Pin it My sister texted me a photo of her iced drink one afternoon, bright pink and impossibly pretty, with a caption that just said need this energy. I stared at it for a solid minute before deciding I could probably make it myself. Twenty dollars saved and five minutes later, I had two glasses of this sitting on my counter, just as vibrant and way more satisfying because I knew exactly what went into it. It tasted like summer in a cup, sweet and creamy and unapologetically pink.
I made this for my niece during a particularly hot July afternoon when she was complaining about being bored. She watched me shake the jar like I was bartending, eyes wide, and when I poured it over ice with those strawberry slices floating to the top, she gasped. We sat on the porch with our glasses, and she told me it tasted like a cloud made of fruit, which is still the best review I've ever gotten.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Syrup: This is the heart of the drink, giving it that signature pink hue and sweet berry flavor. I usually buy a good quality one, but homemade syrup tastes even better if you have ten extra minutes.
- Coconut Milk: Use the kind from a carton, not the thick canned stuff, and make sure it is unsweetened so the syrup can do all the sweetening. Chilled coconut milk blends smoother and tastes more refreshing.
- Cold Water: This thins out the coconut milk just enough to keep the drink from feeling heavy. You can skip it if you want something richer, but I like the balance it brings.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced thin, they look beautiful in the glass and add little bursts of real fruit flavor as you sip. Frozen works in a pinch, but fresh makes it feel special.
- Ice Cubes: Plenty of ice keeps everything cold and makes the drink feel more like a treat than just flavored milk. Crushed ice works too if you want a slushier vibe.
Instructions
- Combine the Base:
- Pour the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and cold water into a shaker or a jar with a tight lid. If you do not have a shaker, a mason jar works perfectly and feels a little more fun anyway.
- Shake It Up:
- Close the lid tightly and shake hard for about ten seconds until everything is mixed and slightly frothy on top. You will see the pink color bloom through the coconut milk, and it is oddly satisfying.
- Prep Your Glasses:
- Drop ice cubes into two tall glasses and tuck in the sliced strawberries so they are visible along the sides. This makes the drink look like it came from a cafe.
- Pour and Serve:
- Slowly pour the pink mixture over the ice and strawberries, watching it swirl and settle. Give it a gentle stir with a straw or spoon, then serve immediately while it is still ice cold.
Pin it One morning I made this for myself after a rough night of sleep, and something about the color alone made me feel a little more human. I sat by the window with my glass, watching the light turn everything pink for a second, and it felt like hitting a reset button. Sometimes a drink is just a drink, but other times it is exactly the small moment of brightness you did not know you needed.
Making It Your Own
You can swap the strawberry syrup for raspberry, peach, or even mango if you want to change the flavor without changing the method. I have also added a handful of frozen passion fruit cubes once, and it turned the whole thing tropical in the best way. If you like it less sweet, cut the syrup in half and let the fruit do more of the work, or add a squeeze of lime for a little tang that balances everything out.
Storing and Prepping Ahead
This drink is best made fresh, but you can mix the syrup, coconut milk, and water ahead of time and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. Just give it a good shake before pouring over fresh ice and strawberries. I do not recommend adding the ice early or it will water everything down, and nobody wants a sad, diluted pink drink when the whole point is that first cold, creamy sip.
Serving Suggestions
This pairs beautifully with a light breakfast like avocado toast, a fruit salad, or even a simple pastry. I have served it at brunch alongside scrambled eggs and it felt fancy without any extra effort. It also works as an afternoon pick me up when you need something sweet but not too heavy, or as a non alcoholic option at a gathering when you want everyone to have something pretty to hold.
- Add a sprig of fresh mint or basil on top for an herbal note that smells amazing.
- Use coconut cream instead of milk if you want something richer and more dessert like.
- Freeze leftover drink in ice cube trays and blend them later for an instant strawberry coconut slushie.
Pin it This drink has become my go to whenever I need something that feels like a little escape without leaving the kitchen. I hope it brings you the same kind of easy joy it has brought me, one cold, pink sip at a time.
Recipe FAQ
- → Can I make the strawberry syrup from scratch?
Yes, you can easily make homemade syrup by simmering equal parts fresh strawberries and sugar with a splash of water until thickened. Let it cool, then strain through a fine mesh to remove solids. This fresh version adds wonderful flavor and controls sweetness levels.
- → What can I substitute for coconut milk?
Try almond milk, oat milk, or cashew cream for different creamy textures. For a lighter version, use light coconut milk or increase the water ratio. Each option will slightly alter the tropical flavor profile but keeps the drink refreshing and dairy-free.
- → How do I make it less sweet?
Reduce the strawberry syrup amount and increase cold water to taste. You can also use fresh strawberries without added syrup for natural sweetness. Adjusting ingredients gradually lets you find your preferred sweetness level.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Mix the syrup, coconut milk, and water ahead and refrigerate. Add ice and fresh strawberries just before serving to prevent dilution and maintain optimal texture and flavor.
- → What garnishes work best?
Fresh mint leaves add a cooling effect, while extra strawberry slices enhance the visual appeal and fruity flavor. A coconut rim or whipped coconut cream on top elevates the tropical presentation.
- → Is this suitable for dietary restrictions?
Yes, this drink is naturally vegan, dairy-free, and gluten-free, making it suitable for most dietary preferences. Always verify product labels for coconut milk and syrup to ensure no cross-contamination with allergens.