MIAMI VICE COCKTAIL RECIPE

Created on August 3, 2023

Today we're going to dive into the tantalizing world of the Miami Vice, a refreshing mix that's sure to transport you straight to the sun-soaked beaches of Florida. Also fondly known as the "Cruise Ship Cocktail," this tropical treat perfectly blends the flavors of two classic beach drinks - the Piña Colada and the Strawberry Daiquiri.

Miami Vice cocktail with red and creamy layers in a hurricane glass, with pineapple and strawberry garnishes

Ingredients

  • 2 ½ Ounces White Rum
  • ¾ Ounce Lime Juice
  • ½ Ounce Simple Syrup
  • 1 Cup Strawberries
  • 1 Cup Crushed Ice
  • 1 Ounce Coconut Cream
  • 2 Ounces Pineapple Juice
  • 1 Pineapple Slice or Strawberry (garnish)

Method

  1. Pour 1.5 ounces of rum, all of the lime juice, simple syrup and strawberries, and half of the crushed ice in a blender.
  2. Blend until smooth.
  3. Pour the mixture into a hurricane glass.
  4. Pour the rest of the rum, the coconut cream, and the pineapple juice into the blender.
  5. Blend again until smooth.
  6. Pour this mixture slowly onto the top of the other mixture, causing a layered effect.
  7. Garnish with a pineapple slice or strawberry, and enjoy!

Recipe Tips

  • The recipe above results in two horizontal layers - Strawberry Daiquiri, then Piña Colada. If you want to go above and beyond, you can pour them at the same time, with a knife separating them down the middle of the glass. This step is much easier with 2 people - trust me!

  • To make it a little bit quicker, easier, and cheaper, you can swap out the lime juice, simple syrup, and strawberries, for a strawberry daiquiri mix. It won't be as fresh or delicious, but it'll get the job done.

  • This is a really sweet, frozen drink, meaning you can definitely up the rum a decent amount without it being too overpowering. Play around with it!

  • Use premium cream of coconut in the Piña Colada part if you want it to be extra creamy.

  • If you prefer one of the sides more than the other, adjust accordingly. Have some fun with it!

What's In A Miami Vice?

The Miami Vice is a colorful fusion of tropical flavors. Its main ingredients are rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut for the Piña Colada layer, combined with a sweet layer of lime juice, simple syrup, strawberries, and even more rum.

Some people like to substitute out the strawberry daiquiri ingredients for a store-bought mix. This'll work fine, but it goes without saying that fresh ingredients wins every time.

Best Rum For A Miami Vice

When it comes to the Miami Vice, a quality white rum is preferred. White rum is lighter and more subtle, which complements the tropical flavors without overpowering them. Bacardi Superior is a fine choice due to its clean, fresh palate and slightly fruity notes.

History

The exact origins of the Miami Vice cocktail are somewhat shrouded in mystery. It's widely believed to have been born in the 1980s, around the time of the popular "Miami Vice" television series.

Some others believe that the drink was actually created before the show even existed, meaning it would have no association with the show.

Regardless, it's now a favored drink on cruise ships and beach bars worldwide, known for its visually striking layers and its ability to instantly transport you to a sunny beachside paradise.

FAQ's

What Does A Miami Vice Taste Like?

The Miami Vice presents a harmonious blend of tropical flavors. The upper layer of Piña Colada provides a creamy, sweet, and tangy taste from the combination of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum.

This is complemented by the bottom of Strawberry Daiquiri, offering a fruity, slightly acidic contrast. The rum brings a warm richness, tying all the flavors together for a perfectly balanced tropical treat.