The 3-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Cocktail I'm Sipping All Summer Long
Not too sweet, not too tart, and not too boozy, this beautiful, fruity cocktail is made for lazy summer afternoons.
Fresh strawberries have arrived in my neck of the woods, and I simply cannot get enough. Farmers markets and the produce sections of grocery stores are piled high with bright red berries, and I am eating my weight in the juicy, sweet fruit.
It comes as no surprise, then, that the seasonal berries have made their way into my cocktails. And while I love a good strawberry daiquiri, I don’t always want to pull out a blender for the sake of happy hour. Sometimes I’m in the mood for something a bit more low-key.
Enter Trader Joe’s. The key to this cocktail is the grocery store’s Rhubarb & Strawberry Soda ($1.90). I’ve been eyeing the cute li'l cans for some time now and finally picked some up. I’m so glad I did. Made with actual rhubarb and strawberry juices, the soda is perfect for pairing with vodka or rum.
Not too sweet, not too tart, and not too boozy, it’s a dynamite combo. Add a few fresh berries and you’ve got the perfect summer sipper.
How To Make My 3-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Summer Cocktail
To make two cocktails, you’ll need:
- 6 medium fresh strawberries
- 3 ounces vodka, such as Trader Joe’s Art of the Still Organic Vodka
- 1 (8-ounce) can Trader Joe’s Rhubarb & Strawberry Soda
Cap four of the strawberries, setting aside two whole strawberries for garnish. Add two capped strawberries to each glass. Using a muddler, the end of a wooden spoon, or a similar implement, mash the strawberries until broken up and juicy.
Add 1 1/2 ounces of vodka per glass. Fill the glass with ice, then top with the soda (4 ounces per glass). Give a quick stir, garnish each glass with a whole strawberry, and serve.
When to Serve This Cocktail
When I drink this cocktail, I have visions of lounging by a pool or beach, but that’s the great thing about it: with no body of water required, it’ll give you summer vibes no matter when you drink it. It’s fairly low ABV, making it a good choice for daytime gatherings or laid-back happy hours.
I’ll be serving it at my next barbecue while the guests wait for the food to come out. It’s a nice brunch option, too, and the pink hue makes it very festive.
Easy Upgrades and Swaps
If you’re not into vodka, this drink would also be tasty with a mild white rum. For a more herbaceous experience, swap the vodka for a dry gin and consider garnishing the cocktail with a sprig of lavender or rosemary in addition to the strawberry.
I personally believe that 75 percent of cocktails are improved by a squeeze of fresh citrus, and this one is no exception. If you have a lemon or lime handy, add a squeeze for a little brightness. Or try a quarter ounce or so of Campari or Aperol, which adds a rich red hue and a touch of bitterness that plays nicely with the vodka.
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