History & Heritage
“The Strawberry Colada emerged as a natural evolution of the classic Piña Colada in the decades following its creation. While its exact origins are undocumented, it represents the organic experimentation by bartenders and home enthusiasts with the beloved rum-coconut-pineapple template. The rise of high-powered blenders and the popularity of frozen fruit drinks in the 1970s and 80s made this vibrant variation a staple at beach resorts and poolside bars worldwide.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
0.5 oz
2 oz
1.5 oz
1 cup
0.5 oz
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Place a Hurricane or Poco Grande glass in the freezer for at least 15 minutes
In a high-powered blender, add the liquid ingredients first: white rum, coconut rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and lime juice
Add the frozen strawberries to the blender
Blend on high speed until completely smooth and creamy, about 20-30 seconds
Pour immediately into the pre-chilled glass
Garnish with a fresh strawberry fan and pineapple frond
Serve immediately with a wide straw
Glassware
Hurricane or Poco Grande glass, pre-chilled
Garnish
Make 3-4 thin parallel cuts from tip to stem, fan out slices
Fresh green leaf from pineapple crown
Flavor Journey
Every great cocktail tells a story through its flavors. Here's the sensory experience you can expect.
Sweet
out of 10
Sour
out of 10
Bitter
out of 10
Strong
out of 10
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
Use frozen strawberries for best texture and to minimize dilution
Pre-chill all liquid ingredients and glassware
Don't over-blend as it generates heat and thins consistency
Serve immediately to maintain frozen texture
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Strawberry Colada.
Virgin Strawberry Colada
Omit both rums, add splash of pineapple juice for consistency
Changes
Extra Creamy
Increase cream of coconut for dessert-like richness
Changes
Miami Vice
Layered drink with Piña Colada on bottom and Strawberry Daiquiri on top
Changes
Strawberry Mango Colada
Replace half the strawberries with frozen mango chunks
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Lighter Colada
A modern reimagining of the classic Piña Colada, prioritizing fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and lower caloric content without sacrificing the transportive, tropical essence.
Mango Colada
A lush, tropical cocktail that represents a natural and sublime evolution of its famous parent, the Piña Colada, by introducing the rich, honeyed sweetness of mango.
Malibu Bay Breeze
Beachy highball—coconut rum with pineapple and cranberry over ice.