I really enjoy mixing drinks that look just as good as they taste. The Strawberry Dream Cocktail? It nails both.\
It’s smooth, fruity, and honestly, you don’t need any special bar gear or rare ingredients to whip it up at home.
This recipe breaks down exactly how to make a simple, refreshing drink that tastes like summer in a glass.
The flavor is this perfect blend of sweet strawberries and creamy goodness—light, but still pretty satisfying.\
I’ll show you the ingredients, the quick steps to mix it, and why its taste stands out from the usual fruit cocktails.
Once you try it, you might end up making it again for every warm night or whenever you want to celebrate.
Strawberry Dream Cocktail Recipe
I usually make this cocktail when I’m craving something sweet, smooth, and refreshing.\
It’s a mix of fresh strawberries, cream liqueur, and vodka—a fruity flavor with a creamy finish that’s honestly hard to beat.
With the right tools, ingredients, and a few easy steps, it’s pretty simple to make at home.
Equipment
To make the Strawberry Dream Cocktail, I grab a few basic bar tools.\
Having everything ready just makes mixing faster and keeps the drink nice and cold.
- Cocktail shaker – for blending everything together.
- Muddler – to crush the strawberries and get all that juice out.
- Fine mesh strainer – to catch seeds and pulp.
- Jigger – for measuring liquids (I tend to eyeball it sometimes, but the jigger helps).
- Bar spoon – for stirring or layering, if you’re feeling fancy.
- Chilled cocktail glass – keeps the drink cold and fresh.
- Small knife and cutting board – for slicing strawberries and garnishes.
I always keep a couple napkins nearby in case things get messy—because they usually do.
Ingredients
I like using ripe strawberries and a good cream liqueur for the best flavor.\
Fresh produce and decent spirits really make a difference here.
- 4–5 fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 oz vodka (plain or vanilla works)
- 1 oz strawberry liqueur or syrup
- 1 oz cream liqueur (like Baileys or whatever you prefer)
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- ½ oz simple syrup (totally optional, only if you want it sweeter)
- Ice cubes for shaking
- Fresh strawberry or mint leaf for garnish
If the strawberries are super sweet, I skip the simple syrup.\
Sometimes I adjust the cream, depending on whether I want it lighter or a bit richer.
Instructions
I always start by prepping the strawberries to get the most flavor out of them.
- Toss the sliced strawberries into the shaker and muddle them until they’re nice and juicy.
- Add the vodka, strawberry liqueur, cream liqueur, cream, and simple syrup if you’re using it.
- Fill the shaker with ice and shake well for about 15 seconds, just until it feels cold.
- Strain the mix through a fine mesh strainer into your chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice or a mint leaf.
Serve it right away while it’s still cold and creamy.\
The texture should come out smooth—not icy or watery.
Notes
Fresh strawberries really do give the best color and flavor.\
Frozen ones work if you’re in a pinch, but they can make the drink a bit watery.
If I’m in the mood for something lighter, I swap the cream liqueur for milk or almond milk.\
For a stronger kick, I’ll add a little extra vodka and just leave out the syrup.
Chilling the glass ahead of time keeps the drink colder, which is always nice.\
Sometimes I’ll add a sugar rim or a drizzle of strawberry syrup if I want it a touch sweeter, but not too much.
Equipment
- Chilled cocktail glass
Ingredients
- 4-5 fresh strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 oz vodka plain or vanilla works
- 1 oz strawberry liqueur or strawberry syrup
- 1 oz cream liqueur e.g., Baileys
- 1 oz heavy cream or half-and-half
- 0.5 oz simple syrup optional, to taste
- ice cubes for shaking
- fresh strawberry or mint leaf for garnish
Instructions
- Add the sliced strawberries to a cocktail shaker and muddle until very juicy.
- Add the vodka, strawberry liqueur, cream liqueur, heavy cream, and optional simple syrup.
- Double strain through a fine mesh strainer into a chilled cocktail glass.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice or mint leaf and serve immediately.
Notes
Tasting Notes
There’s this smooth blend of sweet and tart that hits right away. Fresh strawberry jumps out first, bright and a little playful.
Then the cream steps in, softening things up and mellowing the sweetness. I catch a hint of vanilla too—it’s subtle, but it really rounds things off.
A second sip, and the chill from the ice is almost a little wake-up call. That strawberry aroma hangs around, making everything feel crisp and light.
Honestly, the color just fits—soft pink, kind of inviting, almost like it’s smiling at you. It looks as smooth as it tastes, with a silky finish that just barely lingers.
Flavor Highlights:
- Sweetness: Mild and natural
- Texture: Creamy yet light
- Aroma: Fresh strawberry with a hint of vanilla
- Finish: Smooth and slightly fruity

