Strawberry Piña Coladas

Whether you're relaxing on the beach or simply looking to get into a vacation state of mind, this strawberry piña colada is for you.

Frosty, rosy, and filled with tropical flavors, this drink requires little to no forethought or time—just 10 minutes to be exact. Simply chop up some fresh strawberries and pineapple, and you're halfway there. A few zaps in a good, heavy-duty blender, and the texture will be smooth enough to rival any restaurant or pool bar drink.

As with any tropical cocktail like a pina colada, the garnish is an important part of the experience. We think a ripe wedge of pineapple or whole strawberry on the rim of your cup is just the right touch, but a skewer of fresh fruit would be a welcome finish too.

Learn how to make strawberry piña coladas. You can blend these up without alcohol for a light and fruity way to cool everyone down.

Ingredients for Strawberry Piña Coladas

To make this drink, you'll need:

• Ice cubes
• Fresh strawberries and pineapple: This recipe is formulated for fresh strawberries and pineapple; if substituting for frozen, you may need to lessen the amount of ice added.
• Cream of coconut: If you're not sure where to find cream of coconut, look for Coco López or other brands alongside margarita mix and other mixers like soda water and tonic water. Note that coconut cream and cream of coconut are not interchangeable; cream of coconut is sweetened, while coconut cream is not.
• Fresh lime juice: If you don't have fresh limes, substitute for bottled lime juice.
• White rum: White rum is the alcohol of choice for most piña coladas, but you can also experiment with gold, spiced, or dark rum if you have some on hand.

How To Make Strawberry Piña Coladas

Combine ice, strawberries, pineapple, cream of coconut, lime juice, and rum (if using) in a blender; process until smooth. Divide between glasses and garnish with a strawberry and pineapple wedge.

What Does a Strawberry Piña Colada Taste Like?

Drinking a good piña colada can feel like being instantly transported to the tropics—a cool ocean breeze on your face and the taste of tropical fruits on your tongue. A Strawberry Piña Colada has a similar effect, with the added sweetness of fresh strawberries and pineapplebringing a floral quality to the drink.

Strawberry Piña Coladas vs. Strawberry Daiquiris

Strawberry daiquiris typically call for rum, strawberries, simple syrup, and lime juice, while Strawberry Piña Coladas skip the simple syrup, and add pineapple and cream of coconut into the mix. Both drinks are blended with ice until smooth, and both are delicious.

Can You Substitute the Type of Alcohol in Piña Coladas?

While rum is traditional for that classic piña colada flavor, vodka or tequila can also be substituted in. When substituting for more neutral types of alcohol, additional coconut cream or a splash of simple syrup might be needed to balance the drink.

Editorial contributions Katie Rosenhouse.