Name: Ocean Love Colada
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 2 oz coconut rum; 1 oz blue curaçao; 1 oz pineapple juice; 1 oz coconut cream; 1 cup crushed ice; Fresh blueberries and blackberries for garnish; Pineapple wedges for garnish; Whipped cream for topping

Beautifully layered purple and blue cocktail with coconut rum, topped with whipped cream and fresh berries | lonerecipes.com

I discovered this Ocean Love Colada recipe during a vacation to the Caribbean last year. I was immediately captivated by its stunning presentation - those swirling layers of purple and blue reminded me of the ocean waves at sunset. The bartender was kind enough to share his technique for creating the perfect layers, which I've been perfecting ever since. What I love most about this recipe is how the coconut cream and blue curaçao create that magical marbled effect, while the coconut rum adds just the right amount of tropical flavor without being overwhelming. It's become my signature cocktail for summer gatherings, and I always prepare the components in advance so I can assemble them with a flourish in front of guests. The contrast between the creamy texture and the fresh berry and pineapple garnishes makes every sip a perfect balance of flavors.

Why I love this recipe

I absolutely adore this Ocean Love Colada recipe because it transforms an ordinary get-together into something truly special. There's something magical about serving a drink that makes people stop and reach for their cameras before even taking a sip! Beyond its Instagram-worthy appearance, I love how the flavors work together - the coconut rum provides warmth, the blue curaçao adds a subtle orange undertone, and the coconut cream gives it that luxurious mouthfeel. What really makes me smile is that despite its complex appearance, it's actually quite simple to make. The whipped cream and fresh fruit garnishes add texture and freshness that elevate it beyond standard tropical cocktails. I also appreciate how versatile it is - I've made virgin versions for kids and pregnant friends using cream of coconut, blue food coloring and a splash of pineapple juice, and they're equally impressed by the presentation. This cocktail has become my signature party trick, and I love watching people's faces light up when I serve it.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Coconut Rum: Provides the tropical base flavor and alcohol content
Blue Curaçao: Adds the vibrant blue color and subtle orange flavor
Pineapple Juice: Contributes sweetness and tropical flavor
Coconut Cream: Creates the creamy texture and rich coconut flavor
Butterfly Pea Flower Extract: Creates the natural purple color
Fresh Berries: Add visual appeal and fresh flavor contrast
Whipped Cream: Creates the cloud-like topping

Let's Make These Together

Prepare the colored layers: Start by creating your purple coconut cream mixture in one bowl and your blue curaçao-rum mixture in another. The key to vibrant colors is using quality ingredients and proper measurements.
Layer with precision: Use the back of a spoon technique to carefully layer each colored component. Pour slowly down the side of the glass to maintain distinct separation between colors. The density of each ingredient helps create the beautiful layering effect.
Create the swirl effect: Allow some natural mixing to occur between layers by slightly tilting the glass as you add each component. This creates the gorgeous marbled effect seen in the cocktail.
Perfect your garnish: Add a generous swirl of whipped cream using a piping bag for the most professional look. Place fresh berries in an attractive arrangement and ensure your pineapple wedge sits nicely on the rim.
Serve immediately: These cocktails look their best when freshly made, as the layers begin to blend over time. Prepare just before serving for maximum visual impact.

Recipe picture — Creamy swirled blue and purple coconut rum cocktail with whipped cream topping and fresh fruit garnishes | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first created this cocktail for my sister's beach-themed birthday party last summer. The original recipe used vodka instead of rum, but after some experimentation, I found that coconut rum added a much more tropical flavor profile that really enhanced the overall experience. I've also tried using different berry syrups for the purple layer - blueberry works wonderfully, but blackberry gives it a slightly more intense color. My favorite moment was watching everyone's faces light up when I served these at sunset with the ocean backdrop matching the colors in the glass!

Perfect Pairings

This Ocean Love Colada pairs wonderfully with light tropical appetizers. Try serving it alongside coconut shrimp with sweet chili dipping sauce, fresh fruit skewers with honey yogurt dip, or mini crab cakes with mango salsa. For a dessert pairing, tropical fruit sorbet or coconut macaroons complement the cocktail's flavors perfectly. If you're hosting a beachside gathering, grilled pineapple with a sprinkle of cinnamon makes an excellent accompaniment that echoes the pineapple garnish.

Tropical blue and purple layered Ocean Love Colada with pineapple garnish and berries in hurricane glasses | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?: While you can prepare the colored components ahead of time, it's best to assemble the layers just before serving. The distinct layers will gradually blend together if left sitting, which affects the visual appeal. If needed, prepare all components and store separately in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before assembling.
→ What can I substitute for blue curaçao?: If you don't have blue curaçao, you can use any clear liqueur (like triple sec) mixed with a few drops of blue food coloring. For a non-alcoholic version, use blue sports drink or blue fruit syrup mixed with a splash of orange extract.
→ How do I get the purple color without butterfly pea flower extract?: You can achieve the purple color by mixing a few drops of red and blue food coloring into the coconut cream, or by using grape juice concentrate mixed with coconut cream. Blackberry or blueberry syrup can also create a natural purple hue.
→ Why aren't my layers staying separate?: Layer separation is achieved through differences in density and careful pouring technique. Make sure to pour each layer slowly over the back of a spoon. Using chilled ingredients also helps maintain separation. Additionally, ensure each component has a different sugar/alcohol content to create density differences.
→ Can I make a batch of these for a party?: While it's possible to make multiple servings at once, these cocktails are best prepared individually to maintain the visual effect. For parties, consider setting up a DIY bar with pre-measured components and a visual guide so guests can layer their own cocktails, or prepare them in batches of 3-4 just before serving.
→ Is there a way to make this cocktail less sweet?: Yes, you can reduce the sweetness by using less coconut cream and substituting unsweetened coconut milk. You can also use fresh pineapple juice instead of commercial varieties which often contain added sugar. Unflavored soda water can be added to the blue layer to dilute sweetness while maintaining the visual effect.

Conclusion

This Ocean Love Colada is more than just a cocktail - it's a visual masterpiece that tastes as amazing as it looks. The layers of purple butterfly pea flower-infused coconut cream and blue curaçao create an oceanic swirl that perfectly captures the essence of a tropical paradise. The coconut rum and pineapple juice balance the sweetness beautifully, making this the perfect signature drink for summer gatherings and beach parties.