Last Updated on March 14, 2026 by Kimberly Stroh

There’s nothing better than a summer cocktail to enjoy as the weather warms up, and I’m always craving one with a strawberry. Sweet and juicy strawberries are the perfect fruit to blend into cocktails and add flavor. You can refrigerate or freeze this homemade strawberry puree recipe and conveniently use it for bartending. It’s the base of my Strawberry Lemonade Moonshine, and the flavor can’t be beat.

Strawberry Puree that you purchase in the store can be full of additives. Those additives can change the flavor and add an aftertaste to your drinks. Making your own puree from fresh strawberries isn’t difficult and offers a big difference in taste. You’ll also be able to adjust the sweetness by adding sugar.

Originally, I was making my homemade strawberry puree for cocktails and springtime entertaining. Strawberry season starts in May, and I would kick off summer with some entertaining at home.

Once we realized how delicious it was for cocktails, we used it for “mocktail” recipes as well. The kids enjoy non-alcoholic strawberry lemonade, and I even make our own popsicles with it. 

After you’ve tried the homemade version, without additives, you’ll never go back to the store-bought version. It’s simply that good!

How To Make Homemade Strawberry Puree For Cocktails

You’ll need a few pieces of kitchen equipment to make your puree. You’ll need a great blender (I like my Ninja Blender), a hand strainer, and a bowl. Having the right equipment will make all the difference in getting the job done. You can store your finished puree in an airtight container or a squeeze bottle, depending on whether you refrigerate or freeze.

What Recipes To Use Strawberry Puree In

The best part of strawberry puree is how great it accompanies almost any liquor that you want to use. You can make a Strawberry Margarita with tequila, or you can do a daiquiri with white rum. It’s delicious and refreshing to use it in cocktails during the warmer months. Here are a few ideas to try:

• Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash
• Strawberry Lavender Daquiri
• Strawberry Mimoas
• Frozen Strawberry Limencello
• Fresh Strawberry Lemonade

How To Store Fresh Homemade Strawberry Puree

Place any leftover strawberry puree in an airtight container. You can use it within 3-5 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just let it thaw in the refrigerator before using it.

Homemade Strawberry Puree Ingredients:

• Fresh Strawberries – I prefer to make my puree during strawberry season
• Granulated Sugar
• Lemon Zest
• Lemon Juice
• Salt

Step-By-Step Directions To Make Homemade Strawberry Puree

Wash and cut fresh strawberries. If using frozen strawberries, defrost them before using.

Blend strawberries for 2 minutes until completely pureed. This will give it the nice smooth texture that you want.

Add lemon juice, zest and salt. Blend for another 30 seconds.

Strain the mixture, through a hand strainer, over a bowl. This will prevent excess seeds and zest from getting into the puree.

Refrigerate it and add it to any cocktails for a fresh strawberry flavor.