Dive into Ocean-Inspired Bliss
You might find pumpkin spice and autumn decorations beginning to surface in stores, but I am absolutely NOT ready to surrender to all things fall just yet. There’s something eternally appealing about a vibrant tropical drink regardless of the season! This Non-Alcoholic Mermaid Colada offers the perfect momentary escape from reality, transporting you to beachside bliss even as cooler days approach.
Among the most beloved tropical beverages (or most divisive, depending on whom you ask) is the classic Piña Colada. These refreshing coconut-pineapple delights deserve to be enjoyed year-round, which is fortunate because my cravings for them know no seasonal boundaries! The beauty of these drinks lies in their accessibility—you can always find pineapples and coconut milk (important note: opt for unsweetened coconut milk rather than sweetened coconut cream, as the latter will make your drink excessively sweet) at any grocery store. I recently created this enchanting blue-hued Mermaid Colada that’s every bit as magical as it is delicious.
When Ocean Magic Meets Tropical Flavors
Celestial, unicorn, and mermaid-themed treats have dominated social media for what feels like forever. These vibrantly colored creations instantly catch the eye while delivering wonderful flavors. I couldn’t help but wonder—why should smoothies monopolize all this colorful fun? That’s when inspiration struck: why not transform the mermaid trend into something even more special, creating a non-alcoholic version everyone can enjoy!
While bright colors certainly draw attention, I prefer avoiding artificial food dyes in my creations, instead turning to nature for stunning color alternatives. Achieving a natural bright blue hue presents a particular challenge. Although Butterfly Pea Flower tea works wonderfully in some recipes, it shifts to purple when exposed to acidic ingredients—meaning it would turn purple when mixed with pineapple juice. Instead, I looked to the ocean depths for color inspiration: spirulina. This blue-green algae not only provides that perfect oceanic shade but also packs impressive nutritional benefits with its abundance of vitamins and amino acids, making it the ideal addition to an ocean-inspired Mermaid Colada!
Creating Ocean-Worthy Color Without Artificial Ingredients
Blue-green algae comes in powder form or capsules, easily found online (I used a high-quality organic variety). Working with spirulina requires some finesse because it does carry a distinct “oceanic flavor,” but this is expertly masked by the creamy coconut, sweet pineapple juice, and tangy lemonade. The resulting flavor profile offers complex tropical notes without any hint of the sea’s taste—just its gorgeous color!
Garnishes Fit for Underwater Royalty
Tropical drinks have always embraced elaborate garnishing traditions, and the Mermaid Colada proudly continues this legacy! I adorned mine with fresh kiwi slices, star-shaped carambola (starfruit), chunks of pineapple, toasted coconut flakes, and pineapple leaves—two arranged to resemble a mermaid’s tail, naturally! For an extra magical touch, I created mermaid-colored white chocolate seashells using food-grade silicone molds and natural food coloring. These delightful additions elevate the presentation from merely beautiful to truly spectacular.
I fully intend to keep blending these Non-Alcoholic Mermaid Coladas as temperatures continue to drop—even if I eventually need to wear a parka while sipping them! There’s something wonderfully defiant about enjoying tropical flavors while snow falls outside your window.
A Drink Ariel Would Approve
What makes this version of Mermaid Coladas particularly special is its accessibility. By creating a non-alcoholic version, everyone from children to non-drinkers can enjoy this underwater fantasy in a glass. The vibrant blue color swirled through creamy coconut creates a visual effect reminiscent of ocean waves crashing against tropical shores—a perfect mental vacation in every sip.
The frozen preparation method also sets this drink apart. Rather than diluting flavors with ice cubes, we freeze the actual ingredients beforehand, resulting in a slushie-like consistency that maintains full flavor intensity. This technique delivers a remarkably smooth texture while preserving the delicate balance of sweet, tart, and creamy notes.
Perfect for Special Occasions
These Non-Alcoholic Mermaid Coladas make spectacular centerpieces for summer parties, pool gatherings, children’s birthdays, or baby showers. Create a build-your-own garnish station with various tropical fruits, edible flowers, decorative paper umbrellas, and colorful straws to let guests customize their ocean-inspired creations.
For added presentation drama, prepare the basic colada mixture in advance, then perform the spirulina swirl tableside for your guests. Watching the magical blue color transform the drink creates an interactive experience everyone will remember long after the last sip disappears.
Now, let’s dive into creating these magical concoctions in your own kitchen!
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Non-Alcoholic Mermaid Coladas
Description
A blue spirulina-swirled frozen coconut pineapple delight that would make any mermaid proud!
Ingredients
- 6 oz lemonade, frozen in ice cube trays
- 4 oz coconut milk (unsweetened)
- 2 oz pineapple juice, frozen in ice cube trays*
- 1/2 banana, sliced and frozen*
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 dashes aromatic bitters (non-alcoholic version) or a pinch of ground cinnamon
- 1–2 capsules spirulina/blue-green algae
- 1 Tbsp honey or agave nectar (optional, for added sweetness)
For garnish:
- Fresh pineapple leaves
- Starfruit slices
- Kiwi slices
- Toasted coconut flakes
- Optional: white chocolate seashells (see note)
Instructions
- Prep ahead: Freeze lemonade and pineapple juice in separate sections of an ice cube tray at least 3 hours before making the drinks. Place sliced banana in a plastic bag and freeze until solid.
- Create the base: Add frozen lemonade cubes, coconut milk, frozen pineapple juice cubes, frozen banana, vanilla extract, bitters or cinnamon, and honey (if using) to a high-powered blender. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
- Prepare for swirling: Pour about one-quarter of the mixture into hurricane glasses or tall glasses. Open the spirulina capsules and add the powder to the remaining mixture in the blender.
- Create the mermaid effect: Pulse the blender for just 1-2 seconds—the goal is a swirled rather than fully incorporated look. Slowly pour this blue mixture over the white base in each glass.
- Enhance the swirl: Using a chopstick or long skewer, gently swirl the two layers to create a beautiful ombré ocean effect.
- Garnish: Decorate with pineapple leaves (arranged to look like a mermaid tail if desired), tropical fruit slices, and a sprinkle of coconut flakes.
- Serve immediately with colorful straws and plenty of tropical attitude!
Notes
- Freezing the ingredients rather than using ice creates a more flavorful frozen drink without dilution
- For white chocolate seashells: Melt white chocolate chips, divide into portions, color with natural food dyes in ocean hues, pour into silicone seashell molds, and refrigerate until set
- For a creamier texture, substitute frozen yogurt for half the coconut milk
Prep Time: 3 hours (includes freezing time) Assembly Time: 5 minutes Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes Yield: 2 servings