This icy, creamy Pina Colada tastes like sunshine in a glass, with sweet pineapple and rich coconut cream blending into the perfect tropical escape. I first made this on a sticky July afternoon when my sister Lina showed up unannounced, desperate for something cold and fruity. We threw everything into the blender, and within five minutes, we were clinking glasses on the back porch. It's incredibly simple to whip up with just a handful of ingredients, and you can easily turn it into a mocktail for the kids or keep it classic with smooth white rum.
If you're craving more refreshing sips, try my Strawberry Banana Smoothie for a fruity breakfast vibe or my Mango Smoothie for another tropical treat.
Why You will Love This Recipe !
This refreshing summer cocktail comes together in your blender in just five minutes. The combination of sweet pineapple and creamy coconut tastes like a tropical vacation, and you can customize it exactly how you like it. Want it sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer it boozy? Pour in extra rum. Need a family-friendly version? Skip the alcohol completely and make it a Pina Colada mocktail.
It's naturally vegan and gluten-free, so everyone at your gathering can enjoy it. Plus, you can use fresh, frozen, or canned pineapple, which means you're never more than a few minutes away from this easy tropical cocktail.
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Pina Colada Ingredients
Here's everything you need for this homemade Pina Colada.
See Recipe Card Below This Post For Ingredient Quantities
- Pineapple Chunks: Fresh or canned pineapple brings the sweet, tangy tropical flavor that makes this drink sing. If you're using canned, the chunks are usually smaller and blend up quickly.
- Pineapple Juice: A splash of juice helps everything blend smoothly and amps up that bright pineapple taste.
- Coconut Cream: The thick, creamy layer from full-fat coconut milk adds richness and that classic coconut flavor. Just refrigerate a can overnight and scoop out the solid cream on top.
- White Rum: Smooth rum gives this pineapple coconut drink its classic kick. Adjust the amount based on how many servings you're making, or leave it out entirely for a mocktail.
- Organic Cane Sugar: A little sweetness balances the tartness of the pineapple. Adjust this depending on how ripe your fruit is.
- Ice: Plenty of ice makes this drink frosty, cold, and perfectly slushy.
- Fresh Pineapple Wedges: A cute garnish that looks pretty and tastes great after you finish your drink.
How to Make Pina Colada
Making this fresh coconut cream cocktail couldn't be easier.
- Blend everything: Add the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, coconut cream, white rum, cane sugar, and ice to your high-speed blender. Blend on high until the mixture is smooth and icy cold, usually about 30 to 45 seconds. Taste it and add more sugar if your pineapple isn't super sweet.
- Serve immediately: Pour the mixture into serving glasses and garnish with fresh pineapple wedges. Enjoy right away while it's cold and frosty.
Substitutions and Variations
Frozen Pineapple: If you're using frozen pineapple chunks, you can reduce the ice by about a cup. The drink will still be thick and slushy.
Coconut Milk Instead of Cream: If you can't find coconut cream or don't want to refrigerate a can, use full-fat coconut milk straight from the can. The drink will be a bit thinner but still delicious.
Different Rum: White rum is traditional, but you can also use coconut rum like Malibu for extra coconut flavor. Dark rum works too if you like a deeper, richer taste.
Mocktail Version: Leave out the rum completely and add an extra splash of pineapple juice or a tablespoon of coconut cream for body and sweetness. It's just as refreshing without the alcohol.
Sweeten Differently: Swap the cane sugar for honey, agave, or simple syrup if that's what you have on hand.
Equipment
High-Speed Blender: A strong blender like a Vitamix or Ninja makes quick work of the ice and pineapple, giving you that smooth, slushy texture.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient amounts.
Serving Glasses: Highball glasses for two servings or lowball glasses for three smaller servings.
Storage Tips
Pina Coladas are best enjoyed immediately while they're icy and fresh. If you have leftovers, pour them into an airtight container and freeze for up to a week. When you're ready to enjoy again, let it thaw slightly and give it a quick blend to restore that slushy texture. The drink will separate a bit as it sits, so a good stir or re-blend is essential.
Expert Tips
Use Cold Ingredients: If your pineapple and coconut cream are already chilled, your drink will be even colder and more refreshing.
Adjust Sweetness: Pineapple varies in sweetness depending on ripeness. Taste your drink before serving and add more sugar if needed.
Don't Over-Blend: Blend just until smooth. Over-blending can make the ice too watery and thin out your drink.
Double the Recipe: This recipe scales up easily. Just double or triple everything and blend in batches if your blender isn't big enough.
Make It Extra Creamy: Add an extra tablespoon of coconut cream if you love a richer, thicker texture.
FAQ
A classic Pina Colada is made with pineapple, coconut cream, white rum, sugar, and ice. Fresh pineapple wedges make a nice garnish. You can also add pineapple juice to help everything blend smoothly. My version uses simple, fresh ingredients that you can find at any grocery store.
The four main ingredients are pineapple, coconut cream, rum, and ice. Some recipes add a bit of sugar or pineapple juice for extra sweetness and blendability, but those core four are what make the drink taste tropical and creamy. If you're making a mocktail, just skip the rum and you still get that delicious pineapple-based beverage flavor.
Making a Pina Colada in the UK is just as easy as anywhere else. Use the same ingredients: pineapple chunks, coconut cream, white rum, sugar, and ice. You can find coconut cream in the international aisle of most supermarkets, or use the thick cream from a can of full-fat coconut milk. Blend everything together until smooth and serve immediately. The measurements work the same no matter where you are.
White rum is the traditional choice and gives you a clean, smooth flavor that lets the pineapple and coconut shine. Brands like Bacardi or Havana Club work beautifully. If you want extra coconut flavor, try Malibu, which is coconut-flavored rum. Dark rum adds a richer, more complex taste if you're feeling adventurous. Honestly, use whatever rum you enjoy drinking on its own.
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Pina Colada
Ingredients
Method
- Add the pineapple chunks, pineapple juice, coconut cream, rum, sugar, and ice into a high-speed blender.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness with additional sugar if desired.
- Pour the blended cocktail into glasses and garnish with fresh pineapple wedges.
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