Save The humidity hit me like a wall when I walked out of the coffee shop that summer afternoon, clutching my cup of pink paradise. Something about that icy sweet strawberry coconut combination just makes everything feel lighter, like a tiny vacation in a glass. My roommate caught me swirling it around, marveling at the color, and demanded I reverse engineer the magic at home. Now it is our go to whenever we need a pick me up that tastes like sunshine and poolside lounging.
Last summer our air conditioning broke during a heatwave and this drink became my survival strategy. I remember sitting on the kitchen floor in front of the open freezer, testing batch after batch until the ratios felt absolutely perfect. My neighbor stopped by to borrow something, spotted the gorgeous pink drink in my hand, and now we have a standing Friday afternoon date on her porch. Nothing bonds people quite like sharing something cold and sweet when the weather is unbearable.
Ingredients
- Strawberry syrup: This is the backbone of the whole drink, so do not skimp here. I have tried every brand under the sun and the rich ones with real strawberry puree make a noticeable difference in both color and depth of flavor.
- Unsweetened coconut milk: Make sure it is cold, like really cold, because that temperature contrast against the syrup is what makes the drink feel so refreshing. The carton kind works better than canned here unless you want an incredibly rich experience.
- Fresh strawberries: Frozen ones turn mushy and sad, so spring for fresh and slice them thin. They become these perfect little flavor bombs that you get to eat at the end with a spoon.
Instructions
- Mix your base:
- Combine the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and cold water in a shaker or large jar. Shake it like you mean it until everything is fully incorporated and you see some frothy bubbles forming on top.
- Prep your glasses:
- Divide the ice cubes between two glasses, then add those fresh strawberry slices so they cling to the sides. This step is purely for aesthetics but trust me, it matters when you serve these to people.
- Combine and serve:
- Pour that gorgeous pink mixture over the ice and strawberries, then give it one gentle stir to bring everything together. Serve immediately while it is still ice cold and the coconut milk has that perfect frothy layer on top.
Save 
Save This recipe accidentally became my signature contribution to every single summer gathering I attend now. People get genuinely excited when they walk into my kitchen and see that vibrant pink drink sitting on the counter. My sister tried to convince me to start selling them at farmers markets, but some things are better just shared with friends and family from the comfort of home.
Making It Your Own
The beauty of this drink is how forgiving it is once you understand the basic ratios. Sometimes I swap half the water for cold brew coffee when I need a caffeine kick, and it becomes this completely different but equally delicious experience. The coconut milk pairs surprisingly well with the coffee notes, creating something that feels sophisticated enough for brunch but casual enough for a Tuesday morning.
Batch Perfecting
When I am hosting, I multiply everything by four and mix it in a large pitcher instead of individual servings. The key is waiting to add ice until right before serving, otherwise it waters everything down and you lose that concentrated flavor that makes this drink special. I keep the pitcher in the fridge and let people serve themselves, which always sparks conversations about how they thought this was so complicated to make at home.
Serving Suggestions
These pink drinks shine brightest when paired with something that can hold up to their sweetness without competing. I love serving them alongside vanilla almond cookies or a simple fruit salad let the beverage be the star of the show. Glassware makes a bigger difference than you might expect, those clear coupe glasses show off the gorgeous color and make everything feel fancy.
- Chill your glasses in the freezer for ten minutes before serving
- Add a paper umbrella or tiny drink stirrer for full tropical vibes
- Keep extra strawberry syrup on the table in case anyone wants to sweeten their drink
Save 
Save There is something genuinely joyful about holding a bright pink drink, even if you are just standing in your own kitchen on a random Tuesday afternoon. Make this for someone you love and watch their face light up.
Recipe Help
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix the liquid base (strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and water) and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Add fresh ice and strawberry slices just before serving for the best texture and presentation.
- → What type of coconut milk works best?
Unsweetened, chilled coconut milk from a carton works best for this drink. Canned coconut milk can be too thick and rich, but you can dilute it with extra water if that's what you have available.
- → How can I make homemade strawberry syrup?
Simmer equal parts fresh strawberries and sugar with a splash of water over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Mash the berries as they cook, then strain through a fine-mesh sieve. The syrup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- → Is this drink naturally sweetened?
The sweetness comes from the strawberry syrup, which can be store-bought or homemade. You can control the sweetness level by adjusting the amount of syrup you use, or try making a version with honey or maple syrup as natural alternatives.
- → Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen strawberries work great as mix-ins and actually help keep the drink colder longer. You can also blend frozen strawberries directly into the mixture for a thicker, smoothie-like consistency.