Refreshing Pink Strawberry Coconut Drink You’ll Crave All Summer

What is this magical drink?

Okay, so picture this: it’s a sweltering summer day, you’re dying of thirst, and you want something that’s not just another boring water or basic lemonade. This drink happened when I was experimenting in my kitchen last summer, trying to recreate this amazing pink drink I had at a beach café in Miami. It’s basically like a tropical vacation in a glass – creamy coconut, sweet strawberries, and that gorgeous pink color that makes you feel fancy even if you’re drinking it in your pajamas on the couch.

Why You’ll Be Obsessed

Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be making it constantly all summer long:

• It’s ridiculously Instagram-worthy – that pink color is pure magic
• Takes literally 5 minutes to make, which is perfect when you’re melting in the heat
• Way cheaper than buying those fancy drinks at coffee shops (and tastes better too!)
• The combo of strawberry and coconut is like a vacation for your taste buds
• You can spike it with rum or vodka for happy hour (not that I’m encouraging day drinking… but summer, you know?)
• It’s actually somewhat healthy – real fruit, coconut water, no weird chemicals
• Kids go crazy for it, so it’s perfect for pool parties and BBQs

The Good Stuff You’ll Need

For the Basic Pink Paradise:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled (frozen works too if fresh isn’t available)
• 1 cup coconut milk (the canned kind, not the watery carton stuff – we want creamy!)
• 1/2 cup coconut water (adds that light, refreshing element)
• 2-3 tablespoons honey or agave (adjust based on how sweet your berries are)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice (seriously, don’t skip this – it makes everything pop)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (the real stuff, not the fake vanilla)
• Pinch of salt (I know it sounds weird, but it enhances all the flavors)
• 1-2 cups ice (depending on how thick you like it)

For the Fancy Version:

• 1/4 cup shredded coconut (toasted if you’re feeling extra)
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (let them sit for 10 minutes for that fun texture)
• Fresh mint leaves (muddle a few in for that spa vibe)

For the Adult Version:

• 2 oz white rum or coconut rum per serving
• 1 oz vodka if you want it stronger
• Splash of prosecco on top for bubbles

For Garnish (because we eat with our eyes first):

• Extra strawberry slices
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Lime wedges
• Fresh mint sprigs
• Those cute paper umbrellas if you’re going full tropical

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Let’s Make This Magic Happen

The Basic Method (5 minutes):

1. Toss all your strawberries in the blender first. Blend them until they’re completely smooth – no chunks allowed in this paradise drink!
2. Add the coconut milk, coconut water, honey, lime juice, vanilla, and that pinch of salt. Blend everything until it’s creamy and gorgeous.
3. Taste it! Too sweet? Add more lime. Not sweet enough? More honey. Too thick? Splash of coconut water. Too thin? More ice or coconut milk.
4. Add your ice and pulse a few times until it’s the consistency you want. I like mine thick enough to drink through a straw but not so thick it’s a smoothie.

For the Fancy Version:

1. If you’re using chia seeds, mix them with a tablespoon of coconut water and let them sit for 10 minutes until they get all gel-like.
2. If you want toasted coconut, throw some shredded coconut in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden. Watch it like a hawk – it goes from perfect to burnt in seconds!
3. Muddle a few mint leaves in the bottom of your glass before adding the drink.
4. Stir in the chia seeds after blending everything else.

The Adult Upgrade:

1. Make the basic version first.
2. Add your rum or vodka to the blender with everything else, OR pour it into individual glasses and stir.
3. Top with a splash of prosecco right before serving for that fancy fizz.

Serving Like a Pro:

1. Use chilled glasses if you have them (stick them in the freezer for 10 minutes).
2. Pour your beautiful pink creation into glasses, leaving room for garnishes.
3. Top with toasted coconut, fresh strawberry slices, a lime wedge, and mint if you’re using it.
4. Serve with thick straws because nobody likes watery drinks from melted ice!

Ways to Switch It Up

Once you master the basic recipe, get creative with these variations:

• Mango Madness: Replace half the strawberries with mango chunks. Still pink-ish and absolutely delicious.
• Pineapple Paradise: Add 1/2 cup fresh pineapple chunks. It’s like a tropical fruit salad you can drink.
• Berry Blast: Mix in some raspberries or blueberries with the strawberries. The color gets even more gorgeous!
• Chocolate Coconut: Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder and use chocolate coconut milk. It’s like a healthy chocolate milkshake.
• Green Goddess: Throw in a handful of spinach (I know, I know, but you won’t taste it!) and some pineapple. Still pink-ish from the berries but with bonus nutrients.
• Protein Power: Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder if you want to make it more filling.

Make-Ahead Tips

• You can prep the strawberry base up to 2 days ahead. Just store it in the fridge and add the ice when you’re ready to serve.
• Freeze strawberries in ice cube trays with a little coconut water for flavor cubes that won’t water down your drink.
• Make a big batch for parties! It keeps well in a pitcher for about 4 hours before the separation gets weird.
• Portion everything into freezer bags and blend straight from frozen for instant drinks all summer long.

Serving Suggestions

• Perfect poolside sipper – the coconut won’t curdle in the heat like dairy would
• Great for brunch instead of mimosas (or alongside them – I don’t judge)
• Serve in coconut shells if you really want to go all out tropical
• Pour into popsicle molds for frozen treats
• Great base for smoothie bowls – just make it thicker and top with granola and fresh fruit

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Questions People Actually Ask

Q: Can I make this without a blender?
A: You can mash the strawberries really well with a fork and shake everything in a mason jar, but honestly, it won’t be nearly as smooth and creamy. Borrow a blender if you have to!

Q: My drink separated after sitting. Did I mess up?
A: Nope, that’s totally normal! Just give it a good stir. The coconut milk naturally separates. If you want it to stay mixed longer, add a tiny bit of xanthan gum (like 1/8 teaspoon).

Q: Can I use light coconut milk?
A: You can, but it won’t be nearly as creamy and delicious. The full-fat coconut milk is what makes this drink special. If you’re watching calories, just make smaller portions.

Q: How long does this keep?
A: It’s best fresh, but you can store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just shake or stir before drinking because it will separate.

Q: My strawberries aren’t very sweet. Help!
A: Add more honey or agave, or throw in a few dates for natural sweetness. You can also use frozen strawberries – they’re usually picked at peak ripeness so they’re often sweeter.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: It already is dairy-free! That’s one of the best parts about using coconut milk.

Q: What if I don’t like coconut?
A: Honestly, you probably won’t love this drink. But you could try substituting cashew milk or oat milk for the coconut milk and just use regular water instead of coconut water. It won’t be the same, but it might work for you.

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