There’s something undeniably mesmerizing about a perfectly layered cocktail—the striking bands of color creating a visual masterpiece before you even take your first sip. This Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian combines the tropical essence of a classic Blue Hawaiian with the bright, sweet notes of fresh strawberry and the sophisticated complexity of premium tequila. I stumbled upon this show-stopping creation during a beachside vacation where the bartender was experimenting with reinventing classic drinks. After persuading him to share his technique, I’ve perfected this recipe at home, and trust me, it never fails to elicit wide-eyed wonder from guests when I serve it at summer gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Cocktail
- Stunning Visual Impact – The three distinct layers create an Instagram-worthy drink that looks professionally crafted
- Balanced Flavor Profile – The combination of tropical blue curaçao, fresh strawberry, and premium tequila offers sophisticated complexity
- Customizable Sweetness – Easily adjust components to make it less sweet or more potent according to preference
- Conversation Starter – Guaranteed to have guests asking how you created such a beautiful drink
Contents
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian
For the Blue Layer
- 1 oz Patron Silver tequila
- 1 oz blue curaçao
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 1 oz pineapple juice
- ½ cup crushed ice
For the White Layer
- 1 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ cup crushed ice
For the Strawberry Layer
- 1 oz Patron Silver tequila
- 2 oz fresh strawberry puree (about 4-5 strawberries, hulled and blended)
- ½ oz simple syrup
- ½ oz fresh lime juice
- ½ cup crushed ice
For Garnish
- Fresh strawberry, sliced
- Pineapple wedge (optional)
- Cocktail umbrella (optional but adds to the tropical presentation)
Special Equipment
- Blender
- Bar spoon or butterknife (for layering)
- Hurricane or rocks glass
How to Make a Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian
Step 1: Prepare Your Workspace
Before beginning, make sure you have all ingredients measured and ready. The key to successful layering is working quickly with each component. Chill your serving glass in the freezer for about 15 minutes—this helps the layers stay distinct.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Puree
Hull and wash 4-5 fresh strawberries, then blend them until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve if you prefer a smoother texture without seeds. This fresh puree makes all the difference compared to using commercial strawberry syrup.
Step 3: Prepare the Red Strawberry Layer
In a blender, combine the strawberry puree, 1 oz Patron Silver tequila, simple syrup, lime juice, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth but still thick—this should have a slightly thicker consistency than a typical frozen margarita. Pour this mixture into the bottom of your chilled glass, filling approximately the bottom third. Place the glass in the freezer for 5-7 minutes to set slightly.
Step 4: Create the White Middle Layer
Clean your blender, then combine the coconut rum, cream of coconut, lime juice, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth. The key to successful layering is controlling the density of each layer. This middle layer should be slightly less dense than the strawberry layer.
Remove the glass from the freezer. To create a clean layer, take a bar spoon or the back of a butterknife and hold it against the inside of the glass, just above the strawberry layer. Slowly pour the white coconut mixture over the back of the spoon, which will disperse the liquid gently and prevent it from breaking through the layer below. Fill to about two-thirds of the glass. Return to the freezer for another 5 minutes.
Step 5: Finish with the Blue Layer
Clean your blender again and combine the Patron Silver, blue curaçao, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth. Using the same spoon technique, carefully layer this blue mixture on top of the white layer.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with a fresh strawberry slice positioned on the rim of the glass. Add a pineapple wedge and cocktail umbrella if desired for the full tropical experience. Serve immediately with a straw and a cocktail stirrer—though many guests will want to photograph this beautiful creation before stirring!
Pro Tips for Perfect Layered Cocktails
- Temperature Matters – Keep all ingredients and your glass as cold as possible to help layers stay distinct
- Density is Key – The heaviest layer goes on the bottom (typically the sweetest or most fruit-based)
- Patience Pays Off – Don’t rush the freezing time between layers
- Pour Slowly – The spoon technique only works if you pour very gradually
- Fresh Ingredients – Use fresh strawberries and freshly squeezed lime juice for the brightest flavors
Variations to Try
- Virgin Version – Substitute the alcohol with white grape juice, blue sports drink, and additional fruit purees
- Frozen Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian – Add more ice to each layer and serve with a spoon as a boozy slushy
- Single Color Simplification – If layering seems intimidating, any of the three components makes a delicious single-color cocktail on its own
Make-Ahead Tips
While this cocktail is best prepared just before serving, you can:
- Prepare the strawberry puree up to 24 hours in advance
- Pre-measure all liquid ingredients and store in the refrigerator
- Pre-chill glasses several hours before your event
FAQs About Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Can I make this cocktail without a blender?
While a blender creates the ideal consistency for proper layering, you can make a simplified version by carefully stirring each component with ice in a cocktail shaker. The layers won’t be quite as thick or stable, but you can still achieve a layered effect by pouring very slowly over the back of a spoon.
Will this work with other types of tequila?
Yes! While Patron Silver offers a clean, crisp flavor that works beautifully in this cocktail, you can substitute another premium silver/blanco tequila. Avoid aged (reposado or añejo) tequilas as their amber color and stronger flavor profile will affect both the appearance and taste balance of the drink.
My layers are mixing together. What am I doing wrong?
The most common causes are: 1) The layers aren’t cold enough – make sure to freeze between each layer, 2) You’re pouring too quickly – use the spoon technique and pour very slowly, or 3) Your density isn’t right – adjust the amount of ice or sweetener in each layer to create proper density differences.
How far in advance can I make this cocktail?
For best results, prepare this cocktail no more than 15-20 minutes before serving. The ice in each layer will eventually melt, causing the colors to blend together. If you need to prepare further ahead, consider making each component separately and layering just before guests arrive.
Are there any shortcuts for a simpler version?
Yes! For a quicker version, use commercial strawberry daiquiri mix for the red layer and piña colada mix for the white layer. While not as fresh-tasting as the original recipe, it significantly cuts down preparation time while still creating an impressive visual effect.
This Patron Strawberry Blue Hawaiian transforms an ordinary gathering into something special. The combination of premium tequila, tropical blue curaçao, and fresh strawberry creates not just a feast for the eyes but a complex and satisfying flavor experience. The slightly herbal notes of the Patron tequila balance the sweetness of the fruit components, while the coconut cream adds a luxurious mouthfeel that ties everything together.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply elevating your summer entertainment game, this layered masterpiece demonstrates that cocktails can truly be edible art. The extra effort to create those perfect layers is rewarded not just in the taste but in the appreciative reactions you’ll receive when you serve this vibrant creation. Just be prepared to make a second round—these tend to disappear quickly once guests take their first refreshing sip!
Patrón Strawberry Blue Hawaiian Cocktail
Equipment
- Cocktail Shaker
- Strainer
- Hurricane Glass
Ingredients
Cocktail Ingredients
- 1.5 oz Patrón Silver Tequila
- 1 oz Blue Curaçao
- 1 oz Strawberry puree fresh or store-bought
- 1 oz Pineapple juice
- 0.5 oz Lime juice freshly squeezed
- Ice for shaking and serving
Garnish
- Strawberry slice for garnish
- Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add Patrón Silver Tequila, blue curaçao, strawberry puree, pineapple juice, and lime juice.
- Shake well for about 15 seconds until chilled.
- Strain into a hurricane glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a strawberry slice and pineapple wedge. Serve immediately.