There are cocktails, and then there are cocktails that make you feel like you actually have your summer together. The Strawberry Gin Fizz is the latter. It’s bright, a little bitter (thanks, Campari), and held together by the kind of strawberry jam shortcut that makes you wonder why anyone bothers muddling fresh berries. If you’re hosting a patio thing, making a single drink for yourself on a Tuesday, or just need something in your hand while the kids wreck the backyard — this is it.

Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Gin Fizz

• Five minutes, one glass. No bartending experience required. If you can shake a jar, you can make this.
• Jam does the heavy lifting. Strawberry jam gives you fruit flavour AND sweetness in one move — no simple syrup, no muddling, no mess.
• Campari makes it interesting. A little bitterness cuts the sweetness and gives this drink actual depth. It’s not a slushy — it’s a proper cocktail.
• Stunning without trying. Fresh strawberries and a sprig of mint make this look like it came from a rooftop bar, and you barely have to try.

Ingredients

• 3 mint leaves
• 1 tablespoon strawberry jam
• 1 oz gin
• ½ oz Campari
• ½ lime
• Ice
• Lime soda water
• Fresh strawberries and mint, for garnish

Tips for the Best Strawberry Gin Fizz

Use a good jam. The jam is the backbone of this drink’s flavour — a jam with real strawberry flavour (not just sugar) makes a noticeable difference. Bonus: this is a great use for the last tablespoon at the bottom of a jar.

Shake hard. The goal is to get the jam fully dissolved and the mint well-bruised. Thirty seconds of vigorous shaking does it. Don’t be shy.

Strain properly. You want to catch the mint leaves and any undissolved bits before they land in your glass. A cocktail strainer or small fine mesh strainer both work.

Campari is non-negotiable (well, almost). If you’re sensitive to bitterness, scale back to ¼ oz. But don’t skip it entirely — it’s what makes this drink feel grown-up rather than fruit punch.

Lime soda water is worth seeking out. It adds an extra citrus note that ties everything together. Regular soda water works in a pinch, but lime is better.

Make it a batch. This doubles, triples, and quadruples easily. Mix everything except the soda water in a pitcher ahead of time, keep it chilled, and top individual glasses with soda water when you’re ready to serve.

How to Make a Strawberry Gin Fizz

Step 1: Build the shake. In a glass jar with a lid (or a cocktail shaker), combine the mint leaves, strawberry jam, gin, and Campari. Squeeze the juice from the lime half directly into the jar, then toss in the spent rind too — it adds a bit more citrus oil to the shake.

Step 2: Add ice and shake. Add a good handful of ice. Seal the jar or shaker and shake vigorously for about 30 seconds. You want the jam dissolved, the mint fragrant, and the whole thing well-chilled.

Step 3: Build your glass. Add fresh ice to a rocks glass (or whatever glass you like — no judgment).

Step 4: Strain and top. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with lime soda water — how much is up to you, but a good splash keeps the flavours forward without diluting too much.

Step 5: Garnish and serve. Tuck in a fresh strawberry and a sprig of mint. Drink immediately.

Internal Links

If you’re building a drinks menu or looking for more cocktail inspiration, these posts are worth a visit:

• Amaro Frosé Cocktail — another summer sipper with beautiful colour and a bittersweet edge
• Rosé Sangria — perfect for making ahead when you’re hosting a crowd
• Rosé Spagliato — a low-lift, elegant cocktail for a relaxed evening
• Berry and Rosemary Prosecco — bubbly and fruit-forward with a herby twist

External Links

• The Spruce Eats: How to Use Campari in Cocktails — helpful if you’re new to Campari and want to understand how it plays with other flavours
• Serious Eats: The Right Ice for Every Drink — because ice actually matters more than most people think

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of gin is best for a Strawberry Gin Fizz? A London dry gin works great — it’s clean and juniper-forward, which contrasts nicely with the sweet jam. If you want something more floral or citrusy, a contemporary gin (like Hendrick’s or Tanqueray Sevilla) works really well here too.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail? Yes! Swap the gin for a non-alcoholic gin alternative (Seedlip Garden 108 is a popular one) and skip the Campari or use a non-alcoholic bitter like Lyre’s Italian Orange. You’ll still get a refreshing, complex drink.

What if I don’t have Campari? Aperol is a gentler, sweeter substitute that works well. The flavour will be a little less bitter and a little more orange-y, but still delicious.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of jam? You can muddle a couple of fresh strawberries, but you’ll lose some of the sweetness balance. If you go that route, add a small splash of simple syrup to compensate.

How do I make a batch of Strawberry Gin Fizz for a party? Mix the jam, gin, Campari, lime juice, and mint in a large pitcher. Shake or stir vigorously to dissolve the jam. Strain to remove the mint. Refrigerate until ready to serve. When guests arrive, pour over ice and top each glass individually with lime soda water.

What food goes well with a Strawberry Gin Fizz? This cocktail pairs beautifully with appetizers — especially cheese-forward bites, crostini, or anything with a salty edge that plays off the sweetness. It’s also a fantastic patio cocktail alongside a summer salad spread.

Can I substitute the lime with lemon? Yes — lemon works. The flavour will be a touch softer and less tart. Still really good. Lime gives a slightly sharper brightness that pairs well with the gin and Campari combination.

Strawberry Gin Fizz

Print Recipe

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• Author: Andrea Buckett

Ingredients

3 mint leaves

1 tablespoon strawberry jam

1 oz of Gin

1/2 oz Campari

1/2 lime

Ice

Lime Soda Water

Fresh strawberries and mint for garnish

Instructions

1. In a glass jar with a lid (or a cocktail shaker), combine the mint leaves, strawberry jam, gin and Campari. Squeeze the juice from the lime into the jar and toss the rind into the jar. Add a handful of ice. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds.
2. Add ice to a rocks glass. Strain the cocktail into the glass. Top with lime soda water and garnish with a strawberry and piece of mint.