Miami Vice Cocktail Drink

Miami Vice

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

If you’re craving a tropical escape, this Miami Vice recipe is just what you need. You can make this two-layered cocktail with simple ingredients like white rum and coconut cream in no time.

Miami Vice Drink Recipe

Beat the heat with our Miami Vice recipe! With a blend of Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri, this drink is your go-to for ultimate refreshment.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

3 minutes

Servings:

1

Calories:

321 kl

Ingredients

  • 1 oz White Rum, for Piña Colada mixture
  • 1 oz coconut cream
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz White Rum, for Strawberry Daiquiri mixture
  • 1 oz strawberry syrup
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Crushed ice
  • Pineapple slice or cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Highball Glass

Instructions

  • Blend Piña Colada: In the blender, combine 1 oz coconut cream, 1 oz pineapple juice and 1 oz White Rum. Add crushed ice and blend until smooth.
  • Pour your first drink: pour the first drink in your highball glass and wash the blender.
  • Blend Strawberry Daiquiri: In the blender, mix 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz strawberry syrup, and 1 oz White Rum. Add a scoop of crushed ice and blend until smooth.
  • Layer: Slowly pour the Strawberry Daiquiri mixture over the Piña Colada mixture.
  • Garnish: Add a pineapple slice or cherry for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • White Rum: You can use vodka for a neutral kick if you're out of white rum. I've also tried it with coconut rum for an extra tropical vibe.
  • Coconut Cream: Coconut milk works if you're in a pinch, but it's less creamy.
  • Strawberry Syrup: You can use frozen strawberries blended with a bit of water and sugar.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of white rum, 8 oz of coconut cream, 8 oz of pineapple juice, 8 oz of strawberry syrup, and 8 oz of lime juice.
  • Mix: Blend with crushed ice the Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri mixtures separately.
  • Serve: Layer the mixtures in highball glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • White Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative or coconut water for the tropical flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Coconut Cream: Ensure the coconut cream you're using is vegan. Most are, but it's always good to check the label.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
321
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Sodium
 
3
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
26
g
9
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
21
g
23
%
Potassium
 
163
mg
5
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Vitamin A
 
16
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
12
mg
15
%
Calcium
 
11
mg
1
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Miami Vice Cocktail Drink

Miami Vice Drink Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Beat the heat with our Miami Vice recipe! With a blend of Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri, this drink is your go-to for ultimate refreshment.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 3 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 321

Ingredients
 

  • 1 oz White Rum - for Piña Colada mixture
  • 1 oz coconut cream
  • 1 oz pineapple juice
  • 1 oz White Rum - for Strawberry Daiquiri mixture
  • 1 oz strawberry syrup
  • 1 oz lime juice
  • Crushed ice
  • Pineapple slice or cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Highball Glass

Instructions

  • Blend Piña Colada: In the blender, combine 1 oz coconut cream, 1 oz pineapple juice and 1 oz White Rum. Add crushed ice and blend until smooth.
  • Pour your first drink: pour the first drink in your highball glass and wash the blender.
  • Blend Strawberry Daiquiri: In the blender, mix 1 oz lime juice, 1 oz strawberry syrup, and 1 oz White Rum. Add a scoop of crushed ice and blend until smooth.
  • Layer: Slowly pour the Strawberry Daiquiri mixture over the Piña Colada mixture.
  • Garnish: Add a pineapple slice or cherry for garnish.

Notes

Substitutes:

  • White Rum: You can use vodka for a neutral kick if you're out of white rum. I've also tried it with coconut rum for an extra tropical vibe.
  • Coconut Cream: Coconut milk works if you're in a pinch, but it's less creamy.
  • Strawberry Syrup: You can use frozen strawberries blended with a bit of water and sugar.

Making a Pitcher:

  • Scale: To serve 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That's 16 oz of white rum, 8 oz of coconut cream, 8 oz of pineapple juice, 8 oz of strawberry syrup, and 8 oz of lime juice.
  • Mix: Blend with crushed ice the Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri mixtures separately.
  • Serve: Layer the mixtures in highball glasses, garnish, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

  • White Rum Substitute: Use a non-alcoholic rum alternative or coconut water for the tropical flavor.
  • Proceed As Usual: Use these non-alcoholic substitutes and follow the original steps to enjoy a non-alcoholic version.

Making it Vegan:

  • Coconut Cream: Ensure the coconut cream you're using is vegan. Most are, but it's always good to check the label.

What is a Miami Vice Drink?

A Miami Vice is a hybrid cocktail combining a Piña Colada and a Strawberry Daiquiri. The drink gained popularity in the 1980s, around the same time as the iconic TV show of the same name. It’s a layered beverage, often visually striking with its dual colors.

A side shot of a Miami Vice cocktail in a highball glass on a red cloth surrounded by a jigger, a straw, limes and a pineapple slice, placed on a white table and some book on the background.

What is a Miami Vice Drink made of – The ingredients

Gathering these components is essential for preparing an amaretto:

  • White Rum: Provides an alcoholic base and a subtle sweetness to both layers.
  • Coconut Cream: Adds creaminess and tropical flavor to the Piña Colada layer.
  • Pineapple Juice: Contributes tanginess and fruitiness to the Piña Colada layer.
  • Strawberry Syrup: Gives the Strawberry Daiquiri layer its berry flavor and vibrant color.
  • Lime Juice: Adds acidity and brightness to the Strawberry Daiquiri layer.
  • Crushed Ice: Used for blending, they give both layers a slushy, chilled texture.
  • Pineapple Slice or Cherry: Optional garnish that enhances the drink’s visual appeal.

White rum, strawberry syrup, coconut syrup, lime and pineapple slice on a white bar table.

 

How do you make a Miami Vice Drink?

Learn the art of Miami Vice Drink creation with our clear, easy-to-follow guide:

1
<p>Start by adding coconut cream into the blender glass.</p>

Start by adding coconut cream into the blender glass.

2
<p>Incorporate the pineapple juice.</p>

Incorporate the pineapple juice.

3
<p>Follow with the white rum.</p>

Follow with the white rum.

4
<p>Complete with a scoop of crushed ice.</p>

Complete with a scoop of crushed ice.

5
<p>Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, creating the Piña Colada layer</p>

Blend the mixture until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency, creating the Piña Colada layer

6
<p>Carefully pour the Piña Colada mixture into your highball glass, filling it halfway</p>

Carefully pour the Piña Colada mixture into your highball glass, filling it halfway

7
<p>Once you have washed the blender glass, pour the lime juice into it.</p>

Once you have washed the blender glass, pour the lime juice into it.

8
<p>Add the strawberry syrup to the mix.</p>

Add the strawberry syrup to the mix.

9
<p>Follow with the white rum.</p>

Follow with the white rum.

10
<p>Complete with a scoop of crushed ice.</p>

Complete with a scoop of crushed ice.

11
<p>Blend this mixture until smooth to create the Strawberry Daiquiri layer.</p>

Blend this mixture until smooth to create the Strawberry Daiquiri layer.

12
<p>Gently layer the Strawberry Daiquiri mixture on top of the Piña Colada layer in the glass.</p>

Gently layer the Strawberry Daiquiri mixture on top of the Piña Colada layer in the glass.

13
<p>Garnish with a pineapple wedge.</p>

Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

14
<p>Enjoy your Miami Vice cocktail!</p>

Enjoy your Miami Vice cocktail!

What is the difference between Lava Flow and a Miami Vice?

First, the Lava Flow incorporates bananas into its recipe, giving it a distinct fruity profile that the Miami Vice lacks. Second, the Lava Flow often uses coconut milk instead of coconut cream, making it less creamy than the Miami Vice. Third, while both drinks use rum, the Lava Flow typically opts for coconut rum, adding an extra layer of coconut flavor. Fourth, the Lava Flow doesn’t usually have a Strawberry Daiquiri layer, a defining feature of the Miami Vice. Lastly, the Lava Flow often includes a grenadine splash, giving it a reddish hue and a touch of added sweetness. 

Pre-made Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri for Miami Vice

If you want to cut corners without sacrificing taste, pre-mixed Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri can be a lifesaver. For Piña Colada, Malibu offers a canned version that’s both creamy and coconutty, capturing the essence of the classic cocktail. On the Strawberry Daiquiri front, Daily’s pre-mixed pouches are a solid choice, offering a fruity and tangy flavor close to the real deal. But if you’re looking for the best of both worlds, consider Bacardi’s pre-mixed cocktails. Their Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri options are well-balanced and made with real fruit juice, making them a standout choice for a quick and easy Miami Vice. Blend them with ice, layer them in a glass, and you’re ready.

A Miami Vice cocktail in a highball glass, shot from above, on a red cloth surrounded by a jigger, a straw and limes, placed on a white table.

Variations

In need of different variations? Check out these favorites from our collection:

  • Mango Madness: This includes mango, enriching the drink with a fruity, tropical sweetness. The mango offers a lush, sweet flavor that perfectly complements the other elements.
  • Raspberry Rush: This is bolstered by raspberries, introducing a sweet yet tart berry flavor. The raspberries impart a vibrant, fruity note that’s both refreshing and delightful.

A Miami Vice cocktail in a highball glass, shot from above, on a red cloth surrounded by a jigger, a straw, limes and a pineapple slice, placed on a white table.

Frozen Non-alcoholic Drink – Virgin Miami Vice

For a virgin version, you can easily swap the rum for coconut water to keep that tropical vibe in the Piña Colada layer. For the Strawberry Daiquiri layer, blend strawberry puree with lime juice and a splash of simple syrup for sweetness. The key is using high-quality fruit juices and purees to ensure you’re still getting that vibrant flavor. Blend each layer with ice to get that slushy texture, and you’ve got yourself a non-alcoholic Miami Vice that’s just as refreshing and visually appealing as the original.

History and Origins

The Miami Vice cocktail gained popularity in the 1980s, roughly around the same time as the iconic TV show Miami Vice. While it’s unclear whether the show directly inspired the cocktail, the timing, and the shared name suggest a cultural link. The drink is a fusion of two classic cocktails: the Piña Colada and the Strawberry Daiquiri. Both drinks have rich histories, with the Piña Colada hailing from Puerto Rico and the Strawberry Daiquiri having Cuban roots. The drink brings these two tropical worlds together in a visually striking and flavorful way. It quickly became a hit in bars and beach resorts, where its layered presentation and tropical flavors made it a popular choice for vacationers looking for something extra.

A Miami Vice cocktail, shot from above, surrounded by white rum, strawberry syrup, coconut syrup, limes and pineapple slice, on a white marmol table.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Miami Vice Drink?
A standard Miami Vice has around 300-350 calories, depending on the brands used.
How strong is a Miami Vice Drink?
The strength varies, but a typical Miami Vice has an ABV of around 20-25% and a proof of 40-50.
What alcohol is used in a Miami Vice Drink?
White rum is the primary alcohol used in both layers of a Miami Vice.
In which glass is a Miami Vice Drink served?
A Miami Vice is usually served in a highball glass.
What does a Miami Vice Drink taste like?
The Miami Vice offers a balanced blend of tropical flavors, with coconut's creaminess and pineapple and strawberry fruitiness.
What is the ratio of ingredients in a Miami Vice Drink?
The typical ratio is equal parts of each ingredient for the Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri layers.
How is a Miami Vice Drink served in terms of ice?
A Miami Vice is blended with ice to create a slushy texture for both layers.

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