Pin it
This strawberry piña colada is the perfect tropical escape in a glass, bringing together the sweetness of strawberries with classic piña colada flavors. I created this refreshing treat during a particularly hot summer when I wanted something special for a backyard gathering, and it's been my go-to impressive drink ever since.
When I first served these at my sister's birthday celebration, they disappeared within minutes, and now they've become our official summer celebration drink.
Ingredients
- Frozen strawberries: Provide the beautiful pink color and berry sweetness without watering down the drink
- Pineapple juice: Adds the authentic tropical flavor that makes a piña colada recognizable (look for 100% juice for best results)
- Cream of coconut: Delivers rich creaminess and sweetness (use Coco Lopez brand for authentic flavor, not coconut milk)
- Crushed ice: Helps achieve that perfect frozen consistency without diluting flavors
- Rum (optional but traditional): Choose white rum for cleaner flavor or coconut rum for extra tropical notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Blender:
- Make sure your blender is powerful enough to crush ice and frozen fruit. If using a less powerful blender, you might want to pulse a few times before blending continuously to prevent motor strain.
- Add Base Ingredients:
- Place frozen strawberries and crushed ice into the blender first. This arrangement helps the blades grab onto something solid right away, preventing air pockets and ensuring smoother blending.
- Pour Liquids:
- Add pineapple juice next, followed by optional rum if using. The liquid helps create movement in the blender for more efficient blending. For a stronger drink, use 4 oz rum; for milder flavor, use 2 oz.
- Add Cream of Coconut:
- Measure and add cream of coconut. This ingredient can be thick and sometimes difficult to pour, so you might need to warm the can slightly under warm water if it has separated or hardened.
- Blend to Perfection:
- Start blending at low speed then increase to high until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency with no ice chunks. This usually takes about 30-45 seconds in a high-powered blender.
- Serve Immediately:
- Pour into chilled glasses for best results. The frozen consistency starts melting quickly, so serving right away ensures the perfect texture.
Pin it
The cream of coconut truly makes this recipe special. I once tried substituting coconut milk and the result was much thinner and less decadent. The richness from cream of coconut creates that authentic tropical drink experience that transports you straight to a beach vacation.
Make It Ahead
While these strawberry piña coladas are best enjoyed immediately after blending, you can prepare some elements ahead of time. Measure out your ingredients and store them separately in the refrigerator. The frozen strawberries can stay in the freezer until you're ready to blend. This prep work makes it easy to quickly whip up a batch when guests arrive.
Variations To Try
The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility. For a more intense strawberry flavor, add an additional half cup of berries. To make it more coconut-forward, reduce the pineapple juice slightly and increase the cream of coconut. You can also experiment with different frozen fruits like mango or banana for unique tropical combinations. During holiday seasons, I like to rim the glasses with toasted coconut for an extra special presentation.
Serving Suggestions
Elevate your strawberry piña colada presentation by serving in chilled hurricane glasses or hollowed pineapples for a true tropical experience. Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, pineapple wedges, and colorful paper umbrellas for that authentic tiki vibe. These pair wonderfully with light appetizers like coconut shrimp, tropical fruit skewers, or Hawaiian-style sliders at summer gatherings.
Pin it
Enjoy this tropical treat and bring a splash of summer to any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make this drink non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Simply omit the white rum and replace it with extra pineapple juice or coconut water for a tropical mocktail.
- → What type of strawberries should I use?
Frozen strawberries are best for a thick and creamy texture, but fresh strawberries can also work if you add more ice.
- → Can I use canned pineapple juice?
Yes, canned pineapple juice works just fine. Make sure it's 100% juice for the best flavor.
- → What can I use instead of cream of coconut?
You can substitute cream of coconut with coconut cream or coconut milk, though the flavor may be slightly less rich.
- → How can I make this drink thicker?
To thicken the drink, add more frozen fruit or ice until you reach the desired consistency.