The Christmas Miami Vice brings a festive spin to the beloved tropical Miami Vice cocktail, blending the flavors of strawberry daiquiri and piña colada with a holiday twist. Known for its tropical layers, the Miami Vice is a classic combination of creamy coconut and tangy strawberry that brings to mind warm beaches and sunshine. But with a few festive ingredients and a splash of creativity, this tropical drink transforms into a holiday delight that’s perfect for any Christmas gathering. The Christmas Miami Vice offers a colorful, refreshing, and slightly boozy drink that brings a taste of the tropics to your winter celebrations, making it a fun addition to any holiday lineup.
Ingredients
To make this Christmas Miami Vice, you’ll need:
For the Strawberry Daiquiri Layer:
1 cup frozen strawberries
2 oz white rum
1 oz lime juice
1 oz simple syrup
Ice (as needed)
For the Piña Colada Layer:
1 cup pineapple chunks (fresh or frozen)
2 oz coconut cream
2 oz white or dark rum
1 oz pineapple juice
Ice (as needed)
Holiday Garnishes:
Fresh mint leaves
Sugared cranberries
Lime wheel or strawberry slice
Festive cocktail umbrella or straw
Preparation
Step 1: Blend the Strawberry Daiquiri Layer. In a blender, combine frozen strawberries, white rum, lime juice, and simple syrup. Blend until smooth, adding a bit of ice if needed for a thicker consistency. Once done, pour this mixture into the bottom half of your serving glass, creating a vibrant red layer. Place the glass in the freezer for a few minutes to keep the layer intact.
Step 2: Blend the Piña Colada Layer. Rinse the blender, then add pineapple chunks, coconut cream, rum, and pineapple juice. Blend until smooth, again adding ice if necessary to reach a creamy texture. Carefully pour this layer over the strawberry daiquiri, creating a two-toned drink that reflects the colors of the season.
Step 3: Add Festive Garnishes. Top your Christmas Miami Vice with sugared cranberries and a sprig of fresh mint for a festive look. You can also add a lime wheel or strawberry slice for extra color. Finish with a cocktail umbrella or festive straw.
Variations
Spiced Christmas Miami Vice: For a seasonal twist, add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the piña colada layer, giving it a holiday spice that pairs well with coconut.
Frozen Cranberry Twist: Swap out the strawberries in the daiquiri layer for cranberries to add a tart, festive twist that beautifully complements the coconut layer. Add a splash of cranberry juice to enhance the color and flavor.
Minty Miami Vice: Add a splash of crème de menthe to the strawberry daiquiri layer for a minty touch that enhances the holiday vibe. This green layer will give the drink a fun, Christmassy red-and-green color scheme.
Rum Swap: Use spiced rum in place of white rum for both layers, adding a hint of warmth and extra depth to the cocktail’s flavor profile.
Cooking Notes
Balance the Sweetness: Taste each layer as you blend it to adjust the sweetness level. If you find the daiquiri layer too tart, add a bit more simple syrup. For the piña colada layer, you can add extra pineapple juice or coconut cream to suit your taste.
Layering Technique: To achieve clear, distinct layers, ensure each layer is thick enough to sit on top of the previous one. Freezing the strawberry layer briefly before adding the piña colada will help prevent them from mixing too much.
Glass Size: Use a tall glass, like a hurricane or Collins glass, to showcase the drink’s beautiful layers and festive colors.
Serving Suggestions
The Christmas Miami Vice is best served as a signature cocktail at holiday gatherings, family celebrations, or even a cozy night by the fire. Pair it with Christmas appetizers like mini cheese balls, spiced nuts, or shrimp cocktail. For dessert pairings, try it alongside coconut macaroons, chocolate truffles, or any holiday cookie platter. Its vibrant red and white layers make it a stunning centerpiece for any holiday table, and it pairs perfectly with warm holiday dishes.
