If you’re on the hunt for a vibrant, refreshing drink that captures the spirit of summer in every colorful swirl, then you’re in for a treat. This CoCo Melon Cocktail is one of those drinks that makes people stop and say, “What IS that?!” — and it tastes even better than it looks. With layers of bright melon, creamy coconut, and a splash of blue raspberry-grape on top, it’s a tropical escape served in a glass. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool, hosting a backyard barbecue, or dreaming of a beach vacation from the comfort of your couch, this cocktail brings serious island vibes.

CoCo Melon Cocktail is more than just a drink; it’s a visual and sensory experience. Every layer brings something different to the table: juicy sweetness from melon, velvety richness from cream of coconut, and a cool, tangy finish thanks to the vivid purple-blue topping. It’s incredibly easy to make and endlessly customizable, perfect as a non-alcoholic mocktail or with a little kick of rum or tequila for grown-up gatherings.

What Is the CoCo Melon Cocktail?

The CoCo Melon Cocktail is a layered tropical drink made with fresh or store-bought melon juice, a rich swirl of cream of coconut and half-and-half, and a vibrant topper made from grape juice and blue raspberry syrup or sports drink. It’s known for its stunning appearance and smooth, sweet taste that appeals to both kids (when made non-alcoholic) and adults.

One of the best things about this drink is its versatility. Depending on your preference, you can spike it with tequila or rum, make it completely alcohol-free, or even turn it into a frozen slush. It’s as flexible as it is beautiful.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

There are cocktails that simply taste good, and then there are cocktails that tell a story. This one does both.

It’s visually captivating: Each layer is carefully poured to create a natural color gradient. The final drink is a pastel-hued dream that looks straight out of a vacation resort.
It’s endlessly adaptable: Want to go alcohol-free? Easy. Prefer a rum version? Done. Have no Midori? No problem.
It brings the flavor of the tropics: Melon, coconut, and berry notes all play together harmoniously.
It’s simple to prepare: No complicated tools or bartending skills needed.
Perfect for parties: Guests love watching it come together — it’s almost a performance in itself.

What Does It Taste Like?

Every sip of the CoCo Melon Cocktail is a layered journey. First, you get the sweet and refreshing melon base, lifted by a hint of lime for brightness. Then comes the creamy, slightly nutty richness of coconut, adding body and smoothness. Finally, you get the tangy pop of the purple-blue raspberry topper, which brings everything together with a satisfying zing. When served over crushed ice, it becomes an incredibly cooling drink that satisfies your thirst and sweet tooth all in one go.

With alcohol added, it leans into beachy cocktail territory—like a fun, layered spin on a piña colada or a Midori sour. Without it, it’s a family-friendly, fruit-forward refreshment perfect for kids’ parties or sunny brunches.

The Benefits of This Recipe

You might think cocktails are all about indulgence—and sure, there’s that—but this one offers more:

Hydration from juice-based ingredients: Fresh melon and coconut both pack hydrating qualities.
Customizable sweetness: You control the syrup, juice, and additions.
Impressive presentation: Ideal for events where aesthetics matter, like showers, picnics, or content shoots.
No blender needed: It’s shaken and poured, making it super accessible.
Can be made in batches: Prep each layer ahead and assemble when ready to serve.

Ingredients List (Makes 2 Tall Drinks)

Melon Base

1 cup melon juice (freshly blended cantaloupe or honeydew, or store-bought)
1 oz Midori (for alcoholic version) or melon-flavored syrup (for non-alcoholic version)
½ oz lime juice (fresh is best)

Coconut Swirl

2 oz cream of coconut (such as Coco López)
1 oz half and half (or use coconut milk for a dairy-free option)

Purple-Blue Layer

½ cup grape juice or blueberry juice
1 oz blue raspberry syrup (or substitute blue Gatorade or another blue sports drink)
Splash of grenadine (optional, for deeper gradient and color contrast)

Optional Alcohol

2 oz white rum or silver tequila (1 oz per glass, stirred in at the end)

Other

Crushed ice (for layering and chill)

Tools You’ll Need

Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
Measuring jigger or small measuring cups
Long spoon or bar spoon (for layering)
Tall clear glasses
Ice crusher (or mallet and zip-top bag for DIY crushed ice)

Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

This cocktail plays well with different ingredients and can be easily adjusted depending on what you have on hand.

No Midori? Use Torani melon syrup or a melon-flavored sports drink.
Prefer a slush? Blend each layer with ice and spoon into glasses for a frozen twist.
Looking for more tang? Add a dash of lemon juice to the grape-blue raspberry layer.
Want extra coconut flavor? Add a splash of coconut water on top.
Allergy-friendly: Replace dairy with oat milk or almond milk to make it vegan.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with Ice
Fill each tall glass halfway with crushed ice. This sets the base for your layers and keeps the drink cold throughout.
Make and Pour the Melon Base
In a cocktail shaker, mix 1 cup of melon juice with 1 oz Midori (or syrup) and ½ oz lime juice. Shake briefly and pour evenly into each glass over the ice.
Add the Coconut Swirl
In a separate container, shake together 2 oz cream of coconut and 1 oz half and half until smooth and creamy. Gently pour into the glass over the melon base. It will swirl through the green layer and begin forming beautiful cloudy streaks.
Top with the Blueberry-Purple Layer
Carefully mix ½ cup grape juice and 1 oz blue raspberry syrup (or blue sports drink). Slowly pour this mixture over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coconut layer. If you’d like more contrast and a deeper purple tone, add a splash of grenadine on top.
Optional: Add Alcohol
For a boozy version, stir in 1 oz of white rum or silver tequila into each drink just before serving. Stir gently if you want to keep the layers intact.
Serve Immediately
Garnish with a melon slice, mint sprig, or even edible flowers for that extra wow factor. Serve with a straw or drink stirrer and enjoy immediately.

What to Serve with the CoCo Melon Cocktail

To complement the tropical flavor profile, serve this cocktail alongside light, summery foods:

Fresh fruit platters featuring pineapple, mango, and strawberries
Shrimp or veggie spring rolls with coconut dipping sauce
Caprese skewers with watermelon or cantaloupe in place of tomato
Tropical ceviche with mango and avocado
Mini pulled pork sliders with pineapple slaw
Coconut shrimp with sweet chili sauce

These dishes enhance the tropical flavors while keeping the overall menu fresh and balanced.

Tips for Making the Best CoCo Melon Cocktail

Chill all liquids ahead of time to help maintain distinct layers when pouring.
Use a bar spoon or pour over the back of a regular spoon to control layering and avoid mixing.
Crushed ice works best to hold the layers and maintain structure.
Shake coconut swirl until very smooth so it pours nicely and looks creamy, not clumpy.
Keep grenadine optional — it’s mainly for aesthetics, and a little goes a long way.

Storage Instructions

While this cocktail is best served fresh, you can prep individual components ahead of time.

Melon Base: Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
Coconut Swirl: Mix and refrigerate, then shake again before pouring.
Purple-Blue Layer: Mix and refrigerate, stir before using.
Assemble Just Before Serving: Do not pre-assemble the drink, as the layers will blend over time and lose their visual appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I make this drink in large batches?
Yes, but you’ll need to layer each drink individually for presentation. Mix each component in a larger container and then portion into glasses just before serving.

Is this drink overly sweet?
It’s sweet but balanced. The lime juice and coconut add a rich but refreshing contrast. You can reduce the syrup or use unsweetened juices to tone it down.

What’s the best alcohol for this drink?
White rum adds smooth, tropical flavor that complements melon and coconut. Tequila gives it a beachy, margarita-style kick.

Can I make it frozen?
Absolutely! Blend each layer with crushed ice and spoon them into glasses in order. It’ll be more like a tropical slush but just as gorgeous.

How can I make it more tart?
Increase the lime juice or add a few drops of lemon to the grape-blue raspberry layer.

Final Thoughts

This CoCo Melon Cocktail is the kind of recipe that turns a regular gathering into a mini vacation. It’s lighthearted, refreshing, and effortlessly stunning. From the juicy melon start to the smooth coconut center and zesty blue top, every sip delivers a tropical twist. Whether you’re making a couple for date night or prepping a tray for a party, this cocktail never fails to wow.

If you enjoyed this colorful, fruity cocktail, you’ll love exploring more tropical layered drinks. Check out these popular recipes:

Each of these recipes adds its own twist to the tropical cocktail trend and is perfect for bringing beachy vibes to any occasion.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Non-Alcoholic Version)

Calories: Approximately 210
Total Fat: 5g
Sugar: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 25mg

CoCo Melon Cocktail: A Tropical Layered Drink Bursting with Summer Vibes

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

This CoCo Melon Cocktail is a vibrant, layered tropical drink made with sweet melon juice, creamy coconut swirl, and a tangy blue raspberry-grape topper. Serve it as a dazzling mocktail or add rum or tequila for an island-style cocktail. It’s a summer-ready showstopper that tastes as good as it looks—perfect for parties, poolside hangouts, or just treating yourself on a sunny afternoon.

Ingredients

Scale

Melon Base

1 cup melon juice (cantaloupe or honeydew, fresh or store-bought)
1 oz Midori or melon-flavored syrup (non-alcoholic version)
½ oz fresh lime juice

Coconut Swirl

2 oz cream of coconut (such as Coco López)
1 oz half and half or full-fat coconut milk

Purple-Blue Layer

½ cup grape juice or blueberry juice
1 oz blue raspberry syrup (or blue sports drink like Gatorade)
Splash of grenadine (optional, for deeper color and visual gradient)

Optional Boozy Boost

2 oz white rum or silver tequila (1 oz per drink)

Other

Crushed ice

Instructions

Fill two tall, clear glasses halfway with crushed ice.
In a shaker, combine melon juice, Midori or melon syrup, and lime juice. Shake briefly and pour into glasses over ice.
In a separate container, shake cream of coconut and half and half until smooth. Slowly pour over the melon base to create a creamy swirl.
Mix grape juice and blue raspberry syrup. Slowly pour the mixture over the back of a spoon to float it on top of the coconut swirl.
Add a splash of grenadine for dramatic ombré effect (optional).
For the adult version, stir in 1 oz of rum or tequila per glass just before serving.
Garnish with a melon slice or mint sprig if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

No Midori? Use a melon-flavored syrup or green sports drink.
For a vegan version, use full-fat coconut milk in place of half and half.
Want to serve it frozen? Blend each layer separately with ice and layer with a spoon.
Chill all liquids ahead of time to help preserve the clean layers.
Prepare components in advance but assemble just before serving to keep the layers distinct.