Save My neighbor showed up at my door one June afternoon with two tall glasses of something pink and impossibly refreshing. She'd just gotten back from a coffee run and insisted I try her latest obsession. One sip and I understood why she'd been raving about it all week. The creamy coconut paired with sweet strawberry felt like summer in a glass, and I knew I had to figure out how to make it at home without spending five dollars every time I wanted one.
I made this for a weekend brunch with friends last summer, and everyone assumed I'd ordered it from somewhere fancy. When I told them it was just four ingredients shaken together, they didn't believe me until I mixed up another batch right in front of them. Now it's become our unofficial warm-weather tradition, and I always keep strawberry syrup and coconut milk stocked in my fridge just in case someone drops by.
Ingredients
- Strawberry syrup: This is what gives the drink its signature pink color and fruity sweetness, and using a quality syrup makes all the difference in flavor.
- Coconut milk: Unsweetened and chilled coconut milk creates that creamy, tropical base without any dairy, and it blends beautifully with the strawberry.
- Cold water: This lightens the drink just enough so it stays refreshing instead of heavy, balancing the richness of the coconut.
- Fresh strawberries: Sliced strawberries add little bursts of real fruit flavor and make the drink feel extra special.
- Ice cubes: Plenty of ice keeps everything cold and crisp, and it also helps dilute the drink slightly as you sip.
Instructions
- Combine the liquids:
- Pour the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and cold water into a shaker or large jar with a tight lid. This is where the magic starts to happen.
- Shake it up:
- Seal the container and shake vigorously for about ten seconds until everything is fully mixed and the top gets a little frothy. If you don't have a shaker, a whisk in a bowl works fine.
- Prep the glasses:
- Drop ice cubes into two glasses and scatter the fresh strawberry slices over the ice. The strawberries will infuse subtle flavor as the drink sits.
- Pour and serve:
- Slowly pour the pink mixture over the ice and strawberries, watching it swirl and settle into those pretty layers. Give it a gentle stir before sipping.
Save The first time I served this at a backyard gathering, my friend's seven-year-old asked if it was a princess drink. I said yes, and suddenly every kid wanted one, followed by every adult who realized it tasted even better than it looked. It became the unofficial drink of the afternoon, and I ended up making three more batches before the sun went down.
Customizing Your Pink Drink
If you want a lighter version, swap in light coconut milk or add an extra splash of water to keep the calories down without losing that creamy texture. I've also tried it with almond milk when I ran out of coconut, and while it's less tropical, it still works beautifully. For a fun twist, add a handful of frozen strawberries instead of ice, they keep the drink cold and make it thicker, almost like a smoothie.
Making Your Own Strawberry Syrup
Store-bought syrup is convenient, but homemade is surprisingly easy and tastes brighter. I simmer equal parts fresh or frozen strawberries and sugar with just enough water to cover, let it bubble for about ten minutes, then strain out the solids. The syrup keeps in the fridge for two weeks, and it's also amazing drizzled over pancakes or stirred into sparkling water.
Serving and Storing
This drink is best served immediately while it's still cold and the ice hasn't melted too much. If you need to prep ahead, mix the liquid base and keep it in the fridge, then shake it again and pour over fresh ice and strawberries right before serving. Leftovers don't store well because the ice melts and dilutes everything, but honestly, I've never had any left over.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint for a pop of color and a hint of herbal freshness.
- Use a clear glass to show off those gorgeous pink layers and floating strawberries.
- Double or triple the recipe for parties, it scales up beautifully and everyone will want seconds.
Save This little pink drink has become my go-to for lazy summer mornings and spontaneous celebrations alike. It's proof that something simple can feel like a real treat when it tastes this good.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
It's best served immediately after preparation for optimal freshness and texture. However, you can prepare the strawberry-coconut mixture in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add ice and fresh strawberries just before serving.
- → How do I make homemade strawberry syrup?
Simmer equal parts fresh strawberries and sugar with a splash of water over medium heat for about 10 minutes until the strawberries break down. Strain through a fine mesh to remove seeds and pulp. Let cool completely before using.
- → What coconut milk works best?
Use unsweetened, full-fat coconut milk for the creamiest texture. Shake the can well before opening, as separation is normal. Light coconut milk works too if you prefer a less rich drink.
- → Is this drink completely vegan and dairy-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally vegan and dairy-free. Just ensure your store-bought strawberry syrup contains no animal products, or make your own syrup with only strawberries and sugar.
- → How can I adjust the sweetness?
Add more strawberry syrup for increased sweetness or reduce the amount if you prefer a less sweet drink. You can also balance sweetness by adding more cold water to dilute the mixture.