Updated on: 6/3/2025
Strawberry Daiquiri on the Rocks: Fresh Flavor, Easy Recipe
A strawberry daiquiri on the rocks offers a lighter, fresher alternative to the classic frozen version. Instead of a blended slush, this cocktail is built with muddled strawberries, fresh lime juice, rum, sugar, and ice—served in a rocks glass for a clean, fruit-led experience with just the right chill.
What Is a Strawberry Daiquiri on the Rocks?
Many people think of daiquiris as blender drinks, but the original daiquiri is actually shaken and served straight up. 'On the rocks' means poured over ice, highlighting the spirit and fruit without turning the drink into a thick, frozen dessert. This style lets the real strawberry taste and the balance of rum and lime shine through.
On the Rocks vs. Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri
- On the rocks daiquiri: uses fresh or muddled strawberries, shaken with rum, lime, and sugar, then poured over chunky ice.
- Frozen daiquiri: relies on blended ice and frozen fruit—more like a boozy smoothie, with a thicker body and colder temp.
- Taste: On the rocks is brighter, less diluted, and lets the rum and strawberries stand out. A frozen daiquiri softens flavors due to ice melt, and adds a dessert-like texture.
- Serving: Rocks glasses are used for the 'on the rocks' style; hurricane or stemmed glasses are typical for frozen versions.
If you want a more refined, fruit-forward cocktail that’s not overly sweet or heavy, the on-the-rocks version is your best bet.
Strawberry Daiquiri on the Rocks Recipe
Choose ripe strawberries and fresh lime for the best balance. White rum keeps the cocktail bright and aromatic. Use a simple shaker—no blender required.
- 60 ml white rum
- 30 ml fresh lime juice
- 20 ml simple syrup
- 4–5 fresh strawberries (about 50 g), hulled
- Ice cubes (for shaking and serving)
- Optional: lime wheel and strawberry for garnish
How to Make a Strawberry Daiquiri on the Rocks
- Muddle strawberries in a shaker to create a chunky puree.
- Add 60 ml white rum, 30 ml fresh lime juice, and 20 ml simple syrup.
- Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
- Shake hard for about 15 seconds to chill and combine.
- Strain into a rocks glass filled with fresh ice.
- Garnish with a strawberry and lime wheel.
Tips for Best Results and Garnishes
- Use the ripest strawberries you can find—peak season fruit makes a dramatic difference.
- If you prefer your drink sweeter, add up to 25 ml simple syrup. Taste as you go.
- Adding a tiny pinch (0.5 ml) of salt to the strawberries before muddling can intensify the flavor.
- For elevated garnish: try a small strawberry fan or a thin lime twist resting on the glass rim.
Serving Suggestions and Variation Ideas
- Serve over large, clear ice cubes for less dilution and a more striking look.
- Swap white rum for aged rum to add deeper notes of caramel and spice.
- Muddle a basil leaf or fresh mint with the strawberries for a herbal twist.
- To make it a pitcher drink, simply multiply ingredients by the number of servings and stir with ice in a large jug.