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Dirty Strawberry Soda

Dirty Strawberry Soda

Dirty Strawberry Soda is a vibrant and refreshing summer drink that combines the natural sweetness of fresh strawberries with creamy vanilla and fizzy soda water. This simple yet indulgent beverage is easy to make at home with fresh ingredients, perfect as a cool refresher on hot days or a unique treat for gatherings. Its customizable nature allows for dairy-free and low-sugar versions, making it ideal for a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Strawberry Syrup

  • 1 cup fresh ripe strawberries, chopped
  • 1/2 cup sugar (adjust to taste or substitute with sweetener)
  • 1/2 cup water

Dirty Strawberry Soda

  • Ice cubes (enough to fill a tall glass)
  • 23 tbsp strawberry syrup
  • 1 cup carbonated soda water (sparkling water or club soda)
  • 23 tbsp vanilla cream or milk alternative (such as coconut, almond, or oat milk for dairy-free)
  • Optional: sugar or sweetener (to taste)

Garnishes (optional)

  • Fresh strawberry slices
  • Fresh mint or basil sprigs
  • Edible flowers

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Strawberry Syrup: Simmer chopped fresh strawberries with sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until the mixture thickens (about 10-15 minutes). Strain out the solids through a fine sieve to obtain smooth syrup. Let it cool to room temperature.
  2. Fill Your Glass With Ice: Choose a tall glass and fill it generously with ice cubes to keep the drink chilled without diluting the flavor quickly.
  3. Add Strawberry Syrup: Pour 2 to 3 tablespoons of the cooled strawberry syrup over the ice, creating a strong fruity base with natural sweetness and vibrant color.
  4. Pour in the Carbonated Soda Water: Slowly add sparkling water or club soda to the glass to gently mix with the syrup, allowing the bubbles to add a light, fizzy charm to the drink.
  5. Top With Vanilla Cream: Add a splash of vanilla cream or your preferred creamy milk substitute on top. Pour gently (for example, over the back of a spoon) to create a marbled, “dirty” layered effect.
  6. Stir and Serve: Give the drink a gentle stir to combine the flavors while maintaining the marbled look. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, mint, or edible flowers, if desired.

Notes

  • Use room temperature syrup and cream to avoid shocking the carbonation.
  • Chill your glass beforehand to keep the soda cooler longer.
  • Choose firm, ripe fresh strawberries for the best flavor and color; frozen berries can dilute taste.
  • Adjust sweetness gradually to suit your preference using syrup or sweetener.
  • Pour soda slowly over the syrup to create a pretty gradient effect.
  • Substitute vanilla cream with coconut, almond, or oat milk for a vegan version.
  • Enhance flavor with a splash of alcohol like vodka or rum for a cocktail variation.
  • Blend in other fresh berries for a mixed fruit twist.
  • Store leftover syrup in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Freeze syrup in ice cube trays for easy portioning and convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dirty Strawberry Soda, Strawberry Soda, Summer Drink, Refreshing Beverage, Fizzy Drink, Vegan Soda, Homemade Strawberry Syrup