Hawaiian Lava Flow Cocktail

Layer strawberry purée with coconut-pineapple slush in this Hawaiian lava flow cocktail for a sweet sip that looks like molten lava and tastes like island sunshine.

You might also like Hawaiian macaroni salad, Hawaiian pork tenderloin, slow cooker Hawaiian ribs, and BBQ chicken foil packs.

Why You’ll Love It

Tropical flavor: Ripe fruit and creamy coconut instantly transport you to the islands.
Gorgeous presentation: Swirling red and white layers create a stunning lava-like effect.
Quick prep: Just blend, pour and enjoy in minutes with minimal fuss.
Customizable strength: Adjust the amount of rum to suit any crowd or occasion.

Lava Flow Drink Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

White rum: Smooth base spirit with subtle sweetness.
Frozen strawberries: Provide vibrant color and fruity richness.
Crushed ice: Chills and creates slushy texture.
Fresh pineapple juice: Adds tangy tropical brightness.
Cream of coconut: Brings creamy, sweet coconut body.
Pineapple wedge: Garnish that adds aroma and island flair.

How to Make Hawaiian Lava Flow

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Blend strawberry layer: Purée frozen strawberries with rum until smooth.
Pour and reset: Transfer purée to glass, rinse the blender.
Blend coconut layer: Combine crushed ice, pineapple juice and cream of coconut until slushy.
Layer and swirl: Spoon coconut mixture over strawberry then swirl gently for the lava effect.
Garnish: Finish with a pineapple wedge and optional umbrella.

Substitutions and Variations

Use coconut rum: Adds toasted coconut sweetness in place of white rum.
Make it a mocktail: Skip the alcohol and add extra pineapple juice for a family friendly treat.
Raspberry swap: Blend frozen raspberries instead of strawberries for tangier flavor and vivid color.
Cream of coconut: If you can’t find it, you can use sweetened condensed milk mixed with a little coconut extract, 2 parts heavy whipping cream mixed with 1 part coconut cream powder, or the top layer of canned full-fat coconut milk (don’t shake the can first – the thickest coconut milk will be sitting on top).
Green lava: The red is very pretty but it’s not your only option! For green, juice a celery stalk, 4 kale leaves and a green apple, adding ½ sugar if it’s too tart.
Yellow lava:  Use 3 ounces of frozen or fresh pineapple, orange or mango juice. This one could be garnished with a wedge of mango instead of the pineapple.
Orange lava: Combine 3 ounces of carrot extract with the rum and decorate the glass with a slice of orange.
Purple lava: Use 3 ounces of frozen or fresh blackberries or blueberries. You can also use some of each. Decorate this drink with a few large blueberries on a cocktail skewer.

Serving Suggestions

Appetizers: Begin your meal with a Hawaiian lava flow cocktail and some scallop skewers or smoked jerk shrimp.
Main dishes: Hawaiian chicken with a crispy smashed potato salad or Greek salad would be delicious next.
Desserts: Finish your meal with blueberry cheesecake ice cream or pineapple lush. And another Hawaiian lava flow!

How to Store Hawaiian Lava Flow Cocktails

Store: As this is a layered drink, it’s best served freshly made. If you do have leftovers, you can refrigerate them for up to a day but the drink won’t look as pretty.
Freeze: You can freeze it if you want a frozen lava flow variation!