Short Description
A vibrant, tropical layered cocktail blending strawberry, banana, and coconut flavors into a visually stunning “lava flow” with rum—a refreshing paradise in a glass.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love this drink because:
- It’s visually gorgeous, with the red strawberry layer flowing into creamy banana-coconut—like lava.
- Combines tropical flavors—strawberries, banana, coconut, and pineapple—with a hint of rum.
- Perfect for summer parties, beach-themed gatherings, or mocktail versions by omitting alcohol.
- Easy to make but looks and tastes gourmet.

Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 2 oz frozen strawberries
- 1 oz light rum
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 1 banana
- 2 oz cream of coconut
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 1 cup ice
Directions
- Make the Strawberry Layer
In a blender, combine frozen strawberries, light rum, and coconut rum. Blend until smooth. Pour into a tall glass and set aside to settle. - Make the Banana‑Coconut Layer
Rinse the blender. Add banana, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and ice. Blend until smooth and creamy. - Create the Lava Flow Effect
Slowly pour the banana‑coconut mixture into the glass over the strawberry layer. It will sink and swirl, forming a lava-like effect. - Garnish and Serve
Garnish with pineapple chunks, a cocktail umbrella, or a strawberry slice. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 1 large drink (about 12–14 oz)
- Prep Time: ~5 minutes
- Total Time: About 5 minutes — perfect for instant indulgence
Variations
- Make it alcohol-free: omit rums and use additional pineapple juice or coconut water for a mocktail.
- Add a splash of grenadine or raspberry syrup for deeper red contrast in the strawberry layer.
- Use frozen banana chunks for an ultra-thick, smoothie-like texture.
- Garnish with toasted coconut flakes or maraschino cherries for extra tropical flair.
- Blend in fresh mango or passion fruit with the banana layer for extra fruity complexity.
Storage/Reheating
- Best consumed immediately—the layered effect and creamy texture won’t hold if stored.
- No reheating required. Serve chilled right after blending for peak enjoyment.

FAQs
What Is a Lava Flow Drink?
A layered tropical drink that features a red strawberry puree base and a creamy banana‑coconut second layer, mimicking flowing lava with bold flavor.
Can I Make It Non-Alcoholic?
Yes. Skip both rums and replace with coconut water or pineapple juice—still delicious without alcohol.
Can I Use Canned Coconut Cream?
Cream of coconut (such as Coco López) is sweetened and thicker. Canned coconut cream can work, but may need added sweetener and blending.
Should I Use Fresh or Frozen Banana?
Both work—but frozen banana helps thicken the drink for a smoother, more iced texture.
Can I Use Strawberry Syrup Instead of Frozen Strawberries?
Frozen strawberries add texture and freshness. But in a pinch, strawberry syrup or juice may work—just be mindful of sweetness and pigmentation.
Can I Make Multiple Servings at Once?
Yes—double or triple ingredients and blend in batches. Pour in sequence into individual glasses for each serving.
Why Rinse the Blender?
To prevent flavors from mixing and ensure the strawberry and banana layers remain visually separated.
What Glassware Works Best?
Use a tall, clear glass (like a hurricane glass) to showcase the flowing layers and swirling colors.
Can I Add Alcohol to the Banana Layer?
You can—add an extra ½ oz coconut rum or light rum to the banana mixture for stronger flavor and booziness.
Is This Drink Suitable for Kids?
If made without alcohol and using fruit juices, it makes a fun and festive mocktail for kids or teens to enjoy.
Conclusion
The Lava Flow Drink is a showstopper: a silky, tropical blend of strawberry, banana, coconut, and pineapple layered beautifully and enhanced with rum. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or craving a mini-vacation in a glass, its flavor and appearance bring a taste of paradise right to your table. Enjoy!
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Lava Flow Drink
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 drink
- Diet: Halal
Description
A visually stunning tropical cocktail layering strawberry, banana, and cream of coconut over rum to create a beautiful lava-flow effect—tastes like paradise in a glass.
Ingredients
2 oz frozen strawberries
1 oz light rum
1 oz coconut rum
1 banana
2 oz cream of coconut
2 oz pineapple juice
1 cup ice
Instructions
- In a blender, combine frozen strawberries, light rum, and coconut rum. Blend until smooth, then pour into a tall glass and allow it to settle.
- Rinse the blender. Add banana, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and ice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Slowly pour the banana‑coconut mixture into the strawberry base to achieve a swirling lava-flow effect.
- Garnish with pineapple chunks, strawberry slice, toasted coconut, or a cocktail umbrella as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the layered tropical flavors.
Notes
- For a mocktail version, omit the rum and replace with coconut water or extra pineapple juice.
- Use frozen banana or mango to thicken the banana‑coconut layer.
- Rinse the blender between layers to preserve visual separation.
- Adjust syrup or fruit sweetness for personal taste.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blended/Layered
- Cuisine: Tropical/Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 drink (~12–14 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg