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This vibrant Strawberry Blue Hawaiian cocktail has become my signature summer drink for backyard gatherings and beach trips. The striking blue and red layers create a showstopping visual while delivering a perfect balance of tropical flavors that transport you straight to island paradise.
I first created this cocktail for my sister's Hawaiian-themed birthday party. The dramatic color contrast had everyone snapping photos before taking their first sip, and by the end of the night, I had shared the recipe with at least a dozen guests.
Ingredients
- Strawberry purée: Adds natural sweetness and creates the dramatic red layer at the bottom of the glass. Using fresh strawberries yields the brightest color and most authentic flavor.
- Tequila blanco: Provides a clean, crisp base that lets the fruit flavors shine. Choose a quality brand that you would enjoy in a margarita.
- Blue curaçao: Gives this cocktail its stunning blue color and adds sweet orange notes. The quality varies widely between brands; look for one that isn't overly syrupy.
- Cream of coconut: Contributes rich tropical creaminess. Don't confuse this with coconut milk or coconut cream; they're not sweetened and won't blend properly.
- Pineapple juice: Brings tangy sweetness that's essential for that Hawaiian vibe. Fresh is best, but a good quality canned variety works well too.
- Lime juice: Adds necessary acidity to balance the sweetness. Always use fresh for the brightest flavor.
- Ice: Cools everything down and helps create the perfect texture when shaken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the strawberry purée:
- Blend fresh strawberries until completely smooth and strain if you prefer to remove seeds. The purée should be thick enough to create a distinct layer but not so thick that it won't integrate when stirred. Making extra allows you to adjust the amount based on your glass size.
- Build the base layer:
- Pour the strawberry purée into the bottom of your serving glass. The amount may vary depending on your glass size, but aim for a visible red layer about half an inch deep. Chill the glass beforehand to help maintain separation between layers.
- Mix the blue layer:
- Add ice to your cocktail shaker until it's about twothirds full. Pour in the tequila, blue curaçao, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and lime juice. Make sure your cream of coconut is well mixed before measuring to avoid clumping.
- Perfect the shake:
- Secure the lid on your shaker and shake vigorously for a full 15 seconds. This isn't just for cooling the drink; proper shaking incorporates air and creates the ideal texture while fully integrating the coconut cream with the other ingredients.
- Create the layered effect:
- Hold a spoon upside down over the strawberry layer and slowly pour the blue mixture over the back of the spoon. This technique slows the liquid flow, allowing it to gently layer over the purée without immediate mixing. Take your time with this step; it's what creates the dramatic visual effect.
- Garnish with intention:
- Add a strawberry slice on the rim, a pineapple wedge, and a sprig of mint. These aren't just decorative; they add aromatic elements that enhance the drinking experience as you sip.
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I discovered the perfect layering technique after several failed attempts at a friend's birthday party. The secret was adding the strawberry purée first rather than trying to float it on top, which completely transformed both the presentation and the drinking experience as you sip through the layers.
Balancing Sweetness
The beauty of this cocktail lies in its balance. The tart lime juice and strawberry brightness offset the sweetness from the blue curaçao and coconut cream. If you find your first batch too sweet, add an extra squeeze of lime juice or reduce the cream of coconut slightly. Conversely, if it's too tart, a touch more pineapple juice will smooth things out without making the drink cloying.
Make It Your Own
This recipe serves as an excellent template for customization. For a stronger drink, increase the tequila to 2.5 oz. Create a frozen version by blending all ingredients with ice instead of shaking. For a mocktail variation, replace the alcohol with lemonlime soda and blue food coloring or butterfly pea flower tea for the blue color. You can even swap the tequila for white rum or vodka depending on your preference.
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Serving Suggestions
Serve this cocktail in a clear glass to showcase the beautiful layering effect. Hurricane or pint glasses work particularly well, but any transparent vessel will do. Pair with Hawaiian appetizers like poke, coconut shrimp, or teriyaki skewers for a complete tropical experience. This drink shines brightest during outdoor summer gatherings, sunset happy hours, or anytime you need a mental vacation to the islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen strawberries for the purée?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used to make purée. Just thaw them slightly and blend until smooth.
- → What type of tequila works best?
Blanco tequila is ideal for this cocktail because of its clean, crisp flavor, which complements the tropical ingredients.
- → How do I create the layered effect?
Pour the strawberry purée into the glass first, then carefully strain the shaken cocktail mixture over it to achieve a layered look.
- → Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?
It's best to assemble the cocktail right before serving to maintain the fresh flavors and vibrant layers.
- → What can I use for garnish?
A strawberry slice, pineapple wedge, and fresh mint sprig are great garnish options to enhance the tropical presentation.
- → What’s a good substitute for blue curaçao?
For a non-alcoholic alternative, you can use blue lemonade or a natural blue syrup to maintain the color.
- → Can I make this sweeter?
To make the drink sweeter, adjust the amount of pineapple juice or add a splash of simple syrup.