Vodka, elderflower cordial, and Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Cider mixed in a punch bowl. Fresh quartered strawberries, sliced cucumber, and mint leaves stirred in. Served over ice. That is a Swedish strawberry punch, and it is the one we keep coming back to for backyard gatherings.
The cider carries the flavour. The elderflower cordial rounds it out with a floral sweetness that pairs with the strawberry and lime already in the cider. The vodka is there for strength, not flavour. The cucumber slices float and look better than they taste, but they keep the punch from being too sweet.
Tips for Making Swedish Strawberry Punch
Chill everything before mixing
Cold cider, cold vodka, cold bowl. The punch is served over ice, but warm ingredients melt the ice fast and dilute the drink within minutes. 
Mix in the punch bowl just before serving. If it sits, the fizz from the cider goes flat.
Use fresh strawberries, not frozen
Quartered fresh strawberries hold their shape in the bowl and release juice slowly. Frozen strawberries disintegrate into mush and cloud the punch.
Add the mint leaves whole. Torn mint turns the liquid green. Whole leaves look cleaner and still release flavour.
The Spirit of Summer — Swedish Strawberry Punch Cocktail
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
A refreshing Swedish punch featuring vodka, elderflower cordial, and cucumbers, elevating strawberry-lime hard cider to a delicious summer delight.
Ingredients
- 100 ml (3.3 oz) vodka
- 500 ml (17 oz) Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Cider
- 2 tablespoons elderflower cordial
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, quartered
- 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 8-10 fresh mint leaves
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- Mix vodka, elderflower cordial, and Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Cider in a punch bowl.
- Add fresh quartered strawberries, slices of cucumber, and mint leaves.
- Serve over ice and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Swedish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 5
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rekorderlig Strawberry-Lime Cider?
A Swedish fruit cider made by Rekorderlig. It is carbonated, sweet, and flavoured with strawberry and lime. If you cannot find it, any strawberry cider works as a substitute.
How much vodka should I use?
100 ml (3.3 ounces) for the full batch. This makes a punch that is refreshing, not strong. Add more if you want a stronger drink, but the balance shifts quickly.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Skip the vodka and use a non-alcoholic sparkling cider or sparkling water with extra elderflower cordial. The flavour will be lighter but still works as a punch.
Hi there! I am interested in making this cocktail. What ml cider bottle are you using? The 500ml? Also how many cocktails does this pitcher serve?
Hi! They are 500 ml bottles of cider and this will serve 5 to 6 depending on the size of glass you serve it in. Cheers!