Rainbow Recipe

Prepare strawberries

If using fresh strawberries, hull and quarter them. If using frozen, let them sit 5 minutes to loosen slightly.

Place the strawberries, 2 tablespoons sugar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If mixture is too thick to pour, add up to 2 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach a thick puree consistency that will still hold a layer when poured.

Taste and adjust sweetness with more sugar if needed. For a creamier layer, stir in 1 tablespoon plain or coconut yogurt after blending. Chill the puree in the refrigerator for 10–15 minutes to firm slightly before layering.

If you prefer a very smooth, velvety layer, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds. Use the strained puree for layering.

Prepare mango

If using fresh mango, peel and chop the flesh. If frozen, thaw slightly until blendable.

Add the mango flesh, 1 tablespoon sugar or honey and 1 teaspoon lime juice to the blender. Blend until smooth. Add up to 1 tablespoon water if the puree seems too thick to pour nicely but keep it dense enough to form a layer.

Taste and adjust sweetness. Optionally stir in 1 tablespoon plain or coconut yogurt for a creamier texture. Chill the mango puree in the refrigerator 10–15 minutes to firm slightly before layering.

For an ultra-smooth finish, strain the mango puree through a fine sieve to remove fibers.

Prepare serving glasses or a clear small pitcher so the layers are visible. Fill the bottom third of each glass with crushed ice or a few ice cubes to help set the first layer and keep the drink cold.

Pour the chilled strawberry puree gently over the ice to create the first layer. Pour slowly over the back of a spoon held just above the ice to reduce splashing and mixing. Aim for about half (or one third) of the glass depending on desired layer proportions.

If the puree is very thick and won’t pour, spoon it in and gently smooth the top with the spoon. Optionally brush a thin layer of simple syrup between layers if you want extra sweetness and adhesion.

Place the glass briefly in the freezer (2–4 minutes) or refrigerator (5–10 minutes) to slightly set the strawberry layer before adding the mango layer — this helps keep clean separation.

Remove glass and slowly pour the chilled mango puree over the back of a spoon to form the second layer. Pour until the glass is filled to the top or to desired level.

Garnish with a slice of fresh strawberry or mango and a mint leaf. Serve immediately with a straw and a long spoon so guests can stir to combine if they like a blended rainbow.

If preparing ahead, keep purees chilled separately and assemble just before serving to preserve crisp layers.