Updated on: 6/3/2025
What Is a Blended Cocktail?
Blended cocktails stand apart from other drink styles by using a blender to combine ingredients with ice, transforming them into a drink with a smooth, frozen consistency. This technique gives each sip a frosty, almost velvety texture that's different from the chill of a shaken or stirred cocktail.
How Blended Cocktails Are Made
Blended cocktails rely on simple mechanics: ice and liquids are processed together at high speed, which crushes the ice and creates a uniform, slushy mix. This approach is essential for classic frozen drinks, but it also opens the door to creative combinations and seasonally inspired flavors.
Common Ingredients in Blended Cocktails
- Crushed or cubed ice (typically 120–180 ml per drink, by volume)
- Base spirit (rum, tequila, vodka or liqueurs)
- Fresh fruit or purees (mango, strawberry, pineapple)
- Juices or mixers (lime juice, coconut cream, simple syrup)
Popular Examples of Blended Cocktails
- Frozen Margarita: tequila, lime juice, orange liqueur, ice
- Piña Colada: rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, ice
- Frozen Daiquiri: rum, fruit (like strawberry), lime juice, ice
Texture and Serving Style
The hallmark of the blended cocktail is its thick, icy body—closer to a spiked smoothie or slush than a liquid drink. These cocktails are typically poured into wide, sturdy glasses like margarita or hurricane glasses to showcase the volume and color, and often garnished with fresh fruit or a citrus wedge.
Why Choose a Blended Cocktail?
- Refreshingly cold—ideal for hot days or festive gatherings
- Endlessly customizable with fruit, syrups, and even herbs
- Visually striking, with vibrant colors and layered textures