Ernie's Fruity Drink

Prep: 10 min.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1  (10-oz.) box frozen strawberries in syrup, thawed
• 3  cups  "warm" ice (see below)
• 1  cup  frozen blueberries
• 1  very ripe medium banana
• 1/2  cup  vodka
• 1/2  cup  pineapple juice
• 1/4  cup  cream of coconut

Preparation

1. Puree strawberries in a blender until smooth. Divide strawberry puree evenly among 4 tall glasses.

2. Place ice in blender; add blueberries and next 4 ingredients. Process until smooth. Pour blueberry mixture evenly over strawberry puree in glasses.

"Warm" Ice: Slightly melted ice blends a better drink, Ernie says. He suggests letting the ice sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. "It should be wet to the touch without sticking to your fingers," he explains.

Peach-Brandy Chiller: Substitute 1 cup fresh or frozen peaches for blueberries and banana and 1/2 cup brandy for vodka; proceed as directed.

Banana-Strawberry Daiquiri: Substitute 1 cup additional frozen strawberries, thawed, for blueberries and 1/2 cup rum for vodka; proceed as directed.

Watermelon Cooler: Substitute 1 cup watermelon cubes for blueberries and banana; proceed as directed.

Mango-Papaya Daiquiri: Substitute 1/2 cup each cubed mango and papaya for blueberries and banana and 1/2 cup coconut rum for vodka; proceed as directed.