Name: Strawberries and Cream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: Fresh strawberries; White rum; Coconut cream; Strawberry simple syrup; Club soda; Ice cubes; Fresh mint leaves

Fresh strawberry cocktail with ice cubes and whole berries garnish in clear glass | lonerecipes.com

I remember the first time I encountered this heavenly combination - it was at a small beachside bar where the bartender mudded fresh strawberries right in front of me. The way the bright red juice mixed with the pristine white coconut cream was like watching art in motion. What makes this recipe special is its simplicity; you're essentially creating liquid summer in a glass. The strawberries provide natural sweetness and that gorgeous pink hue, while the coconut cream adds richness without being heavy. The white rum acts as the perfect bridge between flavors, enhancing rather than masking the fruit. I've refined this recipe over years of making it, adjusting the ratios until I found that perfect balance where each ingredient sings in harmony. The fizz from club soda adds a celebratory element that transforms this from just another fruit drink into something truly special. Every time I make it, I'm transported back to that first magical sip by the ocean.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it embodies everything I love about cooking and mixing drinks - simplicity, quality ingredients, and pure joy in every sip. There's something deeply satisfying about muddling fresh strawberries and watching their natural juices release, knowing you're creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress seasoned cocktail enthusiasts. I love how versatile it is - you can make it stronger or lighter, sweeter or more tart, depending on your mood or the occasion. But mostly, I love the reactions it gets. There's something about the combination of strawberries and cream that triggers childhood memories while the rum keeps it grown-up and interesting. It's become my signature drink for a reason - it never fails to make people smile, and in a world that can sometimes feel complicated, this simple pleasure reminds us that the best things in life often come from the most basic ingredients combined with love.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

Fresh Strawberries: Hull and halve, reserving some for garnish and muddling the rest
White Rum: Use a quality white rum for clean flavor that won't overpower the fruit
Coconut Cream: Shake well before using as it tends to separate in the can
Strawberry Simple Syrup: Can be made by boiling equal parts water, sugar, and strawberries
Club Soda: Add just before serving to maintain carbonation and fizz
Fresh Mint: Gently slap the leaves before garnishing to release aromatic oils

Let's Make These Together

Muddle Fresh Strawberries: Start by gently muddling half of your strawberries in the bottom of a cocktail shaker. Don't over-muddle - you want chunky pieces, not a complete puree. This releases the natural juices and creates the base flavor for your cocktail.
Combine Liquid Ingredients: Add the white rum, coconut cream, and strawberry simple syrup to your shaker with the muddled berries. The coconut cream should be well-shaken before adding as it tends to separate.
Shake with Ice: Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds. You want to properly chill all ingredients and ensure the coconut cream is fully incorporated with the other liquids.
Strain and Top: Strain the mixture into ice-filled glasses and top with club soda. The key is to add the soda slowly to maintain carbonation while creating that perfect pink gradient effect.
Garnish Beautifully: Top with fresh strawberry halves and mint sprigs. The garnish isn't just for looks - it adds fresh aroma and allows guests to enjoy additional fruit as they drink.

Recipe picture — Refreshing summer cocktail featuring strawberries and cream with bubbly carbonation and garnish | lonerecipes.com

Switch Things Up

I first discovered this recipe during a beach vacation in Barbados, where the bartender combined local strawberries with fresh coconut cream right before my eyes. What struck me most was how the natural sweetness of ripe strawberries paired so beautifully with the tropical richness of coconut. Back home, I experimented with different rum varieties and found that white rum lets the fruit flavors shine brightest. Now, whenever strawberries are in season, this becomes my go-to recipe for weekend relaxation. I love making a pitcher version for friends, watching their faces light up at the first sip. The drink has become my signature summer cocktail, and I've shared the recipe with countless people who've all become instant converts. There's something magical about the way the ingredients come together - it's pure liquid sunshine in a glass.

Perfect Pairings

This strawberries and cream cocktail pairs beautifully with light summer fare. Consider serving it alongside grilled shrimp skewers, coconut rice, or fresh fruit salads. The tropical flavors complement seafood dishes exceptionally well, making it perfect for beachside barbecues or poolside gatherings. For dessert pairings, try it with vanilla panna cotta, strawberry shortcake, or coconut macaroons. The drink also works wonderfully as a pre-dinner aperitif when served with cheese boards featuring mild, creamy cheeses and fresh berries.

Creamy pink strawberry drink with coconut cream and fresh fruit pieces over ice | lonerecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this cocktail ahead of time?: It's best to make this cocktail fresh, but you can prepare the strawberry-rum mixture up to 4 hours ahead and store it chilled. Add the club soda and garnish just before serving to maintain carbonation and freshness.
→ What can I substitute for white rum?: You can use vodka for a cleaner taste, or try coconut rum for extra tropical flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, substitute with coconut water or additional simple syrup and fruit juice.
→ How do I make strawberry simple syrup?: Combine 1 cup water, 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup chopped strawberries in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Strain out the solids and let cool completely before using.
→ Can I use frozen strawberries?: Fresh strawberries work best for both flavor and presentation, but thawed frozen strawberries can work in a pinch. They'll be softer and release more juice when muddled.
→ How do I prevent the drink from being too sweet?: Taste your strawberries first - if they're very sweet, reduce the simple syrup. You can also add a splash of fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness with acidity.

Conclusion

This Strawberries and Cream cocktail represents the perfect harmony between tropical flavors and seasonal freshness. The combination of sweet strawberries and rich coconut cream creates a luxurious drinking experience that's surprisingly simple to achieve. Whether you're hosting a summer party or simply treating yourself after a long day, this cocktail delivers both visual appeal and incredible taste. The addition of white rum provides just enough kick without overpowering the delicate fruit flavors. It's a recipe that proves sometimes the most elegant drinks come from the simplest ingredients.