If you’re into tropical drinks with a fruity twist, this one might just hit the spot. A classic piña colada gets a serious upgrade when you blend in fresh strawberries—it’s smooth, cold, and honestly, hard to resist.
Here’s how I make a Strawberry Piña Colada at home, using simple ingredients and steps anyone can follow.
I love how creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and juicy strawberries play off each other. The combo feels both familiar and a little unexpected—perfect for chilling on a warm afternoon or when friends drop by.
You’ll find the recipe below with all the ingredients and steps, plus a few tasting notes so you know what you’re getting into before you pour your first glass.
Strawberry Pina Colada Cocktail Recipe
I usually blend sweet strawberries with creamy coconut and a good pour of rum. That mix of fruit and cream turns into a refreshing cocktail that looks as good as it tastes.
Equipment
- Blender – I grab a high-speed blender to crush the ice and get the fruit super smooth.
- Hurricane glass – This tall, curvy glass always shows off those colors and layers.
- Jigger – Measuring the rum and juice keeps the drink balanced.
- Cutting board and knife – I chop up fresh strawberries, pineapple wedges, or maybe a little lime.
- Bar spoon – I use this if I want to float some dark rum on top.
- Cocktail umbrella and straws – Why not? It just feels more fun and tropical that way.
A strong blender really makes a difference. It helps me get that creamy texture—no icy lumps.
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- ½ cup pineapple juice
- ½ cup coconut cream or cream of coconut
- 2 oz white rum or light rum
- 1 cup ice
- Optional: ½ banana or a few mango chunks for extra creaminess
- Garnish: fresh strawberries, pineapple wedges, maraschino cherry, cocktail umbrella
Sometimes I swap in coconut rum if I’m craving more coconut flavor. If I want to kick things up a notch, I’ll float a splash of dark rum on top.
I also like using coconut milk or coconut water when I’m in the mood for something lighter.
Instructions
- Toss frozen strawberries, pineapple juice, coconut cream, rum, and ice into the blender.
- Blend on high until it’s smooth and thick.
- Give it a quick taste—add more juice if you want it sweeter or more ice if you like it thicker.
- Pour into a hurricane glass.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry, pineapple wedge, or a maraschino cherry.
- Pop in a cocktail umbrella and a straw, then serve it up.
Sometimes I blend in frozen pineapple chunks for extra punch. If the drink feels too heavy, I just splash in some lime juice or coconut water to lighten it.
Notes
I’ve noticed frozen fruit gives a thicker, colder texture than fresh. Frozen strawberries blend in perfectly and don’t water the drink down like extra ice would.
When I use cream of coconut, the drink turns out sweeter and richer. Coconut milk keeps it lighter, and coconut water makes it extra refreshing.
I usually pour this cocktail into a hurricane glass, but honestly, any tall glass does the trick. A pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry on top makes it look like you put in the extra effort.
Sometimes I add banana or mango for a tropical twist. A float of dark rum brings a bit of depth, and coconut rum really amps up the coconut vibe.
Equipment
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 0.5 cup pineapple juice
- 0.5 cup coconut cream or cream of coconut
- 2 oz white rum or light rum
- 1 cup ice
- banana or mango chunks optional, for extra creaminess
- fresh strawberries for garnish
- pineapple wedges for garnish
- maraschino cherry for garnish
- cocktail umbrella for garnish
Instructions
- Toss frozen strawberries, pineapple juice, coconut cream, rum, and ice into the blender.
- Blend on high until smooth and thick.
- Taste and adjust: add more juice for sweetness or more ice for thickness.
- Pour into a hurricane glass.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry, pineapple wedge, or maraschino cherry.
- Add a cocktail umbrella and straw, then serve cold.
Notes
Tasting Notes
When I take that first sip, the sweetness of the strawberries jumps out. They taste super fresh and bright, giving the drink this fruity lift that feels pretty light and refreshing.
Then the pineapple and coconut step in with those smooth, tropical vibes. The pineapple brings a tangy kick, and the coconut cream adds just enough creaminess without making the drink feel heavy.
I really like how these flavors play off each other. The strawberry keeps it from turning into just another tropical drink, and the coconut softens any sharp edges.
The texture stands out too. Blended ice chills it down and gives it a slushy, almost playful feel. You get a smooth sip, with tiny bits of fruit sneaking in for a natural touch.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what I’m tasting:
- Sweetness: ripe strawberries
- Tang: pineapple juice
- Creaminess: coconut cream
- Texture: smooth, icy, slightly thick
Every sip feels like a fresh tropical cocktail—fruity, but not over-the-top sweet. I love how the strawberry still shines, even while it blends into that classic piña colada base.

