Why You’ll Love This Recipe
The Strawberry Lava Flow is a beautiful and refreshing drink, offering a delightful contrast between the smooth piña colada base and the bright, tangy strawberry “lava flow.” It’s easy to make, and you can adjust the sweetness to your liking. The layers create a gorgeous visual effect, making it perfect for special occasions, poolside sips, or just a fun treat. With the option to make it an adult cocktail or a non-alcoholic version, it’s versatile for any crowd.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces white rum (optional, for an adult version)
- 1 tablespoon cream of coconut
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for enhanced coconut flavor)
- Fresh strawberry slices
- Pineapple wedges
- Whipped cream
- Maraschino cherries
- Approximately 4 cups of ice cubes
directions
1. Prepare the Strawberry Puree:
Wash and hull the strawberries. In a blender or food processor, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until completely smooth.
(Optional) Strain through a fine-mesh sieve for an extra smooth puree. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
2. Make the Piña Colada Base:
Carefully scoop out the thick coconut cream from the top of the refrigerated coconut milk can, leaving the watery liquid behind. In a blender, combine the coconut cream, pineapple juice, white rum (if using), cream of coconut, and coconut extract (if using). Blend until smooth and creamy.
(Optional) Chill in the refrigerator for up to a few hours.
3. Assemble the Drink:
Fill a tall glass with ice cubes. Slowly pour the Piña Colada base into the glass, filling it about two-thirds full.
4. Add the Strawberry Lava:
Gently pour the chilled strawberry puree over the top of the Piña Colada base.
(Optional) Use a spoon or straw to gently swirl the strawberry puree into the Piña Colada base for a more dramatic effect.
5. Garnish and Serve:
(Optional) Garnish with fresh strawberry slices, pineapple wedges, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields 1 serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Non-Alcoholic Version: Omit the white rum for a refreshing virgin version of the Strawberry Lava Flow.
- Sweetness Adjustment: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more sugar to the strawberry puree or more cream of coconut to the Piña Colada base.
- Frozen Version: For a thicker, slushier texture, use frozen strawberries or add some ice to the blender when making the strawberry puree.
- Extra Flavor: Add a splash of lime juice or pineapple juice to the Piña Colada base for an extra citrusy kick.
storage/reheating
This drink is best served immediately to enjoy the layered effect. However, you can prepare the strawberry puree and Piña Colada base ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, just assemble and garnish as needed.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Yes! If fresh strawberries aren’t available, you can use frozen strawberries. Just make sure to thaw them slightly before blending.
How do I achieve the best “lava flow” effect?
Make sure both the strawberry puree and Piña Colada base are well-chilled before layering them. This helps the two layers stay separate and prevents them from blending too quickly.
Can I make this drink in a larger batch?
Yes, simply multiply the ingredients to make a larger batch. Just blend everything together and serve in individual glasses with the same layering technique.
Can I add other fruits to the mix?
Definitely! You can experiment with adding other tropical fruits like mango or passion fruit to the Piña Colada base or the strawberry puree for additional flavors.
How can I make this drink less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, use less cream of coconut and avoid adding sugar to the strawberry puree. You can also add more lime juice to balance the sweetness.
Conclusion
The Strawberry Lava Flow is a beautiful, refreshing, and tropical drink that’s sure to impress. With its creamy Piña Colada base and vibrant strawberry puree, it’s the perfect treat for a sunny day, a special occasion, or whenever you’re craving something sweet and tropical. Try it today, and enjoy a taste of paradise in a glass!
Strawberry Lava Flow: A Tropical Delight Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Category: Drink
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Tropical
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and refreshing tropical drink with a creamy Piña Colada base and a tangy strawberry ‘lava flow.’ This layered cocktail is perfect for a summer day or any occasion, with the option to make it alcoholic or non-alcoholic.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh strawberries, hulled
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 (13.5 ounce) can full-fat coconut milk, refrigerated overnight
4 ounces pineapple juice
2 ounces white rum (optional, for an adult version)
1 tablespoon cream of coconut
1/2 teaspoon coconut extract (optional, for enhanced coconut flavor)
Fresh strawberry slices
Pineapple wedges
Whipped cream
Maraschino cherries
Approximately 4 cups of ice cubes
Instructions
- Prepare the Strawberry Puree: In a blender, combine the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Blend until smooth. Optional: Strain through a fine-mesh sieve and chill for 30 minutes.
- Make the Piña Colada Base: Scoop out the coconut cream from the top of the refrigerated coconut milk and blend it with pineapple juice, white rum (optional), cream of coconut, and coconut extract (optional) until smooth.
- Assemble the Drink: Fill a glass with ice cubes and pour the Piña Colada base into the glass until about two-thirds full.
- Add the Strawberry Lava: Gently pour the chilled strawberry puree over the Piña Colada base and swirl for a dramatic effect.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with strawberry slices, pineapple wedges, whipped cream, and maraschino cherries. Serve immediately.
Notes
Sweetness Adjustment: Add more sugar or cream of coconut to taste for a sweeter drink.
Frozen Version: Use frozen strawberries or add ice to the blender for a thicker, slushier texture.
Extra Flavor: Add a splash of lime juice or pineapple juice to the Piña Colada base for an extra citrusy kick.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: undefined
- Unsaturated Fat: undefined
- Trans Fat: undefined
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
