Pin it
My strawberry piña colada takes you on a quick tropical getaway in every sip, blending sweet strawberry notes with traditional piña colada taste. I whipped up this cool drink during one scorching summer when I needed something fancy for a backyard party, and it's now my favorite way to wow guests.
I first brought these to my sister's birthday bash and they were gone in seconds - they've since become our must-have summer celebration beverage.
Ingredients
- Frozen strawberries: They give that gorgeous pink hue and sweet berry taste without making your drink watery
- Pineapple juice: Brings that must-have tropical kick that makes any piña colada stand out (grab 100% juice for the best flavor)
- Cream of coconut: Adds that smooth richness and sweetness (stick with Coco Lopez for the real deal, don't swap in coconut milk)
- Crushed ice: Gets you that perfect slushy texture without watering down your flavors
- Rum (skip it if you want): Go for white rum for a clean taste or coconut rum for extra island vibes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Get Your Blender Ready:
- You'll need a blender with enough power to handle ice and frozen fruit. If yours isn't super strong, try hitting pulse a few times before running it continuously so you don't burn out the motor.
- Start With Solid Stuff:
- Throw your frozen strawberries and crushed ice in first. This way, the blades can grab something solid right away, which stops air pockets and makes everything blend smoother.
- Add Your Liquids:
- Pour in the pineapple juice next, then rum if you're using it. The liquid helps everything move around better in the blender. Want a stronger kick? Go with 4 oz rum. Want it milder? Stick with 2 oz.
- Time For Coconut:
- Scoop in your cream of coconut. This stuff can get pretty thick, so you might need to run the can under warm water if it's separated or gotten too firm.
- Blend It All Together:
- Start your blender on low then crank it up to high until everything looks smooth and creamy with no ice chunks left. This usually takes around 30-45 seconds in a good blender.
- Don't Wait To Serve:
- Pour into cold glasses right away. This frozen drink starts melting pretty fast, so serving immediately gives you the best texture.
Pin it
The cream of coconut is what really makes this drink shine. I tried using plain coconut milk once and ended up with something much thinner and less luxurious. That rich cream of coconut is what gives you that authentic vacation-in-a-glass feeling.
Make It Ahead
These strawberry piña coladas taste best fresh from the blender, but you can get a head start by measuring your ingredients and keeping them in the fridge. Leave the strawberries in the freezer until blending time. This prep work lets you quickly mix up a batch when friends drop by.
Variations To Try
What I love about this drink is how easy it is to switch things up. Want more strawberry punch? Toss in another half cup of berries. Crazy for coconut? Cut back on pineapple juice and add extra cream of coconut. You can even swap in frozen mango or banana for different tropical twists. During the holidays, I sometimes roll the glass rims in toasted coconut for a fancy touch.
Serving Suggestions
Make your strawberry piña coladas look amazing by pouring them into cold hurricane glasses or hollowed-out pineapples for real vacation vibes. Top with fresh strawberry pieces, pineapple chunks, and those fun little paper umbrellas for a true tiki feel. They go great with light snacks like coconut shrimp, fruit kabobs, or Hawaiian sliders at summer get-togethers.
Pin it
Sip this tasty tropical treat and bring a bit of paradise to any day!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I skip the alcohol?
No problem! Swap the rum for more pineapple juice or coconut water for a kid-friendly version.
- → What kind of strawberries work best?
Frozen berries are your best bet for a creamy result, but if you're using fresh ones, toss in extra ice to reach the same texture.
- → Is canned pineapple juice okay to use?
Yep! Just make sure you're picking one labeled 100% juice for the richest flavor boost.
- → What if I don’t have cream of coconut?
Switch it out for coconut cream or milk. It’ll still taste great, but the richness might not be as intense.
- → How do I make the drink thicker?
Throw in extra frozen fruits or more ice to bulk it up to the thickness you want.