Lava Flow Recipe

If you’re dreaming of sandy beaches, palm trees, and something fruity in your hand—this Lava Flow cocktail is the next best thing. It’s creamy, tropical, swirly, and just straight-up vacation in a glass. This drink looks super fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy to make at home with just a blender and a few ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Because it’s part smoothie, part cocktail, and totally gorgeous. That dramatic red “lava” swirl of strawberries flowing through the creamy coconut-pineapple blend? It’s a total showoff. But beyond the look, the flavor is amazing. You’ve got coconut, pineapple, banana, rum… and a kiss of strawberry. It’s smooth, cold, and so refreshing—especially on a hot day.

Ingredients

Here’s a little preview of what goes into this tropical swirl (you’ll find the exact measurements in the full list below):

frozen strawberries – for the red lava effect
light rum – adds that classic beachy cocktail base
coconut rum – because more coconut is always a good idea
banana – gives it a creamy, smoothie-like texture
cream of coconut – rich, sweet, and tropical
pineapple juice – bright and fruity
ice – to make it frosty and thick

Blend the Strawberry Layer

Start by blending the frozen strawberries with the light rum. Just blend until smooth—it should be thick and slushy. Pour that into the bottom of your glass and set it aside for the magic moment later.

Blend the Coconut-Pineapple Layer

Now rinse your blender and add the coconut rum, banana, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and ice. Blend until it’s smooth and creamy, almost like a thick tropical milkshake.

Pour and Swirl

Carefully pour the creamy coconut mixture into the glass over the strawberry layer. As it flows in, it’ll swirl and mix just enough to look like lava pouring through a tropical paradise. You don’t even have to stir—it just does its thing.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

– Skip the alcohol for a kid-friendly version—just leave out the rums and add a little extra juice
– Swap the strawberries for frozen raspberries for a twist on the flavor and color
– Add a splash of lime juice for a tangy edge
– For a super cold texture, freeze the banana in chunks before blending

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This drink is perfect for pool parties, tropical-themed dinners, or anytime you need a mental getaway. Pair it with coconut shrimp, grilled pineapple chicken, jerk-seasoned skewers, or even just a bowl of tortilla chips and fresh mango salsa. It also makes a gorgeous signature drink for beach weddings or summer showers.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This one’s definitely best served fresh—once blended, the textures and layers don’t hold up well over time. If you do need to prep ahead, you can make the two separate layers and keep them chilled in the fridge for a couple of hours. Just give them a quick stir or re-blend with a few ice cubes before serving.

FAQs

Can I make this without alcohol?
Yes! Just leave out the rum and use more pineapple juice or a splash of coconut water.

What kind of cream of coconut should I use?
Look for one made for drinks and cocktails (like Coco López), not canned coconut milk.

Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
You can, but it’ll be less slushy. Add a few extra ice cubes to help thicken it up.

Is this more like a smoothie or a cocktail?
Honestly—it’s the best of both. It has that creamy, smoothie feel, but it’s still totally a beachy cocktail.

Conclusion

The Lava Flow is everything I want in a summer drink: beautiful, tropical, creamy, and just a little bit indulgent. Whether you’re sipping it on the patio or mixing up a batch for friends, it brings major island vibes with zero effort. Make one, take a sip, and just pretend you’re in Hawaii for the day.

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