This Strawberry Cream Valentine Spritz is flirty, fun, and surprisingly simple to make. It blends fresh strawberry puree with a soft, creamy base and a splash of bubbles for a drink that looks romantic but isn’t fussy. It’s light enough to sip before dinner and sweet enough to feel celebratory.
Whether you’re planning a date night, a Galentine’s toast, or a quiet evening in, this spritz brings a touch of charm without the fuss.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Balanced flavor: Fresh strawberries keep it bright, while the cream liqueur adds a silky finish. The bubbles tie it all together without making it too heavy.
- Easy to batch: You can make the strawberry base ahead of time and build drinks in minutes when guests arrive.
- Looks impressive: The soft pink hue and creamy foam feel festive, no complicated garnish required.
- Customizable: Swap spirits, adjust sweetness, or make it alcohol-free with simple tweaks.
- Season-friendly: Works with fresh or frozen strawberries, so you’re not limited to peak season.
Shopping List
- Fresh strawberries (or frozen, thawed)
- Granulated sugar or honey (for the puree)
- Lemon juice (fresh)
- Vodka or strawberry gin (optional, for a fruit-forward base)
- Irish cream liqueur or strawberry cream liqueur
- Prosecco, cava, or dry sparkling wine (chilled)
- Club soda or sparkling water (chilled)
- Vanilla extract (optional, a drop goes a long way)
- Ice
- Fresh mint or extra strawberry slices for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the strawberry puree: Hull 1 cup of strawberries and blend until smooth with 1–2 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice. Taste and adjust sweetness.
Strain through a fine sieve if you prefer a silky texture.
- Chill your glass: Pop two wine glasses or spritz glasses in the freezer for 5–10 minutes. This keeps the drink crisp and prevents quick dilution.
- Build the base: In each chilled glass, add 1 ounce strawberry puree and 1 ounce vodka or strawberry gin (optional). Stir gently with ice to chill.
- Add the cream: Pour in 1 ounce Irish cream or strawberry cream liqueur per glass.
Stir gently to combine. The color should turn a soft pink.
- Top with bubbles: Add 3 ounces chilled prosecco and 1–2 ounces club soda. Pour slowly to preserve carbonation and create a light, creamy foam on top.
- Garnish: Add a strawberry slice on the rim or a small sprig of mint.
Serve immediately while cold and bubbly.
- Taste and tweak: For a sweeter sip, add a splash more puree. For a drier finish, add more club soda or use a brut sparkling wine.
Storage Instructions
Keep leftover strawberry puree in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 3 days. It also freezes well in ice cube trays for up to 2 months.
The assembled spritz doesn’t store well because the bubbles fade and the cream can separate. If you’re batching for a crowd, mix the puree and spirits in advance, then add cream and bubbles right before serving.
Health Benefits
- Strawberries: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, which support skin health and immunity.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and a small boost of vitamin C without extra sugar.
- Moderation-friendly: A spritz uses more soda and sparkling wine than heavy spirits, which keeps alcohol content lower per serving.
- Customizable sweetness: You control the sugar. Use less sweetener or swap in a touch of honey or a zero-calorie simple syrup if desired.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Curdling risk: Acid and cream can clash.
Add the cream after chilling the base and before the bubbles, then pour sparkling wine gently. Avoid highly acidic mixers like tonic.
- Warm ingredients: If the puree or wine is warm, the drink turns flat fast. Keep everything chilled for best texture and flavor.
- Over-sweetening: Cream liqueurs are already sweet.
Taste the puree before adding sugar, and use a dry sparkling wine to keep balance.
- Ice melt: Too much stirring with ice waters down the drink. Stir just enough to chill, then strain or top immediately.
- Poor-quality bubbles: Very sweet or low-quality sparkling wine can taste cloying with cream. Choose a brut or extra dry bottle for a clean finish.
Recipe Variations
- Alcohol-free: Use a non-alcoholic Irish cream alternative or a splash of vanilla oat creamer, plus non-alcoholic sparkling wine or plain soda.
Keep the lemon light to avoid curdling.
- Strawberry-basil: Blend a few basil leaves into the puree or muddle gently in the glass for a fresh, herbal twist.
- Rose spritz: Swap prosecco for a dry sparkling rosé. The color and berry notes pair beautifully with the cream.
- Vanilla bean: Add 1–2 drops of vanilla extract or scrape a tiny bit of vanilla bean into the puree for a strawberries-and-cream vibe.
- Lighter option: Skip the vodka and cream liqueur and use 2 ounces puree, 4 ounces sparkling wine, and 2 ounces soda. It’s fruit-forward and refreshing.
- Frozen version: Blend strawberry puree with ice and a splash of soda, then swirl in a small amount of cream liqueur at the end to keep it from separating.
FAQ
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes.
Thaw them first and drain excess liquid so the puree isn’t watery. Frozen berries are often picked at peak ripeness, so the flavor can be great.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Keep everything cold, add the cream after chilling the base, and pour the sparkling wine gently. Avoid using highly acidic mixers, and don’t overdo the lemon juice.
What’s the best sparkling wine for this spritz?
A brut or extra dry prosecco or cava works best.
These keep the drink lively and not overly sweet. Save very sweet bottles for dessert cocktails.
Can I make this ahead for a party?
Mix the strawberry puree and spirits in a pitcher and refrigerate. Right before serving, add the cream liqueur, then top each glass with sparkling wine and soda.
This keeps the bubbles fresh and the texture smooth.
What glass should I use?
Stemmed wine glasses, stemless wine glasses, or spritz goblets all work well. Choose something with room for ice and bubbles.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes. Use a dairy-free cream liqueur alternative or a small splash of vanilla oat creamer.
Keep acids minimal and build the drink gently to avoid separation.
How sweet is this drink?
It’s lightly sweet, depending on your sparkling wine and puree. If you prefer dry cocktails, use less sugar in the puree and a brut sparkling wine.
Final Thoughts
The Strawberry Cream Valentine Spritz is playful, pretty, and easy to love. With fresh berry flavor, a silky hint of cream, and bright bubbles, it feels special without demanding a lot of effort.
Keep the ingredients cold, pour gently, and adjust sweetness to your taste. Whether it’s a romantic toast or a sweet moment with friends, this spritz brings a little sparkle to the occasion.
