Strawberry Pina Colada: A Tropical Twist on a Classic Cocktail

Strawberry Pina Colada: Imagine yourself lounging on a sun-drenched beach, the gentle ocean breeze whispering through the palm trees. Now, picture that feeling perfectly captured in a glass. That’s precisely what this vibrant and refreshing cocktail delivers! Forget the ordinary; we’re elevating the classic Pina Colada with a burst of sweet, summery strawberries.

The original Pina Colada, a beloved symbol of Puerto Rico, has a rich history dating back to the 1950s. While its exact origins are debated, its creamy blend of pineapple, coconut cream, and rum quickly became a global sensation. But who says we can’t improve on perfection? By adding the bright, juicy flavor of strawberries, we’re creating a Strawberry Pina Colada that’s both familiar and excitingly new.

People adore Pina Coladas for their tropical, vacation-in-a-glass vibe. The creamy texture, the sweet pineapple, and the subtle kick of rum create an irresistible combination. This Strawberry Pina Colada takes that winning formula and adds another layer of deliciousness. The strawberries not only enhance the flavor profile but also contribute a beautiful rosy hue, making it as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cocktail is guaranteed to bring a smile to your face. Get ready to blend your way to paradise!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Strawberry Puree:
• 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• For the Pina Colada Base:
• 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk
• 6 ounces pineapple juice
• 4 ounces white rum (optional, can be omitted for a virgin cocktail)
• 2 ounces cream of coconut
• 1 ounce lime juice, freshly squeezed
• For Garnish (optional):
• Fresh strawberry slices
• Pineapple wedges
• Maraschino cherries
• Whipped cream
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Other:
• Ice cubes

Preparing the Strawberry Puree:

Okay, let’s get started! First, we’re going to make a delicious strawberry puree. This is what gives our Pina Colada that beautiful pink hue and amazing strawberry flavor. Trust me, using fresh strawberries makes all the difference.

1. Wash and Hull the Strawberries: Thoroughly wash your strawberries under cold water. Then, carefully remove the green tops (hulls) using a paring knife or a strawberry huller. Make sure you get rid of all the green parts, as they can be a bit bitter.
2. Combine Ingredients in a Blender: Place the hulled strawberries, granulated sugar, and lemon juice into a blender. The sugar helps to macerate the strawberries and draw out their juices, while the lemon juice brightens the flavor and prevents the puree from browning.
3. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until completely smooth. You shouldn’t see any chunks of strawberries remaining. This usually takes about 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your blender.
4. Taste and Adjust: Give the puree a taste. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, add a little more sugar, a teaspoon at a time, and blend again. If it’s too sweet, add a tiny splash more lemon juice. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
5. Strain (Optional): For an extra smooth puree, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve. This will remove any seeds or remaining bits of strawberry. However, I usually skip this step because I like the slight texture the seeds add.
6. Chill: Cover the strawberry puree and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and the puree to cool down, which is important for a refreshing Pina Colada. You can even make this a day ahead!

Making the Pina Colada Base:

Now that our strawberry puree is chilling, let’s move on to the Pina Colada base. This is where the tropical magic happens! We’ll be using coconut milk, pineapple juice, and a few other key ingredients to create that classic Pina Colada flavor.

1. Combine Ingredients in a Blender: In the same blender (no need to wash it if you just made the strawberry puree!), combine the coconut milk, pineapple juice, white rum (if using), cream of coconut, and lime juice.
2. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the mixture on high speed until everything is well combined and smooth. This should only take about 30 seconds to a minute.
3. Taste and Adjust: Give the Pina Colada base a taste. This is your chance to customize the flavor to your liking. If you want it sweeter, add a little more cream of coconut. If you want it tangier, add a squeeze more lime juice. If you’re using rum and want a stronger cocktail, add a little more rum.

Assembling the Strawberry Pina Colada:

Alright, we’re in the home stretch! Now comes the fun part: putting everything together to create our beautiful and delicious Strawberry Pina Colada. Get ready to enjoy a taste of paradise!

1. Add Ice to the Blender: Add about 2-3 cups of ice cubes to the blender with the Pina Colada base. The amount of ice will depend on how thick you want your cocktail. Start with less and add more if needed.
2. Blend Until Smooth and Frothy: Blend the mixture on high speed until the ice is completely crushed and the Pina Colada is smooth and frothy. This should take about 30-60 seconds. Be careful not to over-blend, as this can melt the ice and make the cocktail watery.
3. Add Strawberry Puree: Add about 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of the chilled strawberry puree to the blender. The amount you add will depend on how strawberry-flavored you want your Pina Colada. Start with less and add more to taste.
4. Pulse to Combine: Pulse the blender a few times to gently combine the strawberry puree with the Pina Colada. You want to create a swirl effect, not completely blend it in. This will give your cocktail a beautiful layered look.
5. Pour into Glasses: Pour the Strawberry Pina Colada into chilled glasses. I like to use hurricane glasses or tall cocktail glasses, but any glass will work.
6. Garnish (Optional): Garnish your Strawberry Pina Colada with fresh strawberry slices, pineapple wedges, maraschino cherries, whipped cream, and/or toasted coconut flakes. Get creative and have fun with it!
7. Serve Immediately: Serve your Strawberry Pina Coladas immediately and enjoy! These are best enjoyed fresh, before the ice melts.

Tips and Variations:

Here are a few extra tips and ideas to help you make the perfect Strawberry Pina Colada:

• Use Frozen Strawberries: If you don’t have fresh strawberries, you can use frozen strawberries to make the puree. Just thaw them slightly before blending.
• Make it Virgin: To make a virgin Strawberry Pina Colada, simply omit the rum. You can also add a splash of coconut water or sparkling water for extra flavor and fizz.
• Add Other Fruits: Feel free to experiment with other fruits in your Pina Colada. Mango, banana, and raspberry all pair well with coconut and pineapple.
• Make it a Smoothie: For a thicker, smoothie-like consistency, add a frozen banana to the blender.
• Rim the Glasses: For a fancy touch, rim the glasses with sugar or toasted coconut flakes before pouring in the cocktail. To do this, wet the rim of the glass with lime juice and then dip it in sugar or coconut flakes.
• Make it Ahead: You can make the strawberry puree and Pina Colada base ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply combine them with ice in the blender and blend until smooth.
• Adjust Sweetness: The sweetness of the Pina Colada will depend on the sweetness of your pineapple juice and cream of coconut. Taste and adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more sugar or cream of coconut.
• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Using high-quality ingredients, such as fresh strawberries, full-fat coconut milk, and good-quality rum (if using), will make a big difference in the flavor of your Pina Colada.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe for Strawberry Pina Colada! It’s the perfect drink for a hot summer day, a tropical vacation, or any time you want to treat yourself to something special. Cheers!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Pina Colada isn’t just a drink; it’s a vacation in a glass! The vibrant blend of sweet strawberries, creamy coconut, and tangy pineapple creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a touch of sunshine to their day. It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and effort, yet the result is a stunning and utterly delicious cocktail (or mocktail!).

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. While I’ve presented it as a classic blended drink, feel free to experiment! For a lighter, more refreshing version, try using coconut water instead of coconut cream. This will reduce the richness while still maintaining that signature coconut flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a splash of lime juice can add a delightful zing that cuts through the sweetness. And for those who prefer a non-alcoholic option, simply omit the rum – it’s just as delicious as a virgin cocktail!

Serving suggestions are endless. Imagine enjoying this Strawberry Pina Colada poolside on a hot summer day, or as a festive addition to your next barbecue. It also pairs beautifully with grilled seafood, spicy tacos, or even a simple fruit salad. For a truly decadent treat, garnish with a fresh strawberry, a pineapple wedge, and a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes. You could even rim the glass with shredded coconut for an extra touch of elegance.

Beyond the classic presentation, consider freezing the mixture into popsicles for a fun and refreshing summer treat. Or, blend it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an incredibly indulgent milkshake. The possibilities are truly limitless!

I’ve poured my heart into perfecting this recipe, and I’m confident that you’ll love it as much as I do. The combination of fresh ingredients and simple techniques makes it accessible to everyone, regardless of their culinary experience. Whether you’re a seasoned mixologist or a complete beginner, you can easily whip up this delightful drink in minutes.

But don’t just take my word for it! I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this Strawberry Pina Colada recipe for yourself. I’m so excited to hear about your experiences and see your own creative variations. Did you add a special ingredient? Did you find a unique way to serve it? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me continue to create and share recipes that you’ll love.

So, grab your blender, gather your ingredients, and get ready to embark on a tropical adventure. I promise, this Strawberry Pina Colada will become a new favorite in your household. Cheers to sunshine, good times, and delicious drinks! I can’t wait to hear what you think! Don’t forget to rate the recipe after you’ve tried it! Happy blending!