Strawberry Cilantro Cooler Mocktail Recipe

Strawberries and fresh herbs just work together, don’t they? I love tossing them into a simple drink that somehow feels a bit fancy, even though there’s no alcohol involved.

This Strawberry Cilantro Cooler Mocktail has a crisp, fruity flavor, plus that herbal twist from cilantro that makes it way more interesting than your average strawberry lemonade or mojito. It’s honestly one of my favorite ways to cool down when it’s warm outside.

The sweetness of ripe strawberries plays so well with citrus. Cilantro brings in a fresh, almost surprising note that keeps the drink tasting clean and unique.

I think this combo is way more fun than a basic strawberry mocktail, but it’s still quick and easy to throw together.

You can whip up this strawberry cooler in just a few minutes with simple ingredients and basic kitchen tools. It’s a great pick for anyone craving a mocktail that looks and tastes like something special.

Strawberry Cilantro Cooler Mocktail Recipe

Whenever I want something refreshing that balances sweet strawberries with bright citrus and fresh herbs, I make this drink.

It comes together fast, and you don’t need any fancy stuff—just a few fresh ingredients and easy steps.

Equipment

• Blender or food processor – I use it to puree strawberries until they’re smooth.
• Fine mesh strainer – This gets rid of seeds and pulp so the drink’s nice and clean.
• Muddler or wooden spoon – I gently press the cilantro or mint to release their oils.
• Citrus juicer – A handheld juicer makes squeezing lemons and limes so much easier.
• Measuring cups and spoons – These help keep the balance of sweet and tart just right.
• Pitcher or mixing glass – I mix everything up here before pouring.
• Tall glasses – Clear ones show off the color, which I love.
• Ice cube tray – Fresh ice keeps the cooler crisp.

Having these tools ready always makes things smoother and less messy.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh strawberries (or frozen if that’s what you’ve got)
• 1 tablespoon honey or agave syrup
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 4–5 sprigs fresh cilantro leaves (or swap for mint or basil)
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda
• ½ cup ginger ale or pineapple juice for extra flavor
• 1 tablespoon simple syrup or strawberry syrup if you want it sweeter
• Ice cubes

I usually tweak the sweetness—sometimes I add more honey or syrup, depending on how sweet the strawberries are that day.

Instructions

• Wash and hull the strawberries, then puree them in a blender until smooth.
• Strain the puree with a fine mesh strainer to get rid of seeds.
• Add cilantro leaves to a pitcher and gently muddle them.
• Stir in the strawberry puree, lime juice, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
• Mix in honey, agave syrup, or simple syrup until it dissolves.
• Pour in ginger ale, pineapple juice, or sparkling water to lighten things up.
• Fill your glasses with ice and pour the mixture over.
• Garnish with extra cilantro, mint, or a strawberry slice.

I always taste as I go, just to make sure the balance feels right before serving.

Notes

I swap between sweeteners depending on what’s in my pantry. Honey gives a floral note, agave syrup blends in smoothly, and simple syrup is a good neutral choice.

If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I stick with sparkling water or club soda. For a little more flavor, I’ll go with ginger ale or pineapple juice.

Frozen strawberries make the cooler thicker and colder, which is nice if you don’t want to use a ton of ice.

Fresh herbs totally change the vibe. Cilantro brings a bold, fresh bite. Mint makes it extra cooling, and basil adds a sweet, soft touch.

I like to play with the citrus, too—sometimes more lime for a tangy kick, sometimes more lemon for extra brightness.

Tasting Notes

When I take that first sip, the bright strawberry flavor jumps out at me. It’s got a natural sweetness, but honestly, it doesn’t come across as heavy at all.

The bubbles from the sparkling water add this light, crisp feeling. I love how the drink feels refreshing instead of syrupy.

The cilantro brings in a gentle herbal note. It doesn’t steal the show, but it gives the whole thing a fresh twist that balances out the fruit.

Honestly, I appreciate how it makes the mocktail more interesting than your average strawberry drink.

The mix of sweet and herbal flavors feels really refreshing. On a warm day, this cooler goes down smooth and easy.

It’s definitely the kind of refreshing drink I’d want to sip slowly, not something that’ll weigh me down.

Here’s a quick breakdown of what stands out to me:

• Sweetness: Mild, from ripe strawberries
• Herbal touch: Fresh cilantro on the finish
• Texture: Light sparkle, smooth to sip
• Aftertaste: Clean, with a hint of citrus if lime is added

Each sip gives me a nice mix of sweet fruit, fresh herbs, and gentle fizz. It’s simple, flavorful, and somehow the flavors stay clear without ever getting too strong.