The first sip of summer always tastes like coconut and berries to me. This strawberry pina colada brings together everything I adore about warm afternoons and family gatherings. It’s the drink everyone asks for at our backyard barbecues.
Think of it as the perfect marriage between a classic pina colada and fresh strawberry lemonade. You’ll blend frozen strawberries, coconut cream, and pineapple juice until it’s thick and dreamy. It’s like having vacation in a glass, but easier than you’d expect. Full details in the blog!
I’ve been making tropical drinks for my family since Eleanor was little, tweaking recipes until they sing with just the right balance. This one came from a happy accident when I had too many strawberries ripening at once. I tested it on three generations now. You’ll love how it brightens any ordinary day.
PrintStrawberry Pina Colada: Delicious Easy Recipe Guide
This strawberry pina colada recipe blends frozen strawberries with pineapple and cream of coconut for a tropical strawberry coconut drink. Enjoy a layered strawberry pina colada or a frozen strawberry pina colada that’s perfect for summer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen sliced strawberries
- 1 ounce white rum
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 ounce white rum
- ¼ cup pineapple juice
- ¼ cup cream of coconut
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
- Fresh Strawberries for garnish
Instructions
- Blend the strawberries with rum and pineapple juice until smooth to prepare the strawberry layer.
- Pour this blend into the bottoms of two glasses and rinse the blender.
- Next, blend pineapple chunks with rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut until smooth for the pineapple coconut layer.
- Carefully add the pineapple coconut mixture over the strawberry layer in each glass.
- Garnish with pineapple wedges and fresh strawberries to finish.
Notes
- This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled
- If you want to use Malibu in place of white rum that would give it an extra punch of coconut flavor
- This Strawberry Pina Colada is not overly sweet
- If you are looking for a sweeter drink, add 1 ounce of simple syrup to each mixture
- Make sure to use a cream of coconut in the can and shake it well
- Coconut milk and coconut cream are not the same things
- These can be frozen but may slightly change the consistency, see my tips above
- Try making other flavors! This can be made virgin and kid-friendly, see above on how to do that
- Do not try to use fresh fruit for this, you will need frozen
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 367kcal
- Sugar: 54g
- Sodium: 22mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g + 1g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
Why This Strawberry Pina Colada Will Become Your Go-To
There’s something magical about layered drinks that reminds me of the fancy hotel bars from my younger days. This strawberry pina colada captures that same elegance with the comforting flavors of home. The beautiful pink and white layers create a stunning presentation that makes any gathering feel special.
What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is for beginners. You simply blend each layer separately, pour, and admire your handiwork. The frozen fruit keeps everything perfectly thick without needing ice that waters down the flavors.
- Ready in 10 minutes with minimal cleanup
- Naturally beautiful pink and white layers
- Perfectly balanced sweet and tropical flavors
- Easy to double for entertaining
Understanding Your Ingredients
The secret to a perfect layered strawberry pina colada lies in choosing the right ingredients. Each component plays a specific role in creating those gorgeous distinct layers and balanced tropical flavors.
The cream of coconut is your magic ingredient here – it’s thicker and sweeter than coconut milk, giving the white layer its luxurious texture and staying power. Be sure to shake the can well before using, as the cream tends to separate.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Frozen Strawberries | Creates thick pink layer | Don’t thaw – keeps consistency perfect |
| Frozen Pineapple | Adds tropical flavor and thickness | Frozen chunks work better than fresh |
| Cream of Coconut | Rich, sweet coconut base | Shake the can thoroughly first |
| White Rum | Classic pina colada spirit | Can substitute with Malibu for extra coconut |
The Simple Two-Layer Method
Creating beautiful layers is easier than you might think. The key is making the strawberry layer slightly thinner than the coconut layer, so they stay separate when poured.
Start with your strawberry mixture – blend until completely smooth, then pour into glasses first. Clean your blender thoroughly before making the second layer to avoid color mixing. The pineapple coconut layer should be thick enough to float on top when spooned gently over the back of a spoon.
- Blend strawberry layer first – it’s the foundation
- Clean blender completely between layers
- Pour coconut layer slowly over a spoon for clean separation
- Serve immediately for best layered effect
Making It Your Own
This frozen strawberry pina colada recipe is wonderfully adaptable to different tastes and occasions. For family gatherings, simply omit the rum to create a virgin version that everyone can enjoy.
If your family has a sweet tooth like mine does, add an ounce of simple syrup to each layer. The original recipe isn’t overly sweet, which I prefer, but some folks like their tropical drinks a bit more indulgent.
| Variation | What to Change | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Virgin Version | Omit white rum entirely | Kid-friendly mocktail |
| Extra Coconut | Use Malibu instead of white rum | Stronger coconut flavor |
| Sweeter Version | Add 1 oz simple syrup per layer | Dessert-like sweetness |
| Single Layer | Blend all ingredients together | Quick mixed version |
Serving and Storage Tips
These beautiful drinks are best enjoyed fresh, but life doesn’t always cooperate with perfect timing. You can prepare the mixtures ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
For serving, I love to garnish with fresh strawberries and pineapple wedges – it makes each glass feel like a little celebration. Wide-mouth glasses work best for showing off those gorgeous layers.
- Serve immediately for best texture and layered appearance
- Can be doubled or tripled easily for parties
- Refrigerate mixtures separately up to 24 hours if needed
- Re-blend briefly if mixture separates during storage
Expert Says
The Strawberry Pina Colada is a delicious blend of flavors that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also offers nutritional benefits. Strawberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C, which help boost immunity and skin health. Using fresh ingredients enhances the natural sweetness and makes your drink vibrant and refreshing.
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The Journey to My Perfect Strawberry Pina Colada
Making my perfect Strawberry Pina Colada was a true labor of love, taking countless attempts to find the right balance of sweetness and creaminess. I learned the hard way that blending too long turns it into a smoothie rather than the tropical drink I envisioned. Now, each sip transports me back to family gatherings filled with laughter and sunshine.
FAQs ( Strawberry Pina Colada )
What is a Strawberry Pina Colada?
This delightful drink blends ripe strawberries and creamy coconut with pineapple and rum, making it a tropical favorite. Whether served frozen or blended, it’s a refreshing option for summer gatherings or relaxing at home.
How do I make a virgin version?
To create a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and replace it with extra coconut milk or pineapple juice. This way, you still enjoy all the tropical flavors without the alcohol, making it perfect for all ages.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Absolutely! Using frozen strawberries and pineapple can enhance the creaminess of this dish while also keeping it icy and refreshing. Just blend the frozen fruit with other ingredients for a thicker, chillier texture.
How do I layer the drink?
For a layered look, prepare each component separately and pour them carefully over the back of a spoon into a glass. Start with the strawberry layer, then the coconut mix, and finish with pineapple juice. This gives a stunning gradient effect.
What are some tips for serving?
Serve this meal in chilled glasses to keep it cool longer. Garnish with fresh strawberries or a slice of pineapple for added appeal. For a festive touch, consider adding little umbrellas or colorful straws.
Your New Favorite Summer Tradition
This strawberry pina colada comes together in just ten minutes, but the memories it creates last much longer. You’ll love how the creamy coconut mingles with those bright strawberries – it’s like capturing summer sunshine in a glass. The beautiful pink layers always make everyone smile even before they take their first sip.
For extra indulgence, try swirling in a spoonful of vanilla ice cream just before serving. If you’re making the virgin version for little ones, freeze the mixture in popsicle molds for a delightful treat. Store any leftover blend in the freezer for up to a month – just let it soften slightly before re-blending.
I’d love to see how yours turns out! Share a photo and tell me – do tropical drinks remind you of special family moments too? This recipe feels like a warm hug from summer itself, perfect for sharing with the people who matter most. Save it for your next gathering and watch faces light up with pure joy.
