How to Make Strawberry Nectar

Last updated on Jul 7, 2023
Corrinn McCauley

Strawberry nectar is a versatile ingredient that you can use in smoothies, baked goods, and cocktails. Our recipe uses a vacuum sealer to make the nectar because it creates a thicker product than what a juicer would produce. Keep reading to learn more about strawberry nectar, how it’s different than strawberry juice, and how to make it.

What Is Strawberry Nectar?

Strawberry nectar is a beverage made from strawberries and a sweetener. Making strawberry nectar is easy, just vacuum seal strawberries with a bit of added sweetener (we chose lime cordial, but you can use any sweetener you prefer). Many nectars also contain added water, but we chose not to dilute our recipe. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization’s standards, the minimum juice and/or puree content for a beverage to qualify as strawberry fruit nectar is 40%. Generally, strawberry nectar has a thicker texture and is less translucent than traditional strawberry juice.

Nectar vs Juice

The difference between nectar and juice is how much actual fruit each contains. To be classified as a fruit juice, a beverage must contain 100% juice and have no additional sugar. Drinks defined as fruit nectars must have a fruit content between 25% and 50%, depending on the type of fruit. The third category would be a fruit juice drink, which contains a fruit content between 6% and 30% depending on the type of fruit. The Fruit Juice Ordinance and the Guidelines for Soft Drinks define how much fruit there is in fruit juice, nectar, and fruit juice drinks.

Strawberry Nectar Tutorial

Watch our video tutorial for making strawberry nectar or read our recipe below:

What Special Equipment Do I Need?

In addition to a storage container and freezer, here are the pieces of special equipment you will need to make our strawberry nectar recipe:

  • Vacuum Sealer Bag - You will add the strawberries to a vacuum sealer bag.
  • Vacuum Sealer - You will use a vacuum sealer to enclose the strawberries inside the bag.
  • Chinois - You will use a chinois strainer to strain the strawberry nectar.

Strawberry Nectar Recipe

Yield: 10 ounces of nectar

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Rest Time: 15 hours

Total Time: 20 hours

Strawberry Nectar Ingredients

  • 1 pound strawberries
  • Splash of lime cordial (approximately 5.9 milliliters)

Directions

  1. Cut off strawberry stems.
  2. Pour berries into vacuum sealing bag. Bag must not be more than 1/3 full.
  3. Add lime cordial.
  4. Vacuum seal bag according to manufacturer’s instructions.
  5. Once fully sealed, press down on bag to crush berries into pulp. Freeze overnight.
  6. Once frozen, cut bag open and break up frozen berry pulp.
  7. Place frozen pulp in chinois over large pot. Let it strain for three hours.
  8. Once strained, store strawberry nectar in a nonreactive container.

How to Serve Strawberry Nectar

If you love the idea of strawberry nectar but you aren’t sure how to serve it, check out our suggestions below.

  • Use this recipe as a base for summer cocktails.
  • Freeze your nectar in an ice cube tray and pair it with lemonade for a unique twist on strawberry lemonade.
  • Incorporate it into your batters to create baked goods with a naturally strong strawberry flavor.
  • Add rosemary to the strawberries before vacuum sealing. Then, use the nectar to create a reduction and drizzle it over salads or proteins.
  • Use it to make delicious homemade strawberry ice cream.

Now that you know the difference between juice and nectar, you're ready to make your own. Strawberry nectar is a versatile ingredient you can use to elevate beverages, baked goods, and savory dishes. Keep a container of fresh strawberry nectar at your bar to create unique seasonal drinks or use it in your baked goods to achieve a wholesome strawberry flavor and natural pink color.

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