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Grandma always loved the classic tropical flavors, and what’s more timeless on a sweltering summer day than pineapple and coconut? She might not have been blending up piña coladas back in her day, but she definitely knew the magic those two ingredients created together. I like to think she would have absolutely adored this fun, modern twist we’re making today. We’re taking that beloved tropical combination she cherished and swirling in the sweet, vibrant flavor of fresh strawberries.
This strawberry pina colada is familiar enough to feel comforting, but with that fresh little surprise that makes it feel special and new. It’s strawberry season in Grandma’s garden, and there’s no better way to celebrate than with this gorgeous pink creation!
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Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Pina Colada
This strawberry pina colada recipe creates the perfect balance of sweet and tart with every single sip! The fresh strawberries add this gorgeous pink swirl and bright berry flavor that makes the classic pina colada even more irresistible. It’s thick, creamy, and refreshingly cold with bursts of tropical fruit flavor in every gulp. Whether you want a family-friendly mocktail for the kids or add rum for the adults, this drink recipes for a crowd will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, that beautiful pink color makes it totally Instagram-worthy for your summer gatherings!
What You’ll Need
Don’t worry, this strawberry pina colada mix uses simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store! No hunting down fancy tropical ingredients that cost a fortune.
Strawberry Pina Colada Ingredients
- Cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- Frozen pineapple chunks
- Full-fat coconut milk
- Cream of coconut
- Fresh lime juice
- White rum (optional for alcoholic version)
- Crushed ice
- Pineapple wedges garnish
- Extra fresh strawberries for garnish
Why These Ingredients Matter
The cream of coconut is what gives this strawberry pina colada smoothie that luxuriously rich texture (it’s different from coconut milk, so don’t mix them up!). Fresh strawberries create that stunning strawberry puree swirl and bright flavor, while frozen pineapple chunks keep everything thick without watering it down. Grandma always insists on fresh lime juice because it brightens all those sweet tropical flavors and keeps everything perfectly balanced.
How to Make Strawberry Pina Colada
Step-by-Step Directions
- Prep your fruit – Hull and slice about 1 cup fresh strawberries. Set aside a few pretty ones for garnish later!
- Combine the strawberries – Add strawberries to your blender first. This creates that beautiful pink base and helps everything blend smoothly.
- Add tropical goodness – Toss in 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks, 1/2 cup coconut milk, 1/4 cup cream of coconut, and 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice.
- Add ice and rum – Pour in 1 cup crushed ice and 2-3 ounces white rum if you want the grown-up version. Skip the rum for a virgin pineapple drink the whole family can enjoy.
- Blend until perfect – Blend on high for 30-45 seconds until everything is smooth and creamy. You want it thick like a milkshake, not thin and watery.
- Taste and adjust – Give it a quick taste! Need more sweetness? Add honey. Want more coconut flavor? Add another splash of cream of coconut.
- Serve immediately – Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with pineapple wedges and fresh strawberries. Add fun straws and enjoy your tropical escape!
Substitutions for Strawberry Pina Colada
No cream of coconut available? Use the thick coconut cream from the top of a chilled coconut milk can mixed with a tablespoon of honey. It won’t be quite as rich but still delicious for your strawberry drinks!
Fresh strawberries too pricey? Frozen strawberries work beautifully! Use about 3/4 cup and don’t thaw them first. They’ll make your drink even thicker and colder.
Want it dairy-free? This healthy pina colada recipe is naturally dairy-free when you use coconut milk! Just double-check your cream of coconut brand doesn’t contain dairy.
No rum but want flavor? Try coconut extract or vanilla extract for extra tropical taste without alcohol in your drink recipes nonalcoholic.
Making it for kids? Skip the rum and add our Korean strawberry milk for extra strawberry sweetness they’ll absolutely love.
Frozen vs fresh fruit substitution? Fresh pineapple works too, just add extra ice to get that thick texture. Pro tip: freeze fresh pineapple chunks ahead of time for the best results!
Strawberry Pina Colada Variations
Berry Colada Mix – Add blueberries or raspberries along with strawberries for a gorgeous mixed berry colada that’s absolutely stunning.
Mango Twist – Swap half the pineapple for frozen mango chunks. This creates a tropical fruit flavor combination that’s like sunshine in a glass!
Spicy Kick – Add a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat that complements the sweet strawberry creme drink perfectly.
Protein Power – Blend in vanilla protein powder to make this a post-workout strawberry pina colada smoothie that still tastes like vacation.
Smoothie Bowl Style – Use less liquid and pour into bowls, then top with granola and fresh fruit for a tropical breakfast treat.
Punch Version – Triple the recipe for your next party! This strawberry infused pina colada punch pairs perfectly with our Northern Lights glow punch for a colorful drink station.
Essential Equipment
Good blender – You absolutely need a reliable blender for this strawberry pina colada smoothie recipe! High-speed works best, but any decent blender will create smooth results. Grandma’s been using the same blender since the 80s and it still makes perfect colada drinks.
Measuring cups – Getting the ratios right is key. Too much coconut and it overpowers, too little and you lose that tropical vibe.
Sharp knife – For hulling and slicing strawberries. A small paring knife works perfectly for this job.
Hurricane glasses – Traditional for pina colada alcoholic drink service, but any tall glass works great. Mason jars are fun for casual summer gatherings!
Cocktail straws – Not essential but they make everything more festive! Paper straws are eco-friendly and perfect for these summer alcoholic beverages.
No high-speed blender? Just blend longer and make sure your pineapple is really frozen. You might need to stop and scrape sides a few times, but you’ll still get great results!
Storage Tips for Strawberry Pina Colada
Best fresh – This easy virgin pina colada recipe is definitely best right after blending when it’s perfectly thick, cold, and smooth.
Short-term fridge – Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours, but it will separate. Just give it a good stir or quick re-blend before serving your pineapple drinks.
Freezer pops – Pour into ice pop molds for tropical frozen treats! Kids go crazy for these, and they’re perfect for hot summer days.
Prep ahead – Combine ice, strawberries, pineapple chunks, and other ingredients the night before. In the morning, just blend for instant vacation vibes with your sweet drink ideas.
Batch making – For parties, blend smaller batches rather than one huge batch. It stays creamier and mixes better this way.
Leftover fruit tip – Save extra strawberries for smoothies later, or use them in our mango iced tea for another refreshing treat!
What to Serve With Strawberry Pina Colada
Tropical appetizers – Coconut shrimp, fresh fruit salsa, or pineapple kabobs pair beautifully with these drinks with coconut.
Grilled foods – Perfect alongside barbecue chicken, fish tacos, or grilled vegetables. The tropical flavors complement smoky grilled tastes amazingly well.
Light summer fare – Fresh salads with strawberries and nuts, or cucumber pineapple salad work wonderfully with this strawberry daiquiri inspired drink.
Party snacks – Serve with chips and tropical salsa, or pair with our blue mocktail for a colorful beverage spread.
Brunch items – This strawberry lemonade alcoholic drink (when made with rum) goes perfectly with pancakes, waffles, or fresh fruit parfaits.
Dessert pairing – Complements coconut cake, key lime pie, or any fruity desserts. Try it with our tornado shots recipe for adults-only gatherings.
Grandma’s Secret for Strawberry Pina Colada
“Taste your strawberries first, sweetie! Sweet berries need less coconut cream, tart ones need a touch of honey.”
FAQ for Strawberry Pina Colada
What is a strawberry pina colada called?
It’s called a strawberry pina colada! Some people also call it a strawberry colada or berry colada, but the traditional name includes both strawberry and pina colada elements.
How do you make a strawberry colada drink?
Blend fresh strawberries, frozen pineapple, coconut milk, cream of coconut, fresh lime juice, and crushed ice until smooth. Add white rum for alcoholic versions or skip it for family-friendly versions.
How do you make a strawberry pina colada with Malibu?
Replace white rum with Malibu coconut rum! Use 2-3 ounces just like regular rum. The coconut flavor in Malibu makes it extra tropical and delicious.
How do you make a strawberry pina colada punch?
Triple or quadruple this strawberry pina colada recipe and serve in a large pitcher. Garnish with floating strawberries and pineapple wedges for gorgeous presentation that feeds crowds.
Conclusion
So there you have it, your very own slice of tropical paradise, no plane ticket required! This strawberry pina colada recipe brings together the timeless magic of pineapple and coconut that Grandma always loved, with that sweet strawberry twist that makes it feel fresh and exciting. I hope that with every sip, you can close your eyes and feel a little bit of that vacation bliss washing over you. It’s a wonderful reminder that sometimes the best getaways are the simple, sweet moments we create for ourselves, right in our own kitchen.
What’s your favorite way to add your own twist to classic drinks? Grandma would love to hear about your creative experiments! And if you’re craving more refreshing beverages, check out this delicious strawberry shake that’s perfect for lazy summer afternoons.
May your glass always be full of sunshine and your kitchen filled with the sweet aroma of tropical dreams!
Strawberry Pina Colada
Equipment
- 1 Blender Use a high-speed blender for a smoother, creamier finish.
- 1 Measuring cups Grandma always said precision keeps the sweetness just right!
- 1 Paring knife For hulling and slicing strawberries.
- 1 Tall glasses or hurricane glasses Traditional and festive!
- 1 Cocktail straws Optional, but they sure make it more fun!
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh strawberries Hulled and sliced (reserve a few for garnish)
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks Unsweetened preferred
- 1/2 cup full-fat coconut milk Shaken well before use
- 1/4 cup cream of coconut NOT coconut milk, this is the sweet ,thick one
- 2 tbsp fresh lime juice From 1 small lime
- 1 cup crushed ice Or ice cubes if blender is strong enough
- 2–3 oz white rum Optional, for the grown-ups
- 1 pineapple wedge For garnish
- 2–3 whole strawberries For garnish
Instructions
- Start by hulling and slicing the [fresh strawberries]. Grandma always said to taste one first, sweet berries need less coconut cream, tart ones may need a bit of honey later.
- In your blender, layer the sliced [strawberries], [frozen pineapple chunks], [coconut milk], [cream of coconut], and [lime juice]. This layered technique helps blend everything smoothly, especially when using frozen fruit.
- Add in the [crushed ice] and [white rum] if you're making the grown-up version. For the kids or sober sippers, leave it out or add a drop of [vanilla extract] for a little something special.
- Blend on high for about 30–45 seconds until smooth and creamy. Grandma's old blender didn’t even have a lid, she just used a dish towel and a steady hand. But today, a modern blender will do just fine!
- Give it a taste. If your strawberries weren’t sweet enough, blend in a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. Want more coconut flavor? Add a touch more [cream of coconut].
- Pour into chilled [hurricane glasses]. Top with a [pineapple wedge] and a whole [strawberry]. Add a cocktail straw and serve immediately. Grandma always said the secret ingredient was a smile.
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, skip the rum and add a splash of vanilla extract or Korean strawberry milk for extra sweetness.
- Can’t find cream of coconut? Use the thick layer from canned coconut milk + 1 tbsp honey.
- Substitute fresh strawberries with frozen if out of season, no need to thaw!
- To make it ahead: Blend everything except ice and freeze in a zip bag. Blend with ice just before serving.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 hours (it will separate, just stir or re-blend).
- Perfect pairings: coconut shrimp, grilled pineapple skewers, or a fresh summer salad.
