2 liters of Sprite or lemon-lime soda (regular, not diet)

1 cup fruit juice (apple, cranberry, or pineapple juice)

1/4 cup coconut rum (Malibu recommended)

2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (plus extra for garnish)

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)

2 tablespoons sugar

Handful of fresh mint leaves

Ice cubes

1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish

Optional Add-ins:

Purple food coloring (a drop or two for a “dirty” look)

Splash of grenadine for extra sweetness

Jolly Rancher candies for added sweetness

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Make the Strawberry Syrup: In a small saucepan, combine sliced strawberries, sugar, and 1/4 cup water. Simmer over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, smashing the berries as they soften.
Remove from heat, let cool for 10 minutes, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve to extract all juice. Chill the syrup in the fridge.
Prepare the Pitcher: In a large pitcher, combine fruit juice, coconut rum, and lemon juice.
Add the chilled strawberry syrup and stir well.
Add Mint: Clap the fresh mint leaves to release oils, then add to the pitcher.
Add ice cubes and pour in the Sprite, stirring gently to keep the fizz intact.
For a “dirty” look, add a drop or two of purple food coloring and swirl gently.
Garnish with lemon slices, fresh strawberries, and mint leaves.
Serving: Pour into glasses with ice, garnish with a strawberry on the rim, and a sprig of mint. Optionally, sugar the rims of glasses with lemon and pink sugar.

Slushie Version: Blend the drink with extra ice for a refreshing slushy.

Add a spicy twist by incorporating a few slices of jalapeño to the strawberry syrup.