"Your icy, refreshing, muddled strawberry tequila cocktail is ready to go, friends! Had such a fun time crowdsourcing this recipe (if you caught my stories this weekend, you may have weighed in) and I have to say, you guys have EXCELLENT taste. Farm fresh strawberries and tequila are a killer combo, especially when you bring coconut, pineapple, vanilla bean, cinnamon, and lime to the party. It's like all of your poolside margarita/pina colada/strawberry daiquiri dreams came true in one lightly spiced, well balanced glass.BONUS: for all of you who voted rum, I made sure this recipe could stand up to either, so I included that version below. DOUBLE BONUS: couldn't help but test a non-alocohlic option that looks the same and tastes amazing. That's down there too!"
Cinnamon Strawberry Colada
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Recipe Intro From colljeffers
Treat yourself to the perfect summer cocktail with this strawberry tequila colada. It's a breeze to make with just a handful of ingredients, bringing together the sweetness of summer strawberries, a hint of cinnamon, and a splash of tequila (or coconut water). Perfect for those warm evenings, this drink is sure to impress at any gathering.
Recipe Description
Easily adaptable, this strawberry tequila colada is a fun twist on a classic summer drink. It blends the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut with the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon and vanilla. You can make it into a fun summer cocktail or a refreshing mocktail by swapping tequila for coconut water, so both kids and adults can enjoy it. Its simplicity and unique combination of ingredients make it perfect for spontaneous get-togethers or lazy afternoons by the pool.
Jump to Section
- Cinnamon Strawberry Colada Ingredients
- Test Kitchen Notes
- FAQs
- Recipe Card
Cinnamon Strawberry Colada Ingredients
Everything you need to make a strawberry colada.
Coconut Cream: Coconut cream adds a rich, creamy texture to the colada. It can typically be found in the international foods aisle of most grocery stores. If you can't find coconut cream, coconut milk can be used as a lighter alternative.
Bitters: Bitters bring a complex, aromatic depth to the drink. Look for them in the cocktail mixer section of your store. If you don't have bitters on hand, you can leave them out, but they do add a special touch.
Cinnamon Stick: Using a cinnamon stick imparts a warm, spicy note to the cocktail. They are usually available in the spice aisle. If you can't find a cinnamon stick, a small pinch of ground cinnamon can serve as a substitute.
Test Kitchen Notes
Fresh Strawberries: Using fresh, ripe strawberries enhances the sweetness and flavor. Gently muddle them to release their juices without over-mashing.
Coconut Cream: Shake the can well before using to ensure even consistency. If substituting with coconut milk, adjust the quantity for desired creaminess.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is best for flavor. Avoid bottled lime juice, which can be overly tart or lack freshness.
Cinnamon Stick: Grate the cinnamon stick directly into the shaker for a rich aroma. If using ground cinnamon, use sparingly to avoid overpowering the drink.
Mocktail Version: Swapping tequila for coconut water makes a delicious non-alcoholic option, perfect for both adults and kids.
FAQs
What is a strawberry colada made of?
A strawberry colada is typically made with fresh strawberries, coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and a dash of bitters. It can be made with tequila or rum, and garnished with strawberries and cinnamon for added flavor.
Can you use tequila instead of rum for a Piña Colada?
Yes, you can use tequila instead of rum for a Piña Colada. This variation, known as a strawberry tequila colada, offers a unique twist on the classic recipe, combining the tropical flavors of a traditional Piña Colada with the boldness of tequila.
What does strawberry piña colada taste like?
A strawberry Piña Colada has a sweet, tropical flavor with the freshness of strawberries, the creaminess of coconut, and the tanginess of pineapple. The addition of tequila adds a smooth, slightly peppery note, while the hint of cinnamon adds warmth and complexity.
How do I properly muddle strawberries?
To muddle strawberries, gently press them with a muddler or the back of a spoon to release their juices without completely breaking them down. This helps to maintain some texture while infusing the drink with fresh strawberry flavor.
Prep time 15mins
Serves or Makes: 1
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 2 ounces tequila (or coconut water)
- 3/4 ounce coconut cream
- 3/4 ounce pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce fresh lime juice, strained
- Dash of bitters
- 1 large strawberry, plus more for garnish
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 fresh vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste (optional)
Method
Step 1
Gently muddle 1 strawberry in the bottom of an empty cocktail shaker.
Step 2
Using a microplane zester, grate the cinnamon stick into the shaker until it almost covers the bottom.
Step 3
If using the vanilla bean, cut off a half-inch piece and split it lengthwise. Scrape out the seeds and add them to the shaker, along with the rest of the half-inch piece.
Step 4
Add ice to the shaker along with the tequila (or coconut water), coconut cream, pineapple juice, lime juice, and bitters. Shake well for 15 seconds, then strain into a chilled rocks glass filled with crushed ice.
Step 5
Add more crushed ice to the top, then grate more cinnamon sticks over the ice.
Step 6
Garnish with a halved strawberry and the optional vanilla bean. Serve with a straw.