Strawberries and Cream Cocktail

This refreshing Strawberries and Cream Cocktail combines the sweetness of fresh strawberries with the rich creaminess of coconut for a drink that's perfect for warm evenings on the patio. I created this recipe after experimenting with summer flavors that would highlight seasonal berries while providing that luxurious mouthfeel everyone loves in a specialty cocktail.

The first time I served this at a backyard gathering, my friends couldn't believe it wasn't from an upscale cocktail bar. Now it's my signature drink whenever strawberries are in season.

Ingredients

• White rum: creates the perfect neutral base that allows the strawberry flavor to shine
• Fresh strawberries: bring natural sweetness and beautiful color to the cocktail
• Coconut cream: adds luxurious texture and tropical notes that complement the berries
• Strawberry simple syrup: intensifies the berry flavor without overwhelming the drink
• Ice: is crucial for proper dilution and temperature

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the base:

Add the cut strawberries, white rum and strawberry simple syrup to your cocktail shaker. The strawberries should be ripe and fragrant for the best flavor profile.

Muddle thoroughly:

Use your muddler to press the strawberries firmly until they release their juices and break down. This step extracts the essential oils and flavors from the berries.

Add remaining ingredients:

Pour in the coconut cream and add ice to fill the shaker about two thirds full. The coconut cream should be well mixed before adding.

Shake vigorously:

Secure the lid and shake for at least 15 seconds with enthusiasm. This not only chills the cocktail but also creates that desirable frothy texture.

Prepare your glass:

Fill a cocktail glass halfway with fresh ice, sprinkle in some additional cut strawberry pieces, then top with more ice for visual appeal.

Strain and serve:

Using a fine mesh strainer, pour the shaken mixture over the prepared ice in your glass. The strainer catches any unwanted strawberry bits.

Garnish beautifully:

Place your halved strawberry slice on the rim of the glass or float it on top of the drink for an elegant presentation.

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My absolute favorite part of this cocktail is the way the coconut cream creates a silky texture that coats your palate before the bright strawberry flavor comes through. It reminds me of summers spent picking strawberries with my grandmother who would always save the ripest ones for our special treats.

Making Ahead

You can prepare most components of this cocktail in advance to save time when entertaining. Muddle your strawberries with the simple syrup up to 4 hours before serving and store in the refrigerator. Just add the rum, coconut cream and ice when ready to shake. This preparation makes hosting effortless while still serving a freshly shaken cocktail.

Alcohol Free Version

This cocktail converts beautifully to a nonalcoholic version. Simply replace the white rum with coconut water or white grape juice. The coconut water option creates a lighter, more refreshing drink while the grape juice maintains the sweetness level of the original. Either way, you still get the gorgeous color and strawberry flavor that makes this drink special.

Choosing The Right Glassware

The presentation of this cocktail matters almost as much as the taste. I recommend serving in a rocks glass or small tumbler that shows off the beautiful pink color. Avoid tall, narrow glasses as they concentrate the drink too much and limit the aromatic experience. A wider opening allows the strawberry fragrance to reach your nose with each sip, enhancing the overall drinking experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I prepare the strawberries for this cocktail?

Cut 2-3 strawberries into small pieces for muddling and slice one strawberry in half for garnishing.

→ Can I use a different type of rum?

Yes, you can experiment with other rum varieties like dark or spiced rum, but white rum complements the fresh strawberry and coconut flavors best.

→ What can I use as a substitute for coconut cream?

You can substitute coconut cream with heavy cream or coconut milk, but keep in mind it may alter the drink's creamy texture slightly.

→ How do I make strawberry simple syrup?

Combine equal parts water, sugar, and sliced strawberries in a saucepan. Simmer until the strawberries break down, then strain and cool.

→ Why do I need to shake the drink vigorously?

Shaking helps blend the ingredients thoroughly and gives the cocktail a smooth, creamy consistency.