Introduction:
Sweet, tangy, and bursting with tropical flavor, the Strawberry Mango Drop is a cocktail that instantly transports you to a sunny beachside retreat. Combining the juicy sweetness of ripe strawberries with the luscious tropical taste of mango, this drink is a vibrant, fruit-forward twist on the classic Lemon Drop.
It’s fresh, colorful, and full of personality—perfect for summer parties, brunches, or anytime you want to sip on something bright and happy.
Why is this recipe so popular?
The Strawberry Mango Drop has grown in popularity for its irresistible blend of familiar and exotic flavors. Strawberry cocktails are always a crowd favorite, and adding mango brings in a tropical flair that feels both luxurious and refreshing. What truly sets this drink apart is its versatility—it can be made with vodka for a crisp finish, or with rum for a more beachy feel.
Thanks to the rise of mango-based drinks on platforms like Instagram and TikTok, this cocktail has become a fan-favorite among both amateur and professional mixologists. It’s the perfect blend of visual appeal, tropical taste, and a fun twist on a classic cocktail.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
If you love bold fruit flavors, you’re going to adore the Strawberry Mango Drop. It’s bright, juicy, and made with fresh or frozen fruit, so you can enjoy it all year round. The sweet strawberry balances the tropical mango, while the lemon juice cuts through with zesty freshness. This is a drink that energizes and delights.
You’ll also love how simple it is to make. Just a few ingredients and a good shake give you a cocktail that tastes like something you’d order at a five-star beach resort. You can also make a mocktail version by substituting club soda or lemonade for the alcohol, so it’s great for guests of all ages.
It’s perfect for summer BBQs, garden brunches, bridal showers, or just relaxing with something pretty in hand. Whether you’re looking for a signature cocktail or a fun fruity twist, the Strawberry Mango Drop is here to impress.
Ingredients:
2 oz vodka (or white rum for a tropical twist)
1 oz fresh lemon juice
¾ oz simple syrup (adjust to taste)
1 oz mango purée (fresh or store-bought)
½ oz strawberry purée or muddled fresh strawberries
Ice
Sugar (for rimming, optional)
Lemon wedge or strawberry slice (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Rim the glass
Rub a lemon wedge around the rim of a chilled martini or coupe glass. Dip the rim in sugar for a sweet, sparkling finish. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the fruit
If using fresh fruit, purée the mango and strawberries separately until smooth. Strain if you prefer a silky texture. If using frozen, thaw beforehand and blend.
Step 3: Add ingredients to shaker
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine 2 oz vodka, 1 oz lemon juice, ¾ oz simple syrup, 1 oz mango purée, and ½ oz strawberry purée.
Step 4: Shake it up
Shake vigorously for about 15–20 seconds until the drink is well chilled and combined.
Step 5: Strain and garnish
Strain into your prepared glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry, mango slice, or lemon twist. Serve immediately.
Variation:
Frozen Strawberry Mango Drop: Blend all ingredients with ice for a slushy, frozen version. Great for hot summer days.
Strawberry Mango Drop Martini: Add a splash of triple sec or orange liqueur for added depth and citrus complexity.
Mocktail Version: Replace vodka with lemonade or club soda. Add a splash of orange juice for a tropical punch.
Spicy Strawberry Mango Drop: Muddle a few slices of jalapeño in the shaker for a kick of heat that pairs beautifully with the sweet mango.
Herbal Infusion: Add a few basil or mint leaves to the shaker for a fragrant, herbaceous twist.
Mango Coconut Drop: Add ½ oz of coconut cream or coconut rum for a creamy tropical variation.
Sparkling Version: Top with prosecco or champagne after shaking for a bubbly, celebratory take.
COOKING Note:
For the best flavor, use ripe, sweet mangoes and strawberries. If fresh fruit isn’t available, high-quality frozen options will still deliver excellent results. Store-bought mango and strawberry purées work well too, but be sure to check for added sugars and adjust your simple syrup accordingly.
Make sure your lemon juice is freshly squeezed—it makes a big difference in both taste and aroma. If you’re making drinks for a crowd, purée the fruits in advance and keep them chilled for fast, easy assembly.
Chill your glasses before serving to keep the drink cool longer and enhance the presentation.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve in a sugar-rimmed martini glass for elegance or in a highball glass over crushed ice for a more casual, beachy vibe.
Garnish with a skewer of alternating mango and strawberry chunks for an eye-catching tropical touch.
Pair with spicy foods like tacos, grilled shrimp, or jerk chicken—the fruity sweetness of the drink balances the heat beautifully.
Ideal for brunches, tropical-themed parties, summer weddings, or girl’s night in.
Serve with small plates like goat cheese crostini, mango salsa with chips, or strawberry shortcake for a harmonious flavor pairing.
Double the recipe and serve in a pitcher for easy entertaining.
Tips:
Use ripe mangoes and strawberries for the best natural sweetness and flavor.
If your purées are very thick, add a splash of water or juice to loosen them for smoother mixing.
Strain the cocktail if you prefer a silky finish, or leave it unstrained for a more rustic, fruit-forward texture.
Chill your glasses in advance for the best drinking experience.
Taste before serving—mangoes and strawberries vary in sweetness, so adjust your simple syrup as needed.
Add a tiny pinch of salt to the shaker to enhance all the flavors (a bartender’s trick).
Use flavored vodka (like citrus or mango) for an added flavor layer.
Don’t over-shake—just enough to chill and combine is perfect.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
0 minutes
Total Time:
10 minutes
Nutritional Information (estimated per serving):
Calories: 165
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 3mg
Sugars: 11g
Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Alcohol Content: ~18–20% ABV
FAQs:
Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes! Mix the purée, lemon juice, and simple syrup in advance and store in the fridge.
Can I make this in a blender?
Absolutely. Blend all ingredients with ice for a frozen cocktail. Great for summer.
Can I batch this for a party?
Yes. Multiply the ingredients and mix in a large pitcher. Chill and serve over ice or shake individual portions when serving.
Can I use flavored vodka?
Yes! Citrus, mango, or even strawberry-flavored vodka works beautifully here.
Conclusion:
The Strawberry Mango Drop is everything you want in a cocktail: juicy, vibrant, refreshing, and easy to make. It combines the beloved flavor of strawberries with the sunny sweetness of mango, all lifted by the tart sparkle of lemon. It’s a drink that brings joy in every sip, perfect for entertaining or simply treating yourself.
Try it once, and it’s sure to become one of your go-to cocktails for every happy occasion. Raise your glass to flavor, fun, and a little slice of paradise in every pour.