Miami Vice Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

30 ml Malibu Original

30 ml Malibu Strawberry

30 ml lime juice

3 whole fresh strawberries

10 ml simple syrup

25 ml pineapple juice

20 ml cream of coconut

Garnish: pineapple leaf and a strawberry

Ice cubes

1 part Malibu Original

1 part Malibu Strawberry

1 part lime juice

3 whole fresh strawberries

1/3 parts simple syrup

4/5 parts pineapple juice

2/3 parts cream of coconut

Garnish: pineapple leaf and a strawberry

Ice cubes

1 oz Malibu Original

1 oz Malibu Strawberry

1 oz lime juice

3 whole fresh strawberries

0.3 oz simple syrup

0.8 oz pineapple juice

0.75 oz cream of coconut

Garnish: pineapple leaf and a strawberry

Ice cubes

Instructions

Fill a blender half-way with ice cubes
Add in the Malibu Strawberry, fresh strawberries, simple syrup, and 15 ml of lime juice
Blend for 15 seconds and pour the mixture into a hurricane glass
Rinse your blender, then fill it half-way with ice cubes again
Add in the Malibu Original, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and 15 ml of lime juice
Blend for 15 seconds and gently pour the mixture on top of the previous mixture in the same glass, keeping distinct layers
Garnish with a pineapple leaf and a strawberry, and enjoy!

Tools you’ll need

Jigger or Measuring Tool
You’ll need a jigger to perfectly measure each ingredient in this recipe. If you don’t have one, our tip is to use a 30 ml / 1 oz shot glass, like we’ve done in the past, or any other measuring tool you have in the kitchen.

Blender
We suggest using a high-quality blender to get the perfect smoothie consistency for both the Strawberry Daiquiri and Piña Colada layers. We found it’s important to make sure it’s powerful enough to crush ice smoothly.

Glassware
We think a classic hurricane glass is perfect for this drink as it showcases both layers perfectly with a touch of flair. That said, if you have another large glass at home, it will work just fine too.

Our top tips for creating the perfect Miami Vice

1. Frost your glass (don’t skip this)

2. Use fresh ingredients (it shows immediately)

We’ve tested this cocktail recipe with both bottled and fresh juices, and the difference is obvious from the first sip. Freshly squeezed pineapple juice gives a brighter color and a sharper aroma, while using fresh lime juice cuts through the sweetness properly. This is something bottled juice just doesn’t manage.

3. Blend just enough, not longer

It’s tempting to over-blend, but anything beyond 12-15 seconds in a high-powered blender can make the mix too thin. You’re aiming for a thick, spoonable slush, not a smoothie. Both layers should have the same consistency, or they won’t sit cleanly when poured. We suggest using short bursts and testing the texture in between.

4. Adjust the lime to your taste

If your Piña Colada tastes flat, it usually needs more lime, not more Malibu. We’ve found an additional small squeeze lifts the whole drink. On the Strawberry Daiquiri side, though, too much lime can overpower the fruit, so we tend to keep it lighter there for a sweeter contrast.

5. Layer slowly (this is where the experts get it right)

The beautiful clean split between the two colors doesn’t happen by accident. We’ve found the best way is to let the Strawberry Daiquiri layer settle for a few seconds, then pour the Piña Colada slowly over the back of a spoon. If you rush it, the layers blend together almost instantly.

6. Freeze the first layer in between blends

Another easy way we found to keep the layers distinct was to place the glass with the Strawberry Daiquiri layer in the freezer while making the Piña Colada layer. Not only did we notice that kept it from melting, it also allowed us to take our time to get the second blending just right, without any stress.

About the Miami Vice

The Miami Vice is a visually stunning, layered cocktail that embodies the spirit of the tropics. This cocktail cleverly combines the rich, creamy texture of a Piña Colada, with the tangy sweetness of a Strawberry Daiquiri, with the smooth coconut notes of Malibu Original and the fruity burst of Malibu Strawberry, for a unique sipping experience. Whether you’re hosting a summer event or enjoying a sun-soaked outdoor party with friends, this cocktail is the ultimate celebration of flavor.

Short history about the drink

As the story goes, the Miami Vice cocktail emerged in the 1980s, inspired by the popular TV show of the same name. It quickly became a symbol of the vibrant nightlife and beach culture of Miami, combining the best elements of two classic tropical drinks. The addition of Malibu brings a modern twist to this classic, infusing it with the iconic coconut and strawberry flavors that have become synonymous with summer.