Introduction

The classic Piña Colada is a tropical cocktail that combines creamy coconut with fresh pineapple and rum for a refreshing treat. Perfect for warm days or any time you want to bring the beach vibes home.

A tall, curvy glass with a light yellow creamy drink filled with small ice cubes sits on a white marbled surface. The rim of the glass is coated with a sugary white layer. On top of the drink, there are small yellow pineapple chunks floating. The glass is garnished with a large triangular slice of pineapple, showing its green-tipped brown skin, attached to the rim along with a bright, glossy red cherry. In the background are blurred bottles and a small skull decoration, with a whole pineapple placed on the right. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 ounces white rum: Use a quality brand for the best flavor.
1 ounce coconut cream: Substitute with coconut milk for a lighter version.
1 ounce heavy cream: Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option.
6 ounces fresh pineapple juice: Freshly squeezed is best; canned juice is an alternative.
1 cup crushed ice: Essential for a slushy texture.

Instructions

Step 1: Gather your ingredients and ensure everything is ready for blending.
Step 2: In a blender, combine the rum, coconut cream, heavy cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth.
Step 3: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or creaminess if needed, adding more coconut cream or pineapple juice to your preference.
Step 4: Pour the drink into a chilled glass.
Step 5: Garnish with a pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry, and shredded coconut for a festive touch.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with coconut yogurt or omit it entirely for a dairy-free piña colada.
If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a teaspoon of simple syrup or honey before blending.
Use frozen pineapple chunks instead of ice for a thicker texture and more pineapple flavor.

Storage

Piña Coladas are best enjoyed fresh. If you make extra, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Stir well before serving and add fresh ice for the best texture. Re-blending may be necessary to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

Two tall glasses filled with a creamy pale yellow drink that looks smooth and cold. Each glass has a wedge of bright yellow pineapple on the rim, with the juicy texture of the fruit visible. Inside the drink, near the top, rests a shiny red cherry. One glass has a clear amber-colored straw, and the other glass has a clear yellow straw and a small pink cocktail umbrella. The glasses are placed on a white marbled surface that adds a soft, elegant background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Piña Colada?

Yes, simply omit the rum and increase the pineapple juice and coconut cream slightly. You can add a bit of coconut-flavored syrup to enhance the taste.

What is the difference between coconut cream and coconut milk?

Coconut cream is thicker and richer, often used to provide creaminess in cocktails and desserts, while coconut milk is thinner and lighter. Using cream yields a more indulgent Piña Colada.

Pina Colada Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 120 reviews

A classic tropical cocktail, the Pina Colada blends creamy coconut, fresh pineapple juice, and white rum into a smooth, refreshing drink perfect for warm weather or any festive occasion.

Author: Dana
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Yield: 1 cocktail 1x
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Caribbean

Ingredients

Scale

Liquids

2 ounces white rum (use a quality brand for the best flavor)
1 ounce coconut cream (substitute with coconut milk for a lighter version)
1 ounce heavy cream (use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free option)
6 ounces fresh pineapple juice (freshly squeezed is best; canned juice is an alternative)

Other

1 cup crushed ice (essential for a slushy texture)
1 pineapple wedge (for garnish)
1 maraschino cherry (for garnish)
1 teaspoon shredded coconut (for garnish)

Instructions

Gather Your Ingredients: Make sure all ingredients including white rum, coconut cream, heavy cream, fresh pineapple juice, and crushed ice are prepared and ready to use.
Blend the Ingredients: Place the rum, coconut cream, heavy cream, pineapple juice, and crushed ice into a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and slushy in texture, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Taste and Adjust: Sample the blended cocktail and adjust the sweetness or creaminess if desired by adding a bit more coconut cream or pineapple juice, then blend again briefly.
Serve: Pour the creamy mixture into a chilled glass to keep the cocktail cool and refreshing.
Garnish: Garnish by placing a fresh pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry, and a sprinkle of shredded coconut on top to enhance presentation and flavor.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute the coconut cream with coconut milk and the heavy cream with coconut yogurt.
Use freshly squeezed pineapple juice whenever possible for the best flavor.
This cocktail is best served immediately to enjoy the luscious creamy texture and chill.
If you prefer a less alcoholic version, reduce the rum quantity or omit it entirely for a virgin pina colada.

Keywords: Pina Colada, tropical cocktail, rum cocktail, coconut cream, pineapple juice, blended drink, summer cocktail