes will help inspire you to make this strawberry cooler recipe your own.

Can you make strawberry drinks ahead of time?

Feel free to whip up this recipe ahead of time. A pitcher is nice to have on hand during particularly hot spells in the summer. However, know that the ginger ale may lose its carbonation the longer it sits out, so keep that in mind as you decide when to prep the recipe.

—Lauren Pahmeier, Taste of Home Editor

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 116 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 3mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (26g sugars, 2g fiber), 1g protein.