Save My daughter came home from the mall one afternoon last summer, flushed and happy, clutching an empty cup with a pink-stained straw. She declared it the best drink she'd ever had and begged me to figure out how to make it at home. I laughed, thinking it couldn't be that hard, and by the next morning we were standing in the kitchen with coconut milk, strawberries, and a shaker bottle. Three attempts later, we nailed it, and she hasn't asked for the store version since.
I started making these every Sunday morning as a little ritual before the week got busy. My kids would hear the shaker rattling and come running, still in their pajamas, ready to claim their glass. It became our thing, a small moment of joy that didn't require planning or fancy ingredients. Now, whenever I see strawberries at the market, I grab an extra carton without thinking.
Ingredients
- Strawberry Syrup: This is the heart of the drink, bringing sweetness and that signature pink color. I like using homemade syrup when I have time, simmering strawberries with a bit of sugar until it thickens, but store-bought works beautifully on busy mornings.
- Coconut Milk: Use the kind from a carton, not the thick canned version, and make sure it's unsweetened so you can control the flavor. Chilling it beforehand makes the drink cold and creamy right from the start.
- Cold Water: This lightens the coconut milk and keeps the drink refreshing instead of heavy. You can adjust the ratio to make it creamier or more delicate depending on your mood.
- Fresh Strawberries: Sliced thin, they add little bursts of fruit flavor and make the drink feel special. I've used frozen in a pinch, and they work fine, just let them thaw a bit first.
- Ice Cubes: Plenty of ice is key to keeping everything frosty and crisp. I sometimes freeze coconut milk into cubes so the drink doesn't get watery as it sits.
Instructions
- Combine the Base:
- Pour the strawberry syrup, coconut milk, and cold water into a shaker or a jar with a tight lid. This is where the magic starts, so don't skip the shaking step.
- Shake It Up:
- Close the lid and shake vigorously for about 10 seconds until everything is fully blended and a little frothy on top. If you don't have a shaker, a whisk in a bowl works too, just takes a bit longer.
- Prep the Glasses:
- Drop ice cubes into two glasses, then add the sliced strawberries so they settle between the ice. This makes every sip look beautiful and taste fruity.
- Pour and Stir:
- Slowly pour the pink mixture over the ice and berries, letting it cascade down the sides. Give it a gentle stir with a straw or spoon, then serve right away while it's still cold and fizzy.
Save One evening, I made a batch of these for a backyard gathering, and people kept asking if I'd ordered them from somewhere. I smiled and said no, just strawberries and coconut milk, and suddenly everyone wanted the recipe. It felt good to share something so simple that brought that much delight, like passing along a little secret that didn't need to stay hidden.
Making Your Own Strawberry Syrup
If you have ten extra minutes, homemade syrup is worth it. I simmer equal parts sliced strawberries and sugar with a few tablespoons of water until the berries break down and the liquid turns glossy and thick. After straining out the pulp, I store it in a jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. It tastes brighter and more natural than anything from a bottle, and you can control exactly how sweet it gets.
Adjusting the Creaminess
Some days I want this drink light and almost like flavored water, so I add more cold water and just a splash of coconut milk. Other times, especially in the afternoon when I need something more filling, I go heavier on the coconut milk and skip the extra water entirely. The recipe is forgiving, so trust your instincts and taste as you go. You can always add more of anything, but you can't take it back once it's mixed.
Serving Suggestions and Extras
I love adding a sprig of fresh mint on top, it smells amazing and adds a little herbal note that cuts through the sweetness. Sometimes I'll toss in a few freeze-dried strawberries for extra texture and a pop of color. If I'm feeling fancy, I'll rim the glass with a bit of sugar or even hibiscus powder for a fun twist.
- Try swapping the strawberry syrup for raspberry or peach for a different flavor profile.
- Add a splash of sparkling water right before serving for a fizzy, bubbly version.
- Freeze leftover drink in popsicle molds for a quick frozen treat on hot days.
Save This drink has become my go-to whenever I need something bright and easy, whether it's a quiet morning or a celebration with friends. I hope it brings you the same kind of simple happiness it's brought to my kitchen.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this drink ahead of time?
The syrup mixture can be prepared ahead, but assemble with ice just before serving for the best texture and temperature. Fresh strawberries are best added right before drinking.
- → What's a good substitute for coconut milk?
Try oat milk, almond milk, or cashew milk for a different flavor profile. Adjust the water ratio based on your preferred sweetness and creaminess level.
- → How do I make homemade strawberry syrup?
Simmer equal parts fresh strawberries and sugar with a splash of water over medium heat for 10-15 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve and let cool completely before using.
- → Is this drink suitable for meal prep?
Store the syrup mixture separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Prepare fresh glasses with ice and strawberries when ready to serve for optimal taste.
- → Can I make this without a shaker?
Absolutely. Use a large jar with a tight-fitting lid or simply stir the ingredients vigorously in a pitcher until well combined and frothy.
- → What garnishes work best with this drink?
Fresh mint leaves, extra strawberry slices, whipped coconut cream, or a rim of strawberry sugar all complement this tropical beverage beautifully.