The Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is a timeless tropical cocktail — bright, fruity, refreshing, and just sweet enough to let the rum shine through. Originating from the classic Cuban daiquiri, this frozen twist became a staple of warm-weather celebrations, blending juicy strawberries with lime, sugar, and ice into a silky, slushy perfection.
It’s the perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a cooling texture that makes it feel like a vacation in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, lounging by the pool, or simply wanting a burst of sunshine on a cloudy day, this drink always delivers pure, breezy joy.
½ cup water
Heat gently until sugar dissolves, then cool before using. Keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
🍓 Variations
Virgin Strawberry Daiquiri (Non-Alcoholic):
Omit the rum and replace with ½ cup sparkling water or lemon-lime soda. It’s just as refreshing!
Strawberry-Banana Daiquiri:
Add ½ a ripe banana before blending for a creamy, tropical touch.
Spicy Strawberry Twist:
Add a small slice of fresh jalapeño or a pinch of chili salt for a surprising kick.
Coconut Strawberry Daiquiri:
Swap half the rum for coconut rum or add a splash of cream of coconut for a beachy vibe.
💡 Tips for the Perfect Daiquiri
Use frozen fruit instead of ice for a smoother, more flavorful texture.
Freshly squeezed lime juice makes all the difference — skip bottled versions if possible.
For a restaurant-style look, rim the glasses with sugar and garnish with a whole strawberry.
Serve immediately — frozen daiquiris melt quickly in warm weather.
❤️ Why It Works
The Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is a perfect example of cocktail harmony: the tart lime cuts the sweet strawberry, the rum adds warmth, and the ice brings balance. It’s light enough for brunch, festive enough for parties, and refreshing enough for any afternoon under the sun.
A small pinch of salt enhances the flavors of the berries.
A quick taste test prior to serving enables you to modify the sweetness of the drink.
I often associate frozen daiquiris with brightly colored jugs filled with concoctions made from shelf-stable, sweet-and-sour pre-made mixes—whether bubblegum pink or electric green, choose your preference. However, during the summer, I find myself contemplating genuinely good frozen daiquiris and their connection to a cookbook that has captivated my interest: Joshua McFadden's Six Seasons: A New Way With Vegetables. You may have encountered this book; authored by the chef of Ava Gene's in Portland, it has received widespread acclaim since its publication. The book presents innovative approaches to vegetables that are frequently confined to mundane crudité platters—if you seek a fresh perspective on celery or cabbage, this book is a must-have.
The reason I have been reflecting on Six Seasons and frozen cocktails is this: Trust.
McFadden and his co-author Martha Holmberg place their trust in readers to rely on their own taste buds. They encourage you to take charge, taste, season, taste again, and season once more. While this process can be somewhat frustrating, it is a crucial lesson for anyone cooking at home (or crafting drinks at home).
Despite our best efforts, recipe developers frequently find it challenging to specify the precise amounts of seasonings that your ingredients may require. One day, your peas might taste perfectly sweet while your lemons are distinctly sour, and the next day, your lemons could taste unexpectedly sweet, leaving your peas in need of a little enhancement. Adjustments are necessary. You may need to increase the acidity.
You might also need to add a pinch of salt, and occasionally (though not always!) a bit more. This can be quite frustrating. We desire cookbooks to serve as definitive guides, instructing us precisely on what to do, yet sometimes, their only advice is to taste, and taste again.
This leads us to the topic of this drink. I wish I could offer you a universal recipe for the ideal frozen daiquiri. However, instead, I will provide you with guidelines and place my trust in you. I assure you that your results will be remarkable if you simply have confidence in yourself.
Selecting a Rum
When Daniel presented his incredibly tropical Piña Colada recipe, he refrained from micromanaging your rum choices. This is understandable: you are likely to use whatever spirits you have available. I am perfectly fine with that, although I must emphasize: not all rums are created equal. They vary significantly. Some are funky and earthy, others are crisp and grassy, some leave a rich, sweet flavor on your palate, while others are predominantly dry.
Thus, the rum you select for a frozen daiquiri is important, particularly regarding the final sweetness of your drink. Do not let this overwhelm you: simply be aware that you will need to act quickly, sampling your first frozen daiquiri (poor you) and adjusting the sweetness or acidity as necessary before serving. Once you have modified the recipe to your satisfaction, you can record the adjustments and proceed with those measurements for the rest of your rum bottle.
Are you considering trying a new rum? Savor the flavor, and savor it again.
So, what should you select? While I have a strong preference for traditional shaken daiquiris made with light rum, I would suggest opting for an aged rum when preparing a frozen version. When a cocktail is served at such a low temperature, its flavors can become somewhat muted, so it is advisable to choose something that is fuller and more robust. Bartenders I consulted for this article recommended Caña Brava's 7 Year Old; I also had positive experiences with the more budget-friendly Appleton Estate Signature Blend and the richer Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva.
Selecting a Sugar
You can create a daiquiri using any sugar you might add to your coffee (though perhaps not a sugar substitute, as that could introduce some rather unpleasant flavors). However, my strong preference is to avoid using standard white granulated sugar in your simple syrup for this cocktail.
Through my experimentation, I discovered that white sugar rendered the drink somewhat bland, whereas turbinado sugar (like Sugar in the Raw) appeared to enhance the drink's flavor profile, effectively bridging the gap between the rum and the lime, resulting in a beverage that is both invigorating and slightly rich.
The only drawback is that turbinado sugar dissolves at a slower rate than white sugar. My approach involves combining equal parts sugar and hot water in a mason jar, sealing it tightly, and shaking until the mixture is uniform. This process takes about a minute.
As previously mentioned, this cocktail will require adjustments based on the rum you choose. You will begin with 3/4 ounce of fresh lime juice and 3/4 ounce of turbinado simple syrup, which may provide the ideal balance for the rum you are using. However, if you find that the lime flavor is too pronounced in this cocktail, a touch more sugar can provide a softening effect, allowing the lime to blend seamlessly into the mixture. I found that the Appleton Estate Signature Blend daiquiri improved with a few additional drops of simple syrup, while the Diplomatico Reserva Exclusiva version certainly did not require it.
Chilling Your Mix
We've gathered insights over the years while sharing cocktails on Serious Eats, and one key takeaway is that frozen drinks benefit from being prepared in advance. The colder your ingredients are, the less ice you will need to incorporate. Therefore, you should batch your rum, lime, and simple syrup, and place the mixture in your freezer for at least 8 hours prior to serving.
When it's time to serve, simply add 8 ice cubes to the blender along with your mix, and you are all set. Our goal is to minimize the amount of ice used to ensure your drink is richly flavored. However, if the temperature reaches 120 degrees where you reside during this season, you might require an additional cube or two to maintain the chill. If you have access to crushed ice, it will ease the blending process: measure out approximately 160 grams and start blending.
Adding Strawberries
Some individuals I spoke with mentioned that they tend to use less lime when incorporating fresh berries, but if your berries are ripe and flavorful, you will want the added tartness to create a balance. I found that I preferred the same proportions of lime, sugar, and rum in this strawberry daiquiri as in the classic version—the rum that required a bit more sugar in the standard frozen daiquiri also tasted better with it in this case. However, I do have one suggestion: just as a pinch of salt enhances the flavor of summer tomatoes, it also works wonders with strawberries. Be sure to add it.
The Classic and a Modern Twist
Are you a purist in search of the original rum-lime-sugar formula? You can find our basic frozen daiquiri recipe here.
Ultimately, for a modern interpretation of the daiquiri, consider this fernet-infused variation. If anything has the potential to revive the popularity of frozen daiquiris, it is fernet, the bitter and minty digestif that was once a well-kept secret among bartenders. While the idea of incorporating fernet into a frozen beverage may seem like a trend favored by hipsters, it actually enhances the cocktail by introducing a surprising herbal note and brightening its flavor. The result is a drink that is invigorating and refreshing in an entirely new manner. Believe me, you will enjoy it.
Notes
To prepare turbinado simple syrup, mix equal parts of turbinado sugar, such as Sugar in the Raw, with hot water in a securely sealed container, like a mason jar. Shake thoroughly until the sugar is fully dissolved; any leftover simple syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
A great frozen strawberry daiquiri recipe to try ! Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Ingredients
* 2 cans of frozen orange concentrate * 3 cups water * 3 cups powdered lemonade mix * 3 ¾ cups powdered strawberry mix * 1 cup sugar * 3 packages of powdered daiquiri mix * 9 quarts water * 3 tablespoons lime juice * 3 cups of rum * 3 cups of fresh strawberries; pureed in blender
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Mix orange juice with the 3 cups of water 2. Add all of the powdered mixes, sugar and lime juice 3. Stir mixture until combined and powdered mixes are dissolved 4. Divide into 3 parts between 3 ice cream containers 5. In each container add 1 cup strawberries, 3 quarts of water, 1 tablespoon lime and 1 cup rum 6. Freeze 7. Thaw partially before serving..and the frozen strawberry daiquiri recipe is ready..enjoy it !
This Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Mix is a make-ahead, freezer-friendly concentrate that delivers fresh strawberry flavor without artificial syrups. Just blend or shake with rum when ready to serve—perfect for parties, bars, or high-value recipe content.
Virgin Mix: Same recipe—just omit alcohol when serving
Final Takeaway
This Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Mix delivers consistent, fresh flavor with professional flexibility—ideal for home bars, parties, or high-value cocktail blogs.
The most incredible Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is crafted using a generous amount of fresh, frozen strawberries!! There is no ice to compromise the flavor, resulting in an ideal slushy texture. It is dangerously easy to consume – although it contains a substantial amount of alcohol, the taste is undetectable!
Ingredients for Strawberry Daiquiris include: strawberries, white rum (Bacardi, Havana Club), lime, and sugar syrup. Freeze the strawberries to eliminate the need for ice!
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
Strawberry Daiquiris embody everything I envision when I think of cocktails:
dangerously drinkable despite containing a significant amount of rum;
gleaming, vibrant, and as delightful as it tastes;
visually striking, particularly when you achieve that ideal slushy texture, allowing for a small mound that is still drinkable – rather than being so icy that it resembles sorbet requiring a spoon!
it is refreshing…. and alcoholic….
An additional advantage is that it is prepared with a substantial quantity of fresh strawberries, which are rich in beneficial antioxidants, so let’s hope that the positives in this cocktail offset the negatives… 😂
The finest frozen strawberry daiquiris are prepared without ice – as it dilutes the flavor!
Ingredients for Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris
Here’s what you will need for Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris:
Fresh strawberries – primarily frozen with some fresh. If you solely use frozen, the result will have a sorbet-like texture that necessitates eating with a spoon. Therefore, I prefer a mix of frozen and fresh!
White rum – Bacardi is my preferred white rum, but alternatives such as Havana Club, Appleton, or Cruz can also be used. Bacardi is a mid-range quality white rum. Given the fresh strawberry flavor in this cocktail recipe, you can opt for any reasonably priced or mid-tier white rum. Personally, I choose not to use premium liquor for flavored cocktails, as I believe it is a waste.
Lime – crucial for an authentic daiquiri!
Sugar syrup – simply a blend of equal parts white sugar and water, thoroughly dissolved. Avoid using sugar that isn’t in syrup form, as this is a cold beverage and the sugar will not dissolve properly. I keep a jar in the refrigerator at all times – for cocktail emergencies! 😂
Ingredients for Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris
What type of alcohol is used in a daiquiri?
Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris are prepared with white rum, which is clear. I prefer Bacardi, a well-known mid-range brand that is readily available in many parts of the world. However, you can opt for any brand, such as Havana Club, Appleton, or Cruz. Bacardi is a quality mid-shelf white rum.
As a general guideline, I tend to use mid-level spirits for cocktails that are combined with other flavors, as I believe it is unnecessary to utilize top-shelf liquor.
Make it alcohol-free!
Omit the white rum and substitute it with apple juice instead! The complex flavors in the fruit juice will contribute an extra dimension to this cocktail that the rum typically provides. If you only use water, you will merely create a strawberry slushy – still delicious, but it will lack the additional flavor profile that liquor brings to cocktails.
How to prepare Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris
Blend and mix!
Note:A powerful blender or a Nutribullet-type device is required to achieve a slushy texture with the frozen strawberries.
Observe the consistency of the Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri as shown above and in the accompanying video. It should resemble a thick slushy – not icy like a sorbet that necessitates a spoon for consumption (who wants to eat their cocktails??!!). It should be drinkable – initially mounding slightly before gradually melting!
Recipe Notes:
1. I utilize a mix of fresh and frozen strawberries to attain the ideal slushy consistency. If you opt for only frozen strawberries, the result resembles a sorbet that requires a spoon for consumption!
2. Sugar Syrup – combine equal parts of white sugar and water, then bring to a simmer on the stove until the sugar has completely dissolved. Transfer to a jar and allow to cool before using. Alternatively, you may use any other liquid syrup of your preference.
3. White rum – I prefer Bacardi, but Havana Club or any other brand of your choice will suffice.
4. VARIATION – incorporate 90 ml / 3 oz of white rum and 30 ml / 1 oz of Cointreau. This addition imparts a subtle hint of tropical flavor! I frequently employ this variation.
OTHER RECIPES
When to serve Frozen Strawberry Daiquiris
Prepare this strawberry daiquiri recipe for:
social gatherings with friends on warm, pleasant days;
relaxing by the pool;
those occasions when you buy strawberries in bulk because you can’t resist a good deal (like me!);
tropical barbecues; and
intimate dinner parties with friends!
INSTRUCTIONS Combine sugar, lime juice and water in a bowl.
Stir to mix, and then let stand until sugar is almost completely dissolved, about 15 minutes (mixture will be thick)
In a blender or food processor, combine the sugar and lime juice with the berries.
Blend until smooth, pack into freezer containers, and freeze.
The mixture will harden to the consistency of a very firm sherbet, so you will be able to scoop portions from the main batch, then reseal its container.
An alternative method for packing would be to pour the mixture into ice cube trays and freeze until firm, then unmold and pack into resealable freezer bags.
Yields about 4-2/3 cups.
For each strawberry daiquiri: In blender jar, combine 3 tablespoons rum (light or dark), 1/4 cup Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Mix (2 average-sized cubes that have been frozen in ice cube trays) and about 3/4 cup of ice cubes (7 or 8 average sized cubes).
Blend until smooth. Most blender jars can handle up to 4 servings.
For a non-alcoholic frozen drink, replace the rum with unsweetened pineapple juice.
In blender jar, combine 3 tablespoons rum (light or dark), 1/4 cup Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Mix, 3 tablespoons unsweetened pineapple juice, 1tablespoon coconut cream, and about 3/4 cup of ice cubes. For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum.
This 5-Minute Basic Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is quick, refreshing, and foolproof—perfect when you want a classic frozen cocktail with minimal ingredients and zero fuss. Bright strawberry flavor, crisp lime, and smooth rum come together in minutes.
This 5-Minute Basic Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri proves that great cocktails don’t need to be complicated. Simple, fast, and refreshing—ideal for casual get-togethers or last-minute cravings.
OTHER RECIPES
A great frozen strawberry daiquiri recipe to try ! Nice one !
3. Add a few strawberries to the blender; pulsing to break them up then add more until mixture is smooth
4. Pour into chilled or frozen glasses
5. If you prefer a thicker daiquiri you can add a little ice to the blender.
The frozen strawberry daiquiri recipes is ready...enjoy 5-Minute Basic Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri recipes !
The Tropical Sunset Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is a visually stunning, resort-style cocktail that blends ripe strawberries, premium rum, and tropical citrus, finished with a layered “sunset” effect. It’s smooth, vibrant, and designed for high-end cocktail menus and high-value blog content.
Blend the Strawberry Layer
Blend frozen strawberries, rum, lime juice, and syrup until thick and smooth. Set aside.
Create the Tropical Base
Blend pineapple juice, orange juice, coconut cream, and ice until light and slushy.
Build the Sunset
Pour the tropical base into a chilled hurricane glass. Slowly spoon or pour the strawberry blend over the back of a spoon so it floats and creates a layered sunset effect.
Garnish & Serve
Add tropical garnish and serve immediately.
Pro Presentation Tips
Use clear glasses to highlight the sunset layers
Pour strawberry layer slowly for sharp color contrast
For a dramatic effect, drizzle ¼ oz grenadine around the glass edge
Serve with metal or glass straws for an upscale look
Refreshing yet indulgent, with a balance that avoids excessive sweetness.
Premium Variations
Passionfruit Sunset: Replace orange juice with passionfruit purée
Mango Sunset: Add ½ cup frozen mango to the tropical base
Sparkling Sunset Daiquiri: Top with a splash of prosecco
Zero-Proof Tropical Sunset: Replace rum with coconut water
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: ~230
Alcohol: ~14–15% ABV
Naturally gluten-free
Final Takeaway
The Tropical Sunset Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri delivers both flavor and visual drama, making it ideal for summer parties, beach-themed menus, and high-value cocktail content that performs well on blogs and social platforms.
OTHER RECIPES
A refreshing frozen strawberry daiquiri recipe to try !
Ingredients
* 1 ½ cup frozen lemon concentrate
* 3/4 cup frozen lime concentrate
* 2 cups fresh strawberries
* 1 1/2 cups light rum
* Sprite
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Puree the fresh strawberries in your blender
2. Add concentrates and rum and blend
3. Freeze
4. Serve with ¼ cup sprite. Cool. Enjoy the Tropical Sunset Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri !!!
Tropical Sunset Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri Video :
A Top Shelf Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri elevates the classic cocktail with premium rum, real fruit, and a perfectly balanced sweet-tart profile. This version is smooth, vibrant, and bar-quality—ideal for upscale entertaining or high-value blog content.
This Top Shelf Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri delivers refined flavor, premium ingredients, and flawless texture—perfect for cocktail menus, luxury blogs, or summer hosting at its best.
* Fine sugar for coating rim of glass
* 1 ½ ounces top-shelf light rum
* 4 fresh strawberries
* 1 ounce fresh lime juice
* 1/2 ounce Rose’s lime cordial
* 1/2 ounce simple syrup (2:1 sugar to water)
* 1 cup crushed ice
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Coat the outside rim of a hurricane glass with fine sugar
2. Place remaining ingredients in your blender then blend until smooth
3. Pour into glass and garnish with a lime slice
The frozen strawberry daiquiri recipe is ready to serve ! Very refreshing !
frozen-strawberry-daiquiri-recipe-1
A Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is the ultimate tropical cocktail—icy, vibrant, and perfectly balanced between sweet strawberries and bright lime. This high-value guide walks you through the classic formula, pro tips for bar-quality results, and popular variations you can use to elevate your cocktail content or impress guests.
Scales easily for pitchers—just multiply ingredients
Nutrition (Approximate, per serving)
Calories: ~190
Alcohol: ~14% ABV (varies by pour)
Naturally gluten-free
Final Takeaway:
This Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri is a timeless cocktail that delivers bold fruit flavor, smooth rum character, and irresistible frozen texture—making it ideal for high-value blog content, cocktail menus, or summer entertaining.
