The Ocean Love Colada isn’t just another frozen drink it’s summer magic in a glass. Creamy, fruity, and impossibly blue, this tropical blend was born in my Ohio kitchen after a beach vacation left me dreaming of coconut and pineapple. With a swirl of blueberry and a splash of bold color, it’s a drink that feels like vacation. Whether you’re going for the classic cocktail or a family-friendly version, the Ocean Love Colada delivers big flavor and fun. I’ve perfected this recipe with tips for the creamiest texture and most vibrant, natural color options you won’t find anywhere else.
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What is an Ocean Love Colada?
A Tropical Twist on the Classic Piña Colada
The Ocean Love Colada is a tropical twist on the beloved piña colada. This drink blends coconut cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice into a smooth, icy base that’s as refreshing as a beach breeze. What sets the Ocean Love Colada apart is its vibrant blue color and swirls of blueberry puree like little waves drifting through paradise in a glass.
This playful and indulgent cocktail is designed to be visually stunning, making it an instant favorite at parties and beach-themed gatherings. The signature blue hue traditionally comes from a citrusy blue curaçao, but this recipe also explores natural alternatives for that perfect ocean look.
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Stunning Ocean Love Colada Recipe: A Bold Blue Tropical Escape in a Glass
A tropical Ocean Love Colada with coconut rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and blueberry swirl. Includes mocktail version.
- Total Time: 5 mins
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Ingredients
2 oz coconut rum
1 oz blue curaçao
1 oz pineapple juice
1 oz coconut cream
½ cup crushed ice
1 tbsp blueberry puree
Whipped cream (for topping)
Garnish: pineapple wedge and blueberries
Instructions
1. Add coconut rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice to a blender.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Pour the blended base into a chilled glass.
4. Slowly drizzle blue curaçao over the top.
5. Add blueberry puree and gently swirl with a spoon.
6. Top with whipped cream and garnish with pineapple and berries.
Notes
-
For parties, you can pre-blend the base and store it in the freezer for up to one hour before serving.
-
Use blue spirulina or butterfly pea tea as natural blue color alternatives.
-
To make a mocktail, replace rum with coconut water and blue curaçao with blue raspberry syrup or citrus soda.
- Pro-Tip’ bullet point: ‘For the perfect swirl, use a clear straw or chopstick to gently guide the colors. This gives you more control and a more artistic effect.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 0 mins
- Category: Drinks
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
It’s creamy, fruity, and citrusy all at once, making it ideal for summer parties, beach-themed birthdays, or just a relaxing evening at home. If you want something that feels like vacation but is easy to make at home, this cocktail delivers. Try pairing it with something like our Artichoke Parmesan Tilapia for an elevated ocean-themed menu.
Blue, Bold, and Beautiful
The Ocean Love Colada gets its name from the stunning ocean-like swirl that floats through each glass. While the flavor is undeniably tropical, it’s the presentation that makes people stop, stare, and say, “What is that?”
Traditionally, the striking blue hue comes from blue curaçao a citrusy liqueur that not only adds color but a subtle sweet-orange bite. But for those seeking natural alternatives, blue spirulina or butterfly pea flower tea offer clean, vibrant pigments without artificial dyes. Blue spirulina delivers a bold hue with superfood status, while butterfly pea changes color depending on pH meaning it shifts beautifully when mixed with pineapple juice.
Pro-Tip: Mastering the Swirl
Creating that perfect, oceanic swirl isn’t just about layering it’s about understanding liquid density. Blue curaçao is heavier (more sugary) than the icy, airy base of the Ocean Love Colada. When poured carefully, it sinks slowly, trailing through the drink like a ripple in shallow water.
Troubleshooting Common Swirl Fails:
- Problem: The colors mixed immediately
Solution: Your base was too thin add more crushed ice or frozen fruit for thickness. - Problem: The blue sank straight to the bottom
Solution: Pour too quickly or from too high use the back of a spoon to slow it down. - Problem: The drink separated after sitting
Solution: Serve immediately or gently stir with a straw before sipping.
Ingredients and Variations of Ocean Love Colada
Classic Ingredients for That Tropical Vibe
Here’s what you need to create the Ocean Love Colada in its original glory. This creamy, crushed-ice cocktail gets its flavor from a trio of tropical essentials:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Coconut Rum | 2 oz |
| Blue Curaçao | 1 oz |
| Pineapple Juice | 1 oz |
| Coconut Cream | 1 oz |
| Crushed Ice | ½ cup |
| Blueberry Puree | 1 tbsp |
| Whipped Cream | For topping |
| Pineapple Wedge & Blueberries | For garnish |
For a deeper coconut flavor, chill your coconut cream in the fridge before blending. And for a more vivid swirl, pour the blue curaçao gently after blending the main mix over the back of a spoon works beautifully!
Mocktail Version: How to Make It Non-Alcoholic
You don’t need rum or liqueur to enjoy this drink’s beachy beauty. Turning your Ocean Love Colada into a non-alcoholic version is easy and still bursting with tropical flavor.
| Classic Ingredient | Non-Alcoholic Swap |
|---|---|
| Coconut Rum | Coconut water + ¼ tsp coconut extract |
| Blue Curaçao | Blue raspberry syrup or lemon-lime soda + a drop of natural blue dye |
| Pineapple Juice, Coconut Cream, Blueberry Puree | No change needed |
Bonus: Add frozen banana or mango chunks for a naturally thicker texture and extra tropical flavor. Perfect for kids or anyone skipping alcohol!
Still curious about natural coloring? Check out this naturally vibrant Blue Spirulina Smoothie for ingredient ideas.
How to Make the Ocean Love Colada Step-by-Step
Blending the Base for the Perfect Sip
The magic of the Ocean Love Colada starts with the right blend. Add coconut rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and crushed ice to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy but not too runny. This is the tropical heart of the Ocean Love Colada and where all the signature creaminess comes from.
Once blended, pour the base into a chilled hurricane glass or any tall cocktail glass. Use a spatula to gently smooth the top so it’s ready for the next step. If you plan to serve multiple guests, make a large batch and store it in the freezer. It keeps well for up to one hour without separating.
Creating the Ocean Swirl and Garnish
Here’s where the Ocean Love Colada earns its name. Slowly drizzle the blue curaçao on top of the blended mix. For the best swirl, use the back of a spoon to guide the liquid. Then add a tablespoon of blueberry puree and gently stir once to create a marbled ocean effect.
Top with a swirl of whipped cream. Add a pineapple wedge and a few frozen or fresh blueberries to the rim. If you like, serve with a striped straw for a beach-bar finish.
This cocktail pairs beautifully with Coconut Shrimp, Grilled Pineapple Chicken Skewers, or a bowl of Spicy Mango Salsa and Tortilla Chips. Keep the menu light, fruity, and full of island vibes.
Party Tips, Substitutions, and Natural Variations
Serving the Ocean Love Colada at Parties
When you’re making the Ocean Love Colada for a crowd, batching it in a blender saves time. Use a ratio-based approach. For every 1 cup of crushed ice, mix 4 oz coconut rum, 2 oz pineapple juice, 2 oz coconut cream, and 1 oz blue curaçao. Blend in batches and store in the freezer until guests arrive.
To serve, keep the Ocean Love Colada base cold in a punch bowl over ice. Offer optional add-ins like extra puree, dark rum floaters, or whipped cream on the side. For a fun presentation, line the rim of each glass with shredded coconut or crushed pineapple candy.
Want even more inspiration? Try balancing the sweetness with something savory like a Cheesy Garlic Butter Mushroom Chicken for a memorable meal.
Substitutions and Natural Blue Options
No blue curaçao? No problem. For a non-alcoholic alternative, try blue raspberry syrup or even a citrus soda with a few drops of natural food coloring. You can also mix lemon-lime soda with blue spirulina powder for a refreshing twist.
To replace coconut rum, use plain white rum and add a dash of coconut extract. For an alcohol-free Ocean Love Colada, stick with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice, then top with syrup or spirulina for color.
Butterfly pea flower tea is another natural color enhancer. Brew it strong and pour it chilled into the drink before serving. It reacts with pineapple juice to create beautiful purple and blue gradients.
No matter how you make it, the Ocean Love Colada offers endless variations while staying true to its creamy, coastal roots.
Conclusion
The Ocean Love Colada is more than just a pretty drink it’s an easy-to-make showstopper packed with creamy, tropical flavor and eye-catching color. Whether you’re sipping the original with coconut rum or blending up the non-alcoholic version for a sunny afternoon treat, this recipe delivers on both taste and presentation.
With its smooth pineapple coconut base, striking swirl of blue curaçao or spirulina, and playful garnish, the Ocean Love Colada brings beach-bar energy straight to your kitchen. It’s a drink that’s just as fun to make as it is to serve, and always a hit at gatherings.
So next time you want something fresh, fun, and unforgettable, skip the boring and blend up this vibrant cocktail. The Ocean Love Colada might just become your new signature summer sip.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make an Ocean Love Colada?
To make an Ocean Love Colada, blend coconut rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and crushed ice until smooth. Pour the mix into a chilled glass. Then slowly drizzle blue curaçao and blueberry puree on top to create the ocean swirl. Garnish with whipped cream, a pineapple wedge, and fresh blueberries.
Can I make the Ocean Love Colada ahead of time?
Yes. You can blend the base ahead and store it in the freezer for up to one hour. If batching for a party, blend in batches and chill until just before serving. Add the swirl and garnish fresh.
How to make a coastal colada?
A coastal colada is another variation of the piña colada. To make one, blend pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum with crushed ice. Add a tropical twist by incorporating a fruit swirl like blueberry or mango puree. The Ocean Love Colada is considered a coastal-style drink because of its ocean-inspired color and fruity layers.
What are the ingredients in the Ocean Breeze piña colada?
The Ocean Breeze version often includes blue curaçao, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream very similar to the Ocean Love Colada. Some variations also use lemon-lime soda or vanilla syrup to add a citrusy lift.
Is this recipe vegan and dairy-free?
Absolutely. As long as you use a plant-based whipped topping (or skip it), all other ingredients like coconut cream, fruit juice, and natural colorants are vegan and dairy-free.
Do you put coconut water or milk in a piña colada?
Traditionally, piña coladas use coconut cream for richness. Coconut milk can work as a lighter option, while coconut water gives a thinner texture. For the Ocean Love Colada, coconut cream is the best choice to create that velvety, tropical base.
