If you’ve landed here today, thank you for being part of this little tropical moment. I’m thrilled to share one of my favorite summertime sips—this Sunset Passion Colada. It’s the kind of cocktail that instantly brings a little island magic into your day, whether you’re lounging in a beach chair or simply dreaming of your next vacation.

What makes this drink truly special isn’t just its vibrant layers or its coconut-laced flavor. It’s how the two textures—creamy and icy—combine to make every sip an experience. This frozen cocktail is inspired by warm summer nights, strawberry sunsets, and the classic tropical duo: pineapple and coconut. The finishing touch? A bold strawberry swirl that not only brings a pop of color but also a tart, fruity contrast that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Right after the first sip, you’ll taste the cool richness of the piña colada layer, followed by the zingy freshness of strawberry daiquiri. And when it’s all topped with whipped cream, a touch of coconut, and maybe a little umbrella, it becomes something you’ll want to recreate again and again.

Now, let’s dive deep into the delicious world of layered frozen cocktails.

What Is a Sunset Passion Colada?

At its core, the Sunset Passion Colada is a tropical frozen cocktail that combines two separate layers: a traditional piña colada base and a bright, fruity strawberry swirl. Each part is blended separately, then combined in a single glass to create a striking visual effect—a vibrant yellow-to-red gradient that mimics the sky at sunset.

This drink falls into the family of layered cocktails, which often include contrasting textures or colors. It’s perfect for when you want a cocktail that not only tastes like vacation but looks like it too. Unlike shaken or stirred drinks, this one’s built for drama. Think brunch, beach parties, or any special gathering where you want your drinks to be as memorable as the menu.

Reasons to Love This Recipe

This frozen cocktail is so much more than just a pretty face. Here’s why it’s become one of my go-to drink recipes:

Stunning presentation: The sunset layering is incredibly photogenic, making it ideal for summer parties or girls’ night in.
Tropical flavor bomb: Between the pineapple juice, coconut rum, and fresh strawberries, every sip transports you to an island getaway.
Easy to make: No need for bartending skills—just a good blender and a few simple ingredients.
Customizable: Turn it into a mocktail, change up the fruit, or adjust the sweetness to suit your palate.
Perfect for entertaining: This drink is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and can be scaled up for a party or event.

What It Tastes Like

The Sunset Passion Colada is a flavor journey. The base layer is rich and creamy with strong notes of coconut and pineapple—a classic piña colada profile. The strawberry layer brings brightness and a bit of tang, giving a burst of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the mellow sweetness below.

The overall result is smooth, refreshing, and wonderfully balanced. It’s neither too sweet nor too strong, making it perfect for sipping slowly on a warm afternoon. And thanks to its frozen texture, it stays cold longer than most drinks, even under the summer sun.

Health and Hosting Benefits

While this is an indulgent cocktail, there are a few added perks that make it a smart choice for summer hosting:

Dairy-free: Many piña colada mixes are dairy-free, making it friendly for guests with sensitivities.
Naturally gluten-free: There’s no flour or grain-based ingredients, so it’s safe for gluten-free guests.
Easy to make alcohol-free: Just skip the rum and it becomes a sweet frozen treat for all ages.
Visually impactful: The color contrast adds a designer touch to any drink table or buffet.
Batch-friendly: Both layers can be made ahead and stored in the freezer until it’s time to serve.

Ingredients for Sunset Passion Colada

Here’s everything you’ll need to make two servings of this frozen tropical masterpiece.

Piña Colada Layer

1 cup of ice
½ cup of piña colada mix (store-bought or homemade)
2 ounces of coconut rum (or substitute with white rum if preferred)
2 tablespoons of pineapple juice

Strawberry Swirl Layer

½ cup of frozen strawberries
¼ cup of strawberry daiquiri mix (or strawberry syrup)
1 ounce of white rum (optional)
½ cup of ice

Optional Garnishes

Whipped cream
Shredded coconut
Fresh strawberries
Mini umbrellas or colorful straws

Tools You’ll Need

A high-powered blender for smooth results
Measuring cups and spoons
Two tall serving glasses (highball or hurricane glasses work best)
Long-handled spoon or bar spoon for layering
Cocktail straws or decorative stir sticks

Ingredient Substitutions and Additions

One of the joys of cocktails like this is how flexible they are. Here are a few fun ways to change things up:

Use fresh pineapple instead of juice for an even more vibrant flavor.
Swap out the strawberries for mango, raspberry, or passionfruit for a new twist.
Add lime juice to the strawberry layer for a bit of acidity and brightness.
Make it dairy-free and sugar-free by using coconut milk and fresh fruit only.
Top with vanilla ice cream for a boozy dessert float vibe.
Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for a spiced-tropical flavor twist.

How to Make the Sunset Passion Colada

Step 1: Prepare the Piña Colada Layer

In a blender, combine the ice, piña colada mix, pineapple juice, and coconut rum. Blend until the mixture is smooth, thick, and creamy. It should resemble a tropical smoothie in consistency. Pour this into the bottom two-thirds of your tall glasses.

Step 2: Prepare the Strawberry Swirl

Rinse the blender (or use a second one if you’re making several drinks at once). Add the frozen strawberries, daiquiri mix (or syrup), ice, and optional white rum. Blend until smooth and vibrant. The consistency should be pourable but thick enough to float on the piña colada layer.

Step 3: Layer the Drink

Slowly pour or spoon the strawberry mixture on top of the piña colada layer. To achieve the perfect gradient, aim to pour gently down the side of the glass or over the back of a spoon. Avoid stirring to keep the layers distinct.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Top your drink with whipped cream, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, and a fresh strawberry. Serve immediately with a colorful straw or cocktail pick. The visual impact alone is enough to wow your guests—but wait until they taste it.

What to Serve with a Sunset Passion Colada

This tropical drink is a natural pairing for summer foods. Here are a few of my favorites:

Grilled shrimp with pineapple salsa
Mini fish tacos with citrus slaw
Mango chicken skewers
Coconut rice bowls
Spicy jalapeño guacamole and chips
Charcuterie boards with tropical fruits like kiwi, papaya, and starfruit

It also plays beautifully with other tropical or patriotic drinks. If you’re putting together a drink menu, consider including the Blue Caribbean Cocktail for a vibrant blue contrast or the 4th of July Patriotic Punch for a festive theme. For something even more refreshing and fruit-forward, the Sunny Pineapple Punch is a great complement to this cocktail’s creamy character.

Tips for Making the Best Sunset Passion Colada

Use frozen fruit for the best texture. It helps achieve the ideal slushy consistency without watering things down.
Don’t skip layering carefully. Pour the strawberry layer slowly to preserve the visual effect.
Pre-chill your glasses. It helps the layers hold their shape longer and keeps your drink colder.
Double up your batches. If you’re making this for a crowd, you can scale the ingredients up and blend in larger batches.
Adjust sweetness to taste. If your mix is too sweet, a splash of lime juice can brighten and balance it.
Make it kid-friendly. Simply leave out the alcohol and it becomes a fruity frozen treat everyone can enjoy.

Storage Instructions

This cocktail is best served fresh, but if you need to prepare ahead:

Blend each layer separately and store in airtight containers in the freezer.
When ready to serve, let them sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature, then re-blend briefly for a smooth texture.
Don’t attempt to freeze the fully layered drink—melting will ruin the visual effect.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this drink ahead of time?
Yes, but keep the layers separate until you’re ready to serve. Freeze and re-blend before layering.

Can this cocktail be made without alcohol?
Absolutely. Just skip the rum in both layers. It still tastes amazing and looks just as beautiful.

What kind of rum should I use?
Coconut rum adds the most tropical flavor, but white rum works just fine if that’s what you have.

How can I make it less sweet?
Use fresh or frozen fruit instead of mixes, and reduce or skip added syrup. Lime juice also helps cut sweetness.

Do I need a fancy blender?
A standard blender will work, but a high-speed blender will give you the smoothest texture, especially with frozen ingredients.

Can I serve this in smaller glasses?
Yes, you can create mini versions in rocks glasses or even small mason jars. Just keep the layers proportional.

Final Thoughts

The Sunset Passion Colada is more than just a cocktail—it’s an experience. From the very first blend to the final garnish, this drink brings a tropical fantasy to life. Its stunning appearance and bold, fruity flavor make it the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again, especially when summer heat calls for something refreshing and fun.

Whether you’re planning a beach-themed bash, hosting a brunch with friends, or just need a moment of paradise at home, this layered frozen cocktail is a perfect fit. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do—and if you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it went!

Want More Tropical Cocktail Ideas?

Be sure to check out these reader-favorite recipes that pair perfectly with the Sunset Passion Colada:

Share Your Sunset Sips

Did you make this recipe? Tag your photos with #SunsetPassionColada on Pinterest or leave a review below. I love seeing your creations and hearing your feedback.

Nutritional Information (per serving, including alcohol)

Calories: ~280
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Sugar: ~26g
Alcohol: ~1.5 oz per serving
Fat: ~2g (depending on the mix)

Sunset Passion Colada: A Layered Tropical Frozen Cocktail That Tastes Like Vacation

Author: Sam

Print Recipe

Description

This Sunset Passion Colada is everything a frozen cocktail should be—vibrant, creamy, fruity, and layered like a beachy sunset in a glass. With a piña colada base and a strawberry swirl, it’s the kind of summer sip that turns heads and cools you down in the most delicious way. Whether you’re hosting a backyard bash or just dreaming of the islands, this colorful drink brings tropical vibes and serious wow-factor. Bonus? It’s easy to customize and so fun to serve!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Piña Colada Layer:

1 cup ice
½ cup piña colada mix
2 oz coconut rum (or white rum)
2 tbsp pineapple juice

For the Strawberry Swirl Layer:

½ cup frozen strawberries
¼ cup strawberry daiquiri mix (or strawberry syrup)
1 oz white rum (optional)
½ cup ice

Optional Toppings:

Whipped cream
Shredded coconut
Fresh strawberries

Instructions

Blend the Piña Colada Base
In a blender, combine the ice, piña colada mix, coconut rum, and pineapple juice. Blend until smooth, thick, and creamy. Pour into the bottom two-thirds of two tall glasses.
Rinse & Blend the Strawberry Layer
Rinse the blender, then add frozen strawberries, daiquiri mix, ice, and optional white rum. Blend until smooth and vibrant red.
Layer the Drink
Slowly pour or spoon the strawberry mixture over the piña colada layer to create a beautiful sunset effect. Pour gently to avoid mixing the layers.
Garnish and Serve
Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of shredded coconut, and a fresh strawberry if desired. Serve immediately with a fun straw or cocktail pick!

Notes

To make this a mocktail, simply leave out the rum in both layers—it’s still full of tropical flavor!
Use frozen fruit for the smoothest, slushiest texture that holds up in the summer heat.
If your drink is too sweet, add a splash of lime juice to the strawberry layer for balance.
Chill your glasses in advance to keep everything colder, longer—especially on hot days.
Want to prep ahead? Blend each layer separately and freeze. Re-blend briefly before layering to serve.