Servings: 2 tall glasses | Total Time: 15 minutes
A Tropical Drink That Steals the Show 🍓🥭🍍🥥
If you want to make a drink that looks just as amazing as it tastes—this is it.
The rainbow layered piña colada is a frozen cocktail with stacked layers of real tropical fruit like strawberry, mango, pineapple, and coconut.
Each layer is sweet and fruity, but when you blend them all together, it’s like a tropical vacation in every sip.
Plus, it looks seriously stunning.
🛒 What You’ll Need
For each layer:
- Strawberry Layer
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 oz white rum
- 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice
- Mango Layer
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1 oz white rum
- 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice
- Pineapple Layer
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 oz white rum
- 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice
- Coconut Layer
- 1/3 cup cream of coconut
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 cup ice
Optional Garnish: pineapple slice, cherry, umbrella
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
I made this the first time for a backyard summer party, and I swear—everyone stopped to ask what it was. It’s got all the tropical colada flavor you love, but with extra fruit layers that make it taste even better.
- It looks incredible layered in the glass
- Every sip has a different flavor combo
- Made with frozen fruit—easy and refreshing
- Sweet, creamy, tart, and just a little boozy
- Perfect for parties or making someone feel special
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Frozen fruit gives each layer a thick, slushy texture that holds its shape
- Cream of coconut adds richness and sweetness for the perfect colada base
- Layering from heaviest to lightest keeps everything stacked and separate
- Pineapple juice thins out the fruit just enough to blend smoothly
- Rum adds that classic cocktail base and ties the flavors together
🚫 Common Mistakes
- Over-blending the fruit layers – They’ll get too thin and run together
- Using fresh fruit instead of frozen – It won’t hold the layers
- Pouring too fast when layering – Take your time to keep it separated
- Skipping the pineapple juice – You need a bit of liquid to blend the fruit smoothly
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender (can rinse and reuse for each layer)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tall glasses
- Spoon (for slow pouring/layering)
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap rum with coconut rum for more coconut flavor
- Make it a mocktail by skipping the rum and using coconut water
- Add frozen banana to the coconut layer for extra creaminess
- Use papaya or kiwi instead of mango for fun variations
⏲️ Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prep and freeze each purée in separate containers ahead of time
- Just let each one thaw slightly before layering for easy pouring
👩🍳 How to Make Rainbow Layered Piña Colada
Step 1: Blend Strawberry Layer
In a blender, combine:
- 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
- 1 oz white rum
- 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice
Blend until smooth and slushy. Pour into bottom of glass.
Step 2: Blend Mango Layer
Rinse blender, then blend:
- 1/2 cup frozen mango
- 1 oz white rum
- 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice
Carefully spoon or pour this over the strawberry layer.
Step 3: Blend Pineapple Layer
Rinse blender again, then blend:
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 1 oz white rum
- 1–2 tbsp pineapple juice
Layer this over the mango layer.
Step 4: Blend Coconut Layer
Final rinse! Then blend:
- 1/3 cup cream of coconut
- 1 oz white rum
- 1 cup ice
Blend until thick and creamy. Spoon gently on top of the pineapple layer.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top the glass with a pineapple wedge, cherry, and a cute paper umbrella. Serve immediately with a straw or long spoon.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Best enjoyed right away (it melts fast!)
- You can freeze leftover layers separately and re-blend later
- Pour leftovers into popsicle molds for tropical frozen treats
🍽 What to Serve With It
- Grilled jerk chicken
- Shrimp ceviche
- Tropical fruit skewers
- Mini fish tacos
- Coconut rice bowls
❓ FAQ
Can I skip the rum?
Totally! Just use a splash more pineapple juice or coconut water in each layer.
Do I have to use frozen fruit?
Yes, for the layers to hold—fresh fruit won’t give that slushy texture.
Can I make this ahead?
You can blend each layer ahead and freeze, but layer right before serving for best look and texture.
Will the layers mix together?
A little, but if you pour slowly and keep layers thick, they’ll stay mostly separate.
🌴 Wrap-Up
This rainbow layered piña colada is more than just a drink—it’s a tropical experience. It’s fruity, boozy, icy, and just plain gorgeous. Try it out, snap a pic, and tell me how yours turned out. I’d love to see your version!
