Strawberry Sunset Piña Colada A Tropical Twist
The strawberry sunset piña colada is what summer in a glass looks (and tastes!) like. Creamy coconut, juicy pineapple, and a swirl of fresh strawberry puree come together to create a dreamy, tropical drink that looks like a summer sunset.
It’s the kind of cocktail that makes you want to kick off your sandals, put on your favorite playlist, and soak up golden hour with friends. This is one of my go-to drinks when I want something beautiful, delicious, and a little extra special but still super easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Pina Colada
- It’s a gorgeous layered drink stunning to serve at sunset
- All the flavor of a classic piña colada with a berry twist
- No blender needed just shake, pour, and swirl
- Easy to make alcohol-free if needed
Simple Ingredients
- Strawberries: fresh or frozen, for the sweet red swirl
- Pineapple juice: adds tropical brightness and tang
- Coconut cream: for that classic piña colada texture
- White rum: optional, for a beachy kick
- Ice: to chill and help layer the drink beautifully
Recipe Time Details
Servings: 1
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
What is Needed
- 1/3 cup chopped strawberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 tsp sugar (optional, to sweeten strawberry layer)
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz coconut cream
- 1.5 oz white rum (optional)
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge and strawberry, for garnish
Instructions
- Make the strawberry puree: In a small bowl, mash strawberries with sugar until juicy. For a smoother swirl, blend briefly and strain seeds.
- In a shaker, combine coconut cream, pineapple juice, rum (if using), and ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Pour the strawberry puree into the bottom of a glass.
- Slowly pour the shaken piña colada over the back of a spoon into the glass to layer it on top.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry, pineapple wedge, and a paper umbrella.
- Sip and enjoy your tropical sunset moment!
How to Get That “Sunset Swirl”
Slowly pouring the creamy coconut layer over the strawberry base (using the back of a spoon) creates a soft marbling effect that mimics the sky at sunset. Don’t stir it’s prettier this way!
Garnish Tip
Use a cocktail skewer to layer a strawberry, pineapple chunk, and maraschino cherry. Pop it across the top of the glass for instant tropical flair.
Make It Boozy or Not
- Alcoholic Option: Add 1–1.5 oz white rum to the piña colada mixture before blending.
- Non-Alcoholic: Perfect as written family-friendly and vacation-ready.
Top Tips
- Use crushed ice for better texture and layering
- Chill your glass beforehand for extra staying power
- For a fun look, freeze blended strawberry puree into cubes and let them melt slowly
- If your coconut cream is thick, whisk it before shaking
Recipe Variations
- Mocktail Version: Skip the rum for a non-alcoholic piña colada just as creamy and sweet!
- Frozen Version: Blend all ingredients with ice for a thicker slushy drink
- Berry Breeze: Add a splash of orange juice for a tropical twist
Recommended Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Bar spoon
- Tall glass (hurricane, stemmed, or Collins)
- Fine strainer (optional for strawberry puree)
Make Ahead Tips
Make and chill the strawberry puree and piña colada base separately. Assemble just before serving to preserve the swirl effect.
How to Store and Reheat
This drink is best fresh, but leftover strawberry puree can be refrigerated for 2 days or frozen into ice cubes for later use.
What to Serve With This Drink
Pairs beautifully with coconut shrimp, grilled pineapple skewers, fruit platters, or even light summer desserts like lemon bars.
What You Need to Know About This Recipe
This drink plays off the visual beauty of a sunset with bold reds blending into soft golds and brings vacation energy right to your backyard. It’s easy to serve as a statement drink for summer evenings, beach-themed parties, or tropical bridal showers.
FAQs
Can I use canned strawberry puree?
Yes! If you’re short on time, pre-made puree works just check for added sugar.
What’s the best coconut cream to use?
Use canned coconut cream, not coconut milk. “Coco López” is a popular sweetened brand often used for piña coladas.
Can I freeze this into popsicles?
Absolutely! Layer the strawberry and coconut mixtures in a mold and freeze for tropical popsicles.
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Strawberry Sunset Piña Colada
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker
- Bar spoon
- Tall glass (hurricane, stemmed, or Collins)
- Fine strainer (optional for strawberry puree)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup chopped strawberries fresh or frozen
- 1 tsp sugar optional, to sweeten strawberry layer
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz coconut cream
- 1.5 oz white rum optional
- Ice
- Pineapple wedge and strawberry for garnish
Instructions
- Make the strawberry puree: In a small bowl, mash strawberries with sugar until juicy. For a smoother swirl, blend briefly and strain seeds.
- In a shaker, combine coconut cream, pineapple juice, rum (if using), and ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Pour the strawberry puree into the bottom of a glass.
- Slowly pour the shaken piña colada over the back of a spoon into the glass to layer it on top.
- Garnish with a fresh strawberry, pineapple wedge, and a paper umbrella.
- Sip and enjoy your tropical sunset moment!
Notes
- Great for sunset parties or tropical-themed events
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries depending on season
- Rum is optional mocktail version is equally delicious!
One-Pot Cooking Rocks!
Michelle
Hi, I’m Michelle, the founder, owner, author, and editor of OvenSpot. My passion for one-pot cooking commenced when I was working to prepare cafeteria lunches for school students. I am now on a mission to assist you in choosing the cooking pot or appliance you will use daily. As well as in-depth information to assist you in using and caring for your cookware and appliances. Along with the yummy recipes I use at home.
Questions? Reach out to Michelle at [email protected]