Strawberry Daiquiri

Our strawberry daiquiri is an unbeatable way to cool down on a warm day. The flavor you’ll get from a cocktail made with fresh strawberries is worlds away from one that uses boxed puree and is even more outstanding when strawberries are in season. Our version uses only four ingredients—berries, lime juice, white rum, and sugar—and features a citrusy sugar rim for an extra-special touch. Fresh-squeezed lime juice is key here, so don’t be tempted to use the bottled stuff. (Plus, you’ll need some of the zest for the lime sugar.) Leave the rum out for a non-alcoholic version that everyone—kids included—can enjoy. These homemade, just-sweet-enough daiquiris are fruity, refreshing, and the perfect way to savor strawberry season.

Frozen Daiquiri vs. Shaken Daiquiri

There are two main types of daiquiri: the classic version, which is shaken with ice and strained into a coupe glass, and the frozen kind, which is made using a blender or large machine designed specifically for the task. The ingredients are usually the same—lime juice, white rum, and sugar or simple syrup—but the shaken version tastes quite a bit boozier without all the dilution from the blended ice.

How to Prep Strawberries for Daiquiris

Before tossing your berries into the blender, you’ll want to wash them and hull them. Place them in a colander and give them a thorough rinse under cold water. (As with all berries, it’s best to wait to wash them until you’re ready to use them, as excess moisture can cause them to spoil more quickly.)

Hulling Strawberries

Next, remove the hull, which is made up of the stem and leaves. You can use a paring knife to cut around the stem and pop out the hull or slice straight across the top of each berry. (The latter method can remove more of the fruit than is necessary, but it’s quicker.)

You can also use a drinking straw to push up from the bottom of the berry through to the stem until the hull pops out.