I love a good tropical cocktail, but sometimes I want something that’s just as fun as it is refreshing. That’s exactly what this Ocean Love Colada delivers—it’s dreamy, fruity, creamy, and just whimsical enough to make you feel like you’re on a candy-colored island getaway. With coconut cream, pineapple juice, blueberry purée, and a crushed candy rim, this drink is part beach cocktail, part dessert, and all-around feel-good.
I first made it on a whim for a themed girls’ night, and now it’s a regular in my summer rotation (and a favorite at baby showers, birthdays, or any moment that calls for a splash of blue and a lot of flavor). Here’s how I make it and how you can tweak it to your taste.
Why This Cocktail Works Like a Charm
- Sweet and tart balance: The pineapple and blueberry bring brightness, while coconut cream smooths everything out.
- No alcohol needed—but easy to spike: It’s naturally booze-free, but a splash of coconut rum or vodka takes it to cocktail territory.
- That candy rim: It’s not just for looks—it adds a tangy-sweet crunch that perfectly complements the drink.
- Fun to serve: The colors, the whipped cream, the garnish—it’s a showstopper in a glass.
What You’ll Need
(Serves 1 | Prep Time: 5 minutes)
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz blueberry purée
- 2 oz coconut water or white grape juice (for blending)
- Crushed blueberry candies (for rimming the glass)
- Handful of ice
- Whipped cream (for topping)
- Candy blueberry (or blue candy of choice, for garnish)
How I Make the Ocean Love Colada (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Glass with a Candy Rim
I start by dipping the rim of a tall glass into a little water or simple syrup—just enough to get it sticky. Then I roll it gently in crushed blueberry candies. (I like using sour blueberry hard candies crushed in a zip-top bag, but anything fruity and blue works.) Once the rim is coated, I set the glass aside while I blend the drink.
2. Blend the Drink
Into the blender goes the coconut cream, pineapple juice, blueberry purée, coconut water (or white grape juice), and a handful of ice. I blend until smooth and creamy. The color usually turns a pale, oceanic blue-purple that looks like a vacation in a glass.
Note: If I want a deeper blue, I’ll add a few fresh or frozen blueberries to the blender. If it’s too thick, a splash more juice loosens it up.
3. Pour and Top
I pour the blended mixture into the prepped glass. It’s thick and silky but still sippable through a straw. Then I top it off with a swirl of whipped cream—just enough to crown the drink without taking it over.
4. Garnish for That Extra Pop
For the final touch, I drop a candy blueberry or a small skewer with a blue gummy or sour belt right on top. It makes the whole thing feel like a grown-up slushie from the boardwalk (in the best way).
Make It Your Own
- Turn it into a cocktail: Add a shot (1–1.5 oz) of coconut rum, white rum, or vodka before blending.
- Go dairy-free: Use a plant-based whipped topping or skip it altogether.
- Amp up the fruit: Frozen pineapple chunks or blueberries can be added for a thicker, more smoothie-like texture.
- Serve it frozen: Blend with extra ice and serve in a frosty glass or even as a slushie bowl with a spoon.
What I Serve With This Drink
It’s a standalone treat, but if I’m making it part of a larger spread, I love pairing it with:
- Fruit skewers or tropical fruit salad
- Mini coconut cakes or lemon bars
- Shrimp tacos or pineapple salsa bites for a savory balance
- Blue raspberry candy bowls if I’m going all-in on the theme
FAQs From My Home Bar to Yours
Q: Can I make a big batch for a party?
A: Definitely. Just scale up the ingredients and blend in batches. You can even pour the mix into a drink dispenser and add whipped cream and garnish by the glass.
Q: What if I don’t have blueberry purée?
A: Blend a handful of blueberries with a splash of juice or water until smooth. Strain if you want a cleaner texture, or leave it rustic.
Q: Is coconut cream the same as coconut milk?
A: Nope. Coconut cream is thicker and sweeter—what gives the drink its creamy texture. If you only have coconut milk, you can still use it, but you may need to add sweetener or adjust the ice for thickness.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: You can blend the base ahead and chill it, but for best texture, I blend it fresh right before serving. Whipped cream and garnish go on last.
Why I Keep Coming Back to This Drink
The Ocean Love Colada is the kind of drink that just makes people smile. It’s light, creamy, colorful, and fun to customize for any crowd. Whether you’re going alcohol-free or adding a boozy twist, it delivers that sweet, tropical escape we all crave from time to time.
It’s easy to make, easy to love, and guaranteed to become a go-to anytime you want something different, delicious, and beautiful. So grab your blender, your favorite blue candy, and give this dreamy drink a try.
And if you do—tag me, send a pic, or share your version. I’d love to see how your Ocean Love Colada turns out.
Sweet, Creamy, and Blue: My Ocean Love Colada That Everyone Keeps Asking About
Ingredients
- 1 oz coconut cream
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz blueberry purée
- 2 oz coconut water or white grape juice (for blending)
- crushed candy for rim (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the glass by dipping the rim in water or juice and then in crushed candy.
- In a blender, combine coconut cream, pineapple juice, blueberry purée, and coconut water or white grape juice.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared glass.
- Garnish with additional blueberries or a slice of pineapple, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
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