Fitness / July 2, 2023

The Best Miami Vice Cocktail Recipe

Your taste buds will think they’re in sunny Miami after one sip of this vibrant and refreshing Miami Vice cocktail. It looks gorgeous, layered with care, and combines the tastes of a strawberry daiquiri and a piña colada.

Table of Contents

A Miami Vice is what we call the marriage of two classic tropical favorites: a strawberry daiquiri and a piña colada. One taste and you’re transported to the sunny beaches of Miami (though I’m not sure Don Johnson will join you). This is a fun one to serve at poolside parties as well, as it looks bright and fruity and will cool you and your guests off in no time.

Sometimes I can’t decide between the creaminess of a pina colada and fruity flavor of a strawberry daiquiri. Both are known for their tropical flavors, both are associated with beach fun and resort getaways. So, instead of choosing, I just make a Miami Vice and get the best of both worlds!

INGREDIENTS

2 oz light rum
1 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
2 oz strawberries (you can also use strawberry puree)
1 oz simple syrup
1 oz cream of coconut
2 oz pineapple juice
1 cup ice (divided)

Equipment Needed

A blender (for blending the strawberry daiquiri and piña colada mixtures)
A measuring device (like a jigger or measuring spoons) for the light rum, lime juice, simple syrup, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice
A separate container (to pour and set aside the strawberry daiquiri mixture)
A hurricane glass or tall cocktail glass (for serving the cocktail)
A spatula or spoon (optional, for helping to layer the piña colada mixture on top of the strawberry daiquiri)
A cocktail umbrella and a straw (to garnish)

INSTRUCTIONS

Blend (The Daiquiri)

In a blender, add 1/2 cup of ice, 1 oz light rum, strawberries, lime juice, and simple syrup. Blend until smooth. Pour the strawberry daiquiri mixture into a separate container and set aside.

Blend (The Pina Colada)

In a cleaned blender, add another 1/2 cup of ice, 1 oz light rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice then blend until smooth.

Layer

Pour the strawberry daiquiri mixture in a glass halfway. Layer carefully the piña colada mixture on top of the strawberry daiquiri, filling the rest of the glass.

Garnish

Garnish with a strawberry or pineapple slice and a cocktail umbrella (optional). Serve with a straw and enjoy your Miami Vice Cocktail!

Tips and Tricks

Choose high-quality ingredients: Like most recipes, the quality of the ingredients will have a huge impact on the quality of your cocktail. For a Miami Vice, I recommend fresh strawberries, ripe pineapples, and premium rum.
Careful with the ice: Pay attention to how much ice you use. Too much and your cocktail will be too thick; not enough and it will be too thin. I recommend blending each components one at a time until you achieve a silky texture.
Layering hack: Pour the piña colada mixture gently over the back of a spoon (a bit like one of those layered shots), and into the glass of strawberry daiquiri mix. Doing this will diffuse the pina colada mix and let it sit atop the daiquiri mix.
Glass selection: Go with a hurricane glass or a tall cocktail glass/ They are perfect to showcase the beautiful layers of your Miami Vice. You should also chill the glass beforehand so that the drink’s temperature is kept for as long as possible.
Don’t forget the garnish: Add a fresh strawberry, pineapple slice, and even a sprig of fresh mint. I also sometimes use an umbrella!

How To Make An Alcohol-Free Miami Vice

To make a non-alcoholic version of this cocktail, just omit the rum. A non-alcoholic Miami Vice is just as tasty, and is amazingly refreshing with or without alcohol.

Variations

Healthier Low-Carb Miami Vice

Consider using sugar substitutes (such as stevia or erythritol) instead of sugar or simple syrup. The cream of coconut can be replaced with coconut milk, which has fewer calories and carbohydrates. And avoid the processed fruit purees by using fresh fruit for a cleaner, healthier version.

Exotic Fruit Fusion

Go tropical with mango or passion fruit added to the piña colada layer and raspberries and blackberries to the daiquiri layer.

Spicy Miami Vice

Add a dash of hot sauce or a couple of slices of jalapeño (like in my spicy margarita) to the strawberry daiquiri mixture. The sweet and sweaty make a great combo!

Coconut Grove

If you want to enhance the tropical taste, use flavored rum, like coconut or pineapple.

Boozy Island Escape

For a stronger drink, add a splash of orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier to the strawberry daiquiri layer, or mix in a bit of dark rum to the piña colada mixture.

FAQs

How many calories are in a Miami Vice cocktail?

A typical Miami Vice contains more calories than most cocktails — around 300-400 calories. See above for some tips on how to bring that number down.

How should I drink a Miami Vice?

Use a straw for this one, as it will let you enjoy the flavors of both the strawberry daiquiri and the piña colada.

Can I prepare Miami Vice cocktails ahead of time for a party?

Yep, you can blend the strawberry daiquiri and piña colada mixtures separately and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before the party. Then, when it’s time to serve, carefully layer the mixtures in the glasses for a freshly prepared and impressive beverage (see my Tips and Tricks section).

How to Store A Miami vice

Hopefully, you still have the daiquiri and pina colada mixtures separate. If so, store them in the fridge. You can keep them for a day.

If you need to store them for longer, you can freeze them in ice cube trays. This keeps the mixtures separate from the other, maintains their quality, and lets you blend the frozen cubes when you’re ready to serve them once more.