Save to Pinterest I was standing in the kitchen one sweltering afternoon, staring at a can of coconut milk I'd bought for curry but never opened. The strawberries in the fridge were getting soft, and I had this sudden craving for something icy and pink—something that tasted like vacation without the price tag. I threw everything into a jar, shook it until my arm ached, and poured it over ice. That first sip was like a cool breeze in July, and I knew I'd stumbled onto something I'd make again and again.
The first time I made this for friends, they thought I'd bought it from a coffee shop. I didn't correct them right away—I just watched their faces light up as they tasted it. One of them asked if I'd added some secret ingredient, and I laughed because the secret was just shaking it hard enough to get that frothy top. Now it's my go-to drink when people come over in the summer, and they always leave asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- Strawberry syrup: This is the heart of the drink, giving it that signature pink color and sweet berry flavor—use a quality syrup or make your own by simmering strawberries with sugar and a splash of water, then straining it.
- Coconut milk: Choose unsweetened and make sure it's well chilled so the drink stays cold and creamy without separating—shake the can before opening to blend the cream and liquid.
- Cold water: This lightens the drink and keeps it from being too rich, balancing the coconut milk perfectly.
- Sliced fresh strawberries: They add texture and little pockets of fresh fruit flavor that make the drink feel alive.
- Ice cubes: The more ice, the better—it chills everything quickly and makes the drink refreshing instead of just sweet.
Instructions
- Mix the Base:
- Pour the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and cold water into a shaker or a large jar with a tight lid. Shake it vigorously for about 20 seconds until the mixture turns frothy and pale pink—this step is what gives the drink its signature texture.
- Prep the Glasses:
- Drop ice cubes into two tall glasses, then scatter the fresh strawberry slices over the ice. The strawberries will float and sink as you pour, creating pretty layers.
- 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's ice cold.
Save to Pinterest One evening, I made this drink for my sister after a long, frustrating day, and she sat on the porch with it for nearly an hour, just sipping and unwinding. She didn't say much, but she texted me the next morning asking how to make it herself. That's when I realized this wasn't just a drink—it was a little act of care, a way to pause and reset when everything felt too heavy.
Adjusting Sweetness and Creaminess
The beauty of this drink is how easily it bends to your taste. If you want it lighter, swap in light coconut milk or add an extra splash of water—it'll still taste tropical but won't coat your mouth as much. On the flip side, if you want it richer, use full-fat coconut milk and cut back on the water by a quarter cup. I've learned that tasting as you go is the best way to find your perfect balance, because everyone's sweet tooth is different.
Making It Your Own
Once you've mastered the base, you can start playing around with flavors. A handful of fresh mint leaves muddled with the strawberries adds a cooling herbal note, or you can throw in a squeeze of lime juice for a tangy kick. I've even tried swapping the strawberry syrup for mango or passionfruit syrup when I'm feeling adventurous. The coconut milk stays the same, but the personality of the drink shifts completely, and that's what keeps it exciting every time.
Storage and Serving Suggestions
This drink is best served fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, you can mix the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and water together and store it in the fridge for up to a day—just give it a good shake before pouring. Don't add the ice or strawberries until you're ready to serve, or everything will get watery and sad. I like to keep a jar of the base in the fridge during summer so I can pour a glass whenever the heat gets unbearable.
- Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a couple of extra strawberry slices for a cafe style presentation.
- Use a clear glass so you can see the pretty pink layers and floating fruit.
- Serve with a wide straw or long spoon so you can scoop up the strawberry slices at the bottom.
Save to Pinterest This drink has become my warm weather ritual, a small luxury that costs almost nothing but feels like a treat every single time. I hope it becomes yours too.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this drink without coconut milk?
Yes, you can substitute coconut milk with oat milk, almond milk, or regular milk for a creamier texture. The drink will taste slightly different but remains delicious and refreshing.
- → 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. Once thickened, strain through a fine mesh to remove pulp. Cool completely before using.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Mix the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and water up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate. Add ice and fresh strawberries just before serving to maintain freshness and prevent dilution.
- → What's the best way to make it less sweet?
Reduce the strawberry syrup to 2 tablespoons and increase the water to 1.5 cups. You can also use fresh strawberry purée instead of syrup for natural, less intense sweetness.
- → Is this suitable for a keto diet?
No, the strawberry syrup contains significant sugar, making this drink unsuitable for strict keto. Consider using sugar-free syrup alternatives or fresh strawberry purée with a keto sweetener instead.
- → How long does homemade strawberry syrup last?
Store homemade syrup in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays for convenient portions lasting up to 3 months.