The bright combination of strawberry, pineapple and coconut in this Lava Flow cocktail will transport you to a hammock on a warm beach. It’s a tropical classic you’ll want to make all summer long.
I don’t drink often, but I always enjoy a fruity cocktail on vacation. Last summer I tasted a coconut, pineapple and orange drink at a local restaurant and it instantly brought back that beach-vacation feeling. The coconut cream was what sold it for me—there’s something about that rich, silky texture that makes a drink feel indulgent and summery.
After trying the restaurant version, I set out to recreate it at home. Over time I added a simple twist—frozen strawberries—to create the beautiful “lava” effect when the two mixtures are combined. The result is both pretty and delicious: a creamy pineapple base with a ribbon of strawberry puree that resembles flowing lava.
If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing cocktail for warm evenings, picnics by the lake, or low-key backyard gatherings, this Lava Flow is a great choice. It’s straightforward to prepare, requires only a blender and a few ingredients, and works just as well made virgin for kids or designated drivers.
How do you make a Lava Flow Cocktail?
The signature lava flow appearance comes from preparing two blended components separately and pouring them together in one glass. One component is a strawberry and rum puree; the other is a creamy pineapple blend made with cream of coconut and pineapple juice. The strawberry layer is thicker and denser, so when it’s added to the pineapple mixture it sinks and swirls to create the lava-like streaks that make this drink so visually appealing.
Start by blending frozen strawberries with light rum and coconut rum until very smooth. Transfer that puree to a separate container and rinse the blender. Next, blend the pineapple juice, cream of coconut and crushed ice until smooth. Pour the pineapple mixture into tall glasses, then spoon or pour the strawberry puree over the top and watch the two combine. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve with a straw or a swizzle stick.
Variations of a Lava Flow Cocktail
- Banana: Add a small ripe banana to the pineapple mixture for extra tropical creaminess. It pairs wonderfully with coconut and pineapple.
- Virgin version: Replace the rum with additional pineapple juice for a non-alcoholic Lava Flow that kids and non-drinkers will love. The texture and presentation remain the same.
- Frozen twist: Use frozen pineapple chunks instead of juice for a thicker, slushier base. You may need to add a splash of juice to reach the desired blending consistency.
Lava Flow Cocktail
Ingredients
- 4 oz light (white) rum
- 4 oz coconut rum
- 10 oz frozen strawberries
- 8 oz pineapple juice
- 8 oz cream of coconut
- 2 cups crushed ice
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Combine frozen strawberries, light rum and coconut rum in a blender. Blend until smooth and transfer the strawberry puree to a separate container.
- Rinse the blender, then combine pineapple juice, cream of coconut and crushed ice. Blend until smooth and slushy.
- Divide the pineapple mixture evenly among four tall glasses.
- Spoon or gently pour the strawberry puree over the pineapple mixture. The strawberry layer will sink and swirl to form the characteristic lava flow effect.
- Garnish each glass with a pineapple wedge and serve immediately.
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Enjoy this Lava Flow Cocktail on a sunny afternoon or serve it at your next gathering for an easy, show-stopping drink. The layers are forgiving—if the strawberry and pineapple blend a little, it still tastes wonderful. Cheers to summer flavors and easy entertaining!