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The first time I tasted a Lava Flow Drink, it felt like a vacation in a glass. I was sitting by the pool on a summer afternoon when a friend surprised me with a colorful drink that looked like a volcano had erupted right into the cup. The creamy coconut, bright pineapple, and sweet strawberries instantly made me feel like I was somewhere tropical. Now, anytime I need a quick escape from the everyday, this easy Lava Flow Drink is my go-to treat.

Why You’ll Love This Lava Flow Drink
- Ready in Just 5 Minutes: Quick and easy to whip up.
- Burst of Tropical Flavors: Coconut, pineapple, banana, and strawberries.
- Fun for Parties: Looks impressive without being complicated.
- Easily Adaptable: Make it with or without alcohol.
- Naturally Sweetened: Real fruit brings all the flavor you need.
Ingredients for Lava Flow Drink
- Frozen strawberries: Essential for that vibrant “lava” effect. I love freezing ripe strawberries from the farmer’s market.
- Coconut rum: Brings a smooth tropical flavor.
- Light rum: Adds a touch of strength without overpowering the drink.
- Ripe banana: Adds creaminess and a natural hint of sweetness.
- Pineapple juice: Fresh pineapple juice makes a noticeable difference.
- Coconut milk: Full-fat canned coconut milk creates the richest texture.
- Fresh pineapple, for garnish: Makes the drink feel festive and fun.
See the recipe card below for full measurements.
How to Make a Lava Flow Drink
1. Blend the Strawberries
Blend the frozen strawberries until smooth. If needed, add a splash of pineapple juice to help it blend. I always sneak a little taste here because it’s like a mini sorbet.
2. Pour the Strawberry Puree
Evenly divide the strawberry puree between two tall glasses. This will settle at the bottom to create the “lava.”
3. Blend the Tropical Mixture
After rinsing the blender, add the coconut rum, light rum, banana, pineapple juice, and coconut milk. Blend until completely smooth.
4. Create the Lava Flow
Slowly pour the coconut-pineapple mixture over the strawberry puree. Watch the “lava” rise and swirl through the drink. Sometimes I use a straw to make extra pretty patterns.
5. Garnish and Enjoy
Top with a fresh pineapple wedge. Serve immediately to enjoy the colorful swirls at their best.

Pro Tips for a Perfect Lava Flow Drink
- Use Ripe Bananas: They blend smoothly and make the drink naturally sweeter.
- Chill the Glasses: A few minutes in the freezer helps keep the drink cold.
- Customize the Sweetness: Add a little simple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
- Mocktail Version: Replace the rum with extra pineapple juice for a family-friendly option.
Recommended Equipment for This Recipe
- High-powered blender
- Tall glasses
- Long spoons
- Ice cube trays (for freezing strawberries)
- Fun drink umbrellas or pineapple picks
These simple tools make creating your Lava Flow Drink effortless and fun.
Serving Suggestions
- Backyard BBQ: Serve with grilled shrimp skewers and tropical salsa.
- Beach Party: Pair with fresh fruit platters and grilled chicken.
- Poolside Gathering: Offer Lava Flow Drinks with light appetizers like coconut shrimp.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Best Fresh: Serve immediately for the best swirl effect.
- Strawberry Puree: You can make the strawberry layer a few hours ahead and keep it chilled.
- Freeze Leftovers: Pour any leftovers into popsicle molds for a refreshing treat.
Variations to Try
- Mango Lava Flow: Substitute frozen mango for strawberries.
- Berry Blend: Use a mix of frozen raspberries and blueberries.
- Extra Coconut: Swap pineapple juice for coconut water for a double coconut version.
Closing Thoughts
This Lava Flow Drink is pure tropical joy in a glass. With creamy coconut, sweet strawberries, and a sunny pineapple finish, it’s the perfect way to bring a little island magic to any day. Don’t forget to check the recommended tools above to make creating this dreamy drink even easier!
FAQs
Can I make a Lava Flow without alcohol? Yes. Simply replace the rum with extra pineapple juice for a delicious tropical mocktail.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen? If you use fresh, freeze them first to get the right texture and visual lava effect.
What type of coconut milk should I use? Full-fat canned coconut milk works best for a creamy, rich drink.
Can I prepare this drink ahead of time? You can prep the strawberry base early, but assemble just before serving to keep the lava flow look.
Is this drink dairy-free? Yes. This recipe uses coconut milk and contains no dairy products.


Lava Flow Drink
Equipment
- Blender
- Hurricane Glass
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups frozen strawberries
- 2 ounces coconut rum
- 2 ounces light rum
- 1 ripe banana
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- 4 ounces coconut milk full-fat preferred
- fresh pineapple for garnish
Instructions
- To a blender, add the strawberries, coconut rum, and light rum. Process until smooth. Pour the mixture into a hurricane glass.
- Rinse out the blender. Then, add banana, pineapple juice, and coconut milk. Process until smooth.
- Pour the coconut mixture over the strawberry mixture. The red will swirl into the drink like flowing lava.
- Garnish with pineapple and serve. Cheers!
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