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Get ready for a burst of color and flavor with this layered Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian cocktail. You’ll blend smooth tequila, zippy lemonade, bold blue Hawaiian, and fresh strawberry purée for a glass that tastes as good as it looks. I whipped this up for a laid-back beach bash last summer and now everyone asks for it by name.
When I served these at my sister’s birthday by the pool, folks were so busy snapping pictures they barely remembered to take a sip! The drink got more praise than the party decorations.
Luscious Ingredients
- Fresh strawberry for garnish: Top off your drink with a juicy pop of color
- Ice: Keeps each layer cool and sharp instead of all mixing together
- On The Rocks Blue Hawaiian: That punch of tropical flavors—think blue curaçao, coconut, and pineapple—plus a gorgeous blue layer
- Calypso Lemonade: Delivers a tangy, sweet brightness that cuts the booze
- Patron Tequila: Crisp silver tequila lays the groundwork without hiding those fruity notes
- Strawberry purée: The base flavor and color that sets this drink up for greatness
Foolproof Steps
- Finish with a showy garnish:
- Clip a fresh strawberry on the edge or stab it on a pick with pineapple if you’re feeling extra. Totally ups the wow-factor and hints at what’s inside.
- Float the blue layer:
- For the grand finale, tilt your glass and let the Blue Hawaiian glide gently over the back of a spoon—just above your drink—to keep those layers neat.
- Pour in tequila and lemonade:
- Splash your Patron and lemonade over the icy cubes, which helps them spread out. You’ll get a nice fade between the red and clear parts.
- Add some ice:
- Chuck in ice cubes until your glass is about three-fourths full—chunky ice slows the mixing so you get better stripes.
- Layer in the strawberry purée:
- Spoon your strawberry purée down into a tall clear glass until the bottom’s covered. It should look bold and red, no clumps. Smooth it out for a nice base.
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I’m obsessed with how the tequila and strawberry blend together here. First time I tried it, my husband swore it tasted just like our Maui honeymoon drinks. It’s become our annual anniversary treat ever since.
Layering Made Simple
To keep those colors tidy, it all comes down to how heavy each part is. Strawberry purée is thickest and sinks, juices and booze sit in the middle, and the Blue Hawaiian chills on top ’cause it’s lighter. Keeping everything chilly helps stop the colors from mixing too soon.
When you stack each piece, go slow and steady. After adding the base, pour the next bit softly over your ice so you don’t mess up the layers. The blue finish? Pour it carefully over the round side of a spoon held right above the drink—this way, it lands gentle and stays put.
Make It Yours
You can mix this up however you like. Want it boozier? Bump Patron to 2.5 ounces. Craving sugar? Stir a little simple syrup into the purée. Hoping for even more island flavor? Try pineapple juice instead of lemonade. For some kick, muddle jalapeño into the strawberry before you start—it’s sweet and spicy in the best way.
It’s fun to play with looks, too. Dip the glass rim in coconut for beach vibes or serve in flutes to make it fancy. The colors are spot-on for Fourth of July or any blue-and-red event you’re throwing.
Serving Ideas
This drink steals the show with a spread of coconut shrimp, chips plus mango salsa, or classic Hawaiian poke bowls to really nail the island feel. Keep dessert breezy—fruit kebabs or some coconut macaroons pair great and don’t out-sweet the drink.
If you want easy entertaining, set up a DIY bar. Pre-portion what you need in little pitchers, demo the whole layering trick once, and then let friends build their own drinks (after you’ve got everything nice and cold).
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Recipe FAQs
- → What’s the trick to layering the blue Hawaiian perfectly?
Slowly pour the Blue Hawaiian over the back of a spoon. This gentle method lets it settle on top of the lemonade and tequila mix, creating a neat layered look.
- → Can I skip the alcohol in this drink?
Absolutely! Swap the tequila for coconut water and replace the blue Hawaiian layer with something like a blue raspberry sports drink. It’s just as refreshing!
- → What can I do if I’m out of strawberry purée?
No purée? No problem. Blend some strawberries with a squeeze of lemon and a pinch of sugar. It’s quick and tastes just as fruity!
- → How do I prep ahead of time for a group?
You can mix the tequila and lemonade early. Keep everything cold so your layers stay neat and don’t mix too quickly when you build the drink.
- → Any other garnishing ideas to try?
Yes! Pineapple chunks, edible blooms, or even little cocktail umbrellas can bring a fun, tropical vibe to your glass.