This Strawberry Shortcake Martini is a sweet, creamy dessert cocktail that tastes just like your favorite summer cake. It blends strawberries, vanilla cream notes, and smooth vodka into one indulgent sip. Perfect for date nights or celebrations, and ready in just 5 minutes.
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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Shortcake Martini
You will fall in love with this Strawberry Shortcake Martini from the very first sip. It tastes like a slice of strawberry shortcake, yet it comes together faster than most desserts. Because it uses simple ingredients, you can mix it anytime the craving hits.
Not only does this Strawberry Shortcake Martini look pretty in a martini glass, but it also feels special enough for parties. Meanwhile, the creamy strawberry flavor makes it smooth and easy to enjoy. If you love sweet cocktails, this one truly hits the spot.
In fact, I love serving this Strawberry Shortcake Martini on Valentine’s Day or during girls’ night. It always gets compliments. Plus, since it takes only five minutes, you can focus more on fun and less on prep.
Sweet, Creamy Dessert Flavor in Every Sip
This Strawberry Shortcake Martini delivers sweet strawberry flavor with rich cream notes in every sip. Because it uses Baileys Strawberries and Cream, the texture feels silky and indulgent. As a result, it tastes like dessert in a glass.
Ready in Just 5 Minutes
You can make this Strawberry Shortcake Martini in about five minutes. Simply shake, strain, and garnish. Then serve immediately while it is perfectly chilled and smooth.
Perfect for Parties and Special Occasions
This Strawberry Shortcake Martini feels festive and fun. Therefore, it works beautifully for Valentine’s Day, birthdays, or bridal showers. It also pairs well with other party drinks like this Love Potion Cocktail Valentine’s drink.
Ingredients for Strawberry Shortcake Martini
This Strawberry Shortcake Martini uses just a handful of simple ingredients. However, each one plays an important role in flavor and texture.
Cocktail Ingredients
For this Strawberry Shortcake Martini, you need 2 oz Baileys Strawberries and Cream liqueur. This gives the drink its creamy, cake like flavor. Because it blends strawberry and cream, it creates that classic shortcake taste.
Next, add 2 oz vodka. Choose a smooth, good quality vodka for the best result. Since vodka makes up a large portion of the drink, a clean tasting brand will keep the cocktail balanced.
Then, use 1 oz strawberry simple syrup. This adds sweetness and bright berry flavor. You can make it fresh at home for the strongest strawberry taste.
Finally, garnish your Strawberry Shortcake Martini with one fresh strawberry. Pick ripe, red berries that smell sweet. As a result, your drink will look beautiful and taste even better.
Optional Garnish and Presentation Ideas
If you want to make your Strawberry Shortcake Martini extra special, try a sugared rim. You can also dip the glass in crushed shortbread cookies for a true dessert feel. Meanwhile, a swirl of whipped cream on top adds a rich finishing touch.
How to Make a Strawberry Shortcake Martini Step by Step
Making a Strawberry Shortcake Martini is quick and simple. Still, a few small steps make a big difference in flavor and texture.
Chill Your Glass and Shaker
First, chill your martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Meanwhile, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Because a cold glass keeps the drink crisp, this step really matters.
Add Ingredients and Shake Until Cold
Next, pour 2 oz Baileys Strawberries and Cream, 2 oz vodka, and 1 oz strawberry simple syrup into the shaker. Then secure the lid tightly.
Shake the Strawberry Shortcake Martini mixture vigorously for about 15 to 20 seconds. As you shake, the ice chills and slightly dilutes the drink. As a result, the texture becomes smooth and perfectly blended.
Strain and Garnish
Finally, strain the Strawberry Shortcake Martini into your chilled martini glass. Then place a fresh strawberry on the rim or float it on top.
Serve immediately while cold. Because this is a creamy cocktail, it tastes best fresh and well chilled.
How to Make Strawberry Simple Syrup
Homemade syrup gives your Strawberry Shortcake Martini the brightest strawberry flavor. Fortunately, it is very easy to prepare.
Ingredients for Homemade Strawberry Simple Syrup
You need equal parts water and sugar, plus sliced fresh strawberries. For example, use 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup sliced strawberries.
Simple 10 Minute Method
First, combine water, sugar, and strawberries in a small saucepan. Then heat over medium, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Once dissolved, gently mash the strawberries to release more juice. Let the mixture simmer briefly, then remove from heat. After that, strain if you prefer a smooth syrup.
Allow the syrup to cool completely before adding it to your Strawberry Shortcake Martini. One batch makes enough for several drinks, so you can store extra for later.
Storage Tips
Store strawberry simple syrup in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. It usually lasts up to one week. Therefore, you can prepare it ahead of time for parties.
Substitutions and Variations
You can easily adjust this Strawberry Shortcake Martini to fit what you have on hand.
What to Use Instead of Baileys Strawberries and Cream
If you cannot find Baileys Strawberries and Cream, use any creamy strawberry flavored liqueur. You can also mix regular Baileys with a splash of strawberry liqueur. As a result, you will still get that creamy dessert flavor.
Strawberry Simple Syrup Alternatives
If you are short on time, use store bought strawberry syrup instead. You may also swap in strawberry liqueur for a stronger flavor. Meanwhile, if you prefer less sweetness, simply reduce the syrup amount in your Strawberry Shortcake Martini.
Make It Less Sweet or Stronger
To make your Strawberry Shortcake Martini less sweet, cut the syrup to half an ounce. On the other hand, if you want it stronger, add an extra splash of vodka. Adjust slowly, then taste and tweak.
How to Make a Pitcher of Strawberry Shortcake Martinis
If you are hosting a party, you can scale this Strawberry Shortcake Martini recipe easily.
Easy 2:2:1 Ratio for Scaling
Keep the 2:2:1 ratio of Baileys, vodka, and strawberry simple syrup. For example, use 1 cup Baileys, 1 cup vodka, and half a cup syrup. Stir well, then chill before serving.
Serving a Crowd
You can refrigerate the mixture until ready to serve. Then shake individual portions with ice for the best texture. Alternatively, serve over ice for a slightly lighter feel at large gatherings.
For a fun drink table, pair it with fruity punches like this Cranberry Orange Prosecco Punch recipe or a bright Strawberry Lemonade.
Expert Tips for the Best Strawberry Shortcake Martini
A few simple tips will make your Strawberry Shortcake Martini taste even better.
Shake Until Fully Chilled
Always shake your Strawberry Shortcake Martini long enough to fully chill it. Because this drink contains cream liqueur, cold temperature improves texture.
Use Fresh, Ripe Strawberries
Choose bright red, ripe strawberries for garnish and syrup. As a result, the flavor tastes naturally sweet and vibrant.
Balance Sweetness to Taste
Since strawberry syrup sweetness can vary, taste your Strawberry Shortcake Martini before serving. Then adjust vodka or syrup as needed for the perfect balance.
Nutrition Overview
One Strawberry Shortcake Martini equals one serving. It contains about 1219 kcal, with roughly 206 g carbohydrates, 4 g protein, and 25 g fat. Saturated fat is around 16 g, cholesterol about 82 mg, and sodium about 129 mg. It also has around 3 g fiber and 201 g sugar. However, these values are estimates and may vary by brand and portion size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is in a strawberry shortcake cocktail?
A strawberry shortcake cocktail typically includes a creamy strawberry liqueur, vodka, and a strawberry sweetener like simple syrup. This Strawberry Shortcake Martini follows that same sweet and creamy profile.
How do you make a strawberry cheesecake martini?
To make a strawberry cheesecake style martini, add cream liqueur, vodka, and strawberry syrup. Some recipes also include a splash of vanilla or cream for a richer texture.
What does a strawberry martini have in it?
A strawberry martini usually contains vodka and strawberry flavoring, such as syrup or liqueur. This Strawberry Shortcake Martini also adds creamy liqueur for a dessert twist.
What are the ingredients for strawberry shortcake?
Traditional strawberry shortcake includes sweet biscuits or cake, fresh strawberries, sugar, and whipped cream. This cocktail captures those same sweet and creamy flavors in liquid form.
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Conclusion
This Strawberry Shortcake Martini is sweet, creamy, and full of nostalgic dessert flavor. Because it comes together in minutes, it is perfect for celebrations or cozy nights in. Try it as written, then adjust the sweetness or strength to fit your taste. Once you sip this Strawberry Shortcake Martini, you may never look at dessert the same way again.
Before you go, you can find more drink inspiration and party ideas on my Pinterest page at pinterest.
Strawberry Shortcake Martini
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker Filled halfway with ice
- Martini glass Chilled before serving
Ingredients
- 2 oz Baileys Strawberries and Cream liqueur
- 2 oz vodka
- 1 oz strawberry simple syrup
- 1 fresh strawberry for garnish
Instructions
- Chill a martini glass in the freezer for a few minutes. Meanwhile, fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Add Baileys Strawberries and Cream, vodka, and strawberry simple syrup to the shaker. Secure the lid and shake vigorously for 15 to 20 seconds until fully chilled.
- Strain into the chilled martini glass. Garnish with a fresh strawberry and serve immediately.
