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A vibrant red drink, Juneteenth Strawberry Soda, served in a glass

Best way to grow Juneteenth Strawberry Soda (Red Drink)

This recipe provides guidance on cultivating strawberries for a homemade Juneteenth Strawberry Soda, also known as Red Drink. It outlines the steps from planting to harvesting, ensuring a fresh and flavorful ingredient for your celebratory beverage.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 150
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For Growing Strawberries
  • 1 pack Strawberry seeds or plants
  • 1 bag Potting soil
  • 1 bag Compost
  • 1 bag Mulch
  • Varies gallons Water
For Strawberry Soda (Red Drink)
  • 2 cups Fresh Strawberries
  • 0.5 cup Sugar
  • 1 cups Water
  • 4 cups Sparkling water or club soda
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • Varies Ice

Equipment

  • Raised beds or containers
  • Gardening tools
  • Saucepan
  • Fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth
  • Pitcher

Method
 

Growing Strawberries
  1. Choose a sunny location with well-draining soil and consider using raised beds or containers for optimal growth.
  2. Prepare the soil by mixing in compost and ensuring a pH between 5.5 and 6.8 before planting strawberry seeds or seedlings.
  3. Plant strawberries 10-12 inches apart, ensuring the crown is at soil level, then water thoroughly.
  4. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and apply mulch to conserve moisture and control weeds.
  5. Feed plants with a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season and pinch off the first few flowers to encourage stronger root development.
  6. Harvest ripe strawberries by gently twisting them off the plant, typically in late spring to early summer, and monitor for pests and diseases, using organic solutions if necessary.
Making Juneteenth Strawberry Soda (Red Drink)
  1. Wash and hull 2 cups of fresh strawberries, then slice them for easier blending.
  2. Combine strawberries, 0.5 cup sugar, and 1 cup water in a saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a simmer and mashing the strawberries as they soften.
  3. Continue to simmer for approximately 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the syrup to thicken slightly, then remove from heat and let it cool completely.
  4. Strain the cooled strawberry mixture through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, pressing down to extract all the liquid, then discard the solids.
  5. In a pitcher, combine the strawberry syrup with 4 cups of sparkling water or club soda and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, stirring gently to combine.
  6. Serve over ice, garnishing with fresh strawberry slices or mint sprigs if desired.

Notes

For optimal growing conditions, choose a strawberry variety suited to your local climate. The strawberry syrup can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Adjust sugar and lemon juice to taste for the soda.