This easy Strawberry Syrup Recipe requires no cooking; blend fresh strawberries, sugar, and lime juice for a bright, flavorful syrup. Perfect for drinks, pancakes, and desserts!
Why you should make this delicious strawberry syrup recipe!
A simple and easy recipe for Fresh Strawberry Syrup that anyone can make, using 3 basic ingredients! No need to simmer, boil or strain, no fuss, just amazing strawberry flavor. Just blend fresh strawberries with sugar and a splash of lime juice. That’s it! The blender does all the work, “melting” the sugar right into the fruit for a smooth, bright syrup that tastes like summer in a bottle.
As a seasoned home chef and the recipe developer behind The Fresh Cooky, I love when a recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. I keep coming back to this method because it’s fast, fresh, and always a hit. You’ll find it’s perfect for everything from sweetening lemonade, adding to cocktails or drizzling over pancakes, yogurt, or even vanilla ice cream.
Want to turn it into something a little fancy? Try it in this Strawberry Bellini, it’s such a fun twist for brunch or summer get-togethers. If you’re into experimenting, you might also like my Hibiscus Simple Syrup, Cranberry Simple Syrup, or even the always-handy Cane Sugar Simple Syrup.
Make sure to read through to the end, I’ve included tons of easy and creative ways to use this fresh strawberry syrup. Once you make it, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge all summer long.
Strawberry Simple Syrup Ingredients
- Granulated Sugar: Blending sugar with the strawberries gives this a syrup-y texture without cooking. I use organic, all-natural cane sugar in all of my recipes, but you can use regular white sugar, too. I’ve never tried but you could easily swap monk fruit sweetener (cup for cup kind) to make this sugar free.
- Fresh Strawberries: Fresh berries are best in this case, but if you are in a pinch, use the same amount of frozen, you may need a splash more water. Wash, remove stems and quarter.
- Lime Juice: Fresh squeezed (my favorite citrus juicer) is best; however, a good quality bottled 100% lime juice will work as well! You can also try using lemon juice instead of lime, but lime adds a great flavor!
- Water: Just a splash is all you need!
Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.
Kathleen’s Pro Lime Tip: To get the most juice from your limes, pop lime in microwave for 10 seconds then gently roll on counter before cutting OR plop lime in warm water for 2-3 minutes.
How to Make Strawberry Syrup
Seriously, how simple is this fresh strawberry syrup! Do not believe me yet, well read on for the simple step-by-step instructions:
Place strawberries, sugar, lime juice and water in a blender and process until smooth and sugar has dissolved.
It’ll take about 2 minutes using all-natural cane sugar, could take a little less time using white sugar.
If a thicker syrup is desired, use less water, blend to the desired consistency, and until the sugars are dissolved.
Storage Tips for Strawberry Sauce
If you’re not using the strawberry syrup recipe right away, pour it into an airtight container (I love using a mason jar) and store it in the fridge for 2–3 weeks. If you notice any separation, just give it a quick stir or shake before using.
To freeze, pour the syrup into a freezer-safe container, ice cube trays, or silicone molds. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a zip-top bag and store for up to 3 months. This makes it easy to thaw just what you need for drinks, desserts, or breakfast treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
For homemade simple syrup recipes, I highly recommend storing them in the fridge, as the chilling process significantly slows down the bacterial process that can occur; this is especially true for fruit-based simple syrups.
Yes! Freeze in an airtight container and thaw in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter until liquid again. You may have to give it a good shake to mix everything together again.
Yes! When I made this fresh strawberry syrup for cocktails on Easter, I knew I would need a lot. I doubled everything except the lime juice; I kept that at ½ a cup, as citrus can overpower the recipe easily.
I love the strawberry lime explosion that happens, but if making this recipe for strawberry syrup for use on pancakes, yogurt and such, I would suggest using just 2-3 tablespoons of lime juice, or even less.
Yes, double the strawberries and omit or reduce sugar to a few tablespoons; the syrup won’t be quite as thick, but should still be fabulous. You will want to do this if you reduce the lime juice.
Variations for Simple Strawberry Syrup
This is a great way to use seasonal strawberries, but can you use other berries in the same way? Yes, you sure can! Try blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and more! Start with lower amounts of sugar, based on the sweetness of the berries.
Try adding a little basil or mint into the blender too, not much, start with a few leaves, take a taste and add more to taste. Think strawberry basil, strawberry mint and more! YUM!
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes, while fresh is always better, I realize sometimes you may not have that option, replace with frozen strawberries cup for cup. Check out my friend Chellie’s post on how to freeze fresh strawberries!
8 Ways to Use Homemade Strawberry Syrup
- Craft Cocktails | I made this recipe to use in my Strawberry Gin Cocktail, but you could use it in place of other recipes that call for a simple syrup. Try it in place of Hibiscus or Cranberry in these delicious drinks for a summertime flavor! Hibiscus Dark & Stormy, Hibiscus Mojito, Hibiscus Margarita, Cranberry Lemon Drop, or this Cranberry Bourbon Sour. Check out all of my cocktails!
- Mocktails or Spritzers: Use in place of cranberry syrup in this luscious spritzer, a couple of ounces splashed into club soda, ginger ale, or a lemon-lime soda makes a fantastic non-alcoholic beverage.
- Lemonades and Iced Teas: Add a couple tablespoons to your favorite lemonade or iced tea for strawberry lemonade or making a refresher.
- Dessert Sauce | Pour over vanilla ice cream or on this scrumptious strawberry shortcake. But don’t keep it to just vanilla desserts, this would also be fabulous on chocolate ice cream, chocolate strawberry shortcake, or even this amazing chocolate bread pudding.
- Yogurt Parfaits | This sauce will be a bright and vibrant addition to layer in a healthy yogurt parfait! Maybe even give it a go using homemade Greek yogurt!
- Breakfast Syrup | Use to pour over pancakes, waffles, try on this easy Dutch Oven Pancake, or even over this overnight French Toast.
- Cake & Cheesecake: Brush between cake layers for sweet strawberry flavor, add some as the liquid to frostings. Spoon over cheesecake!
- Strawberry Milk & Shakes: Yup, add some of the syrup to your favorite milk or your ice cream and whir it up for the best flavor.
More Strawberry recipes:
- Low-Sugar Strawberry Jam
- Strawberry Rhubarb Salad | A fresh, unique fruit salad.
- Tropical Mango Fruit Salad | amazing, light, and oh so delicious!
- Gluten Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble bars
- Best Strawberry Buttermilk Scones | amazing!
- Sweet Maple Apple Pecan Salad | In the springtime, I typically toss fresh strawberries in this salad!
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries washed and rough chopped (up to 2 cups if desired)
- ⅛ cup all-natural cane sugar Based on desired sweetneess and how much lime juice you use, use up to 1 cup sugar; may use white sugar too
- 2 teaspoons lime juice* to ½ cup; about 3 large limes
- 2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Place strawberries, sugar, lime juice and water in a blender and process until smooth and sugar has dissolved.1 cup fresh strawberries, ⅛ cup all-natural cane sugar, 2 teaspoons lime juice*, 2 tablespoons water
- It’ll take about 2 minutes using all-natural cane sugar, could take a little less time using white sugar. Mixture should be smooth and syrup like.
- Refrigerate until ready to use in airtight container. Store in fridge up to 3 weeks.
Notes
- Cocktails: Use in my Strawberry Gin Cocktail or swap into any drink that calls for simple syrup—like mojitos, margaritas, or whiskey sours.
- Mocktails & Spritzers: Splash into club soda, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda for a fun, fizzy drink.
- Lemonades & Teas: Stir into lemonade or iced tea for a fruity twist.
- Desserts: Drizzle over ice cream, shortcake, or even chocolate desserts.
- Yogurt Parfaits: A bright layer in homemade parfaits.
- Breakfast Syrup: Pour over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or Dutch Baby.
- Cakes & Cheesecake: Brush on cake layers or spoon over cheesecake.
- Strawberry Milk & Shakes: Mix into milk or blend into milkshakes for classic strawberry flavor.
Nutrition
Amy Nash
This was easy and so delicious! We drizzled it over some plain cheesecake!
Sounds dreamy!!
Paige
This is great to have around! I’ve started putting a little in my 7-UP!
Sandra Shaffer
So many delicious ways to use this syrup. I would love some with my yogurt!