Whipping up a Pina Colada at home is easy and quick. This sweet, fruity, cold drink, made with frozen pineapple, can be ready in minutes.
Want it without alcohol? Just use pineapple juice. Prefer a cocktail? Swap out the pineapple juice for rum.
BEST Pina Colada Recipe
We took our kids to Mexico for the first time earlier this year, and they loved it!
Besides swimming, what were their favorites? The bottomless piña coladas, the endless meringues at the buffet, and heaps of Mexican rice.
The entire time we were in Mexico, my kids constantly asked if I could make these when we got back home. I picked up a few tips from the bartenders on their favorite ways to make piña coladas without alcohol.
Since coming home, I’ve tried and tweaked until this recipe received approval from every family member. These are the absolute best piña coladas!
What is a Pina Colada?
It’s a refreshing tropical cocktail typically made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple. It’s often blended with ice and garnished with pineapple or cherry.
Pina Colada Ingredients
- Frozen Pineapple Chunks: Got fresh pineapple? Wait until it’s ripe, then freeze it solid before using it in this recipe.
- Cream of Coconut: I’ve tried lots of brands, but Coco Real Cream of Coconut in those convenient squeeze bottles beats them all.
- Heavy Cream: Adds thickness and creaminess to the drink; you can swap it out for canned coconut cream if you prefer. If you open a can and only use a little, use the rest in Coconut Cream Pie.
- Pineapple Juice: Make sure the only ingredient listed is pineapple juice when you buy it. You don’t want anything that’s been diluted with water.
- Lime Juice: Love the zing it adds and how it pairs with pineapple, but feel free to skip it if it’s not your thing.
- Salt: Might sound odd in a sweet drink, but a tiny pinch really brings out the flavors and adds balance.
- Garnishes: Dress up your drink with pineapple slices, lime wedges, or Maraschino cherries for extra flair and flavor.
How To Make a Non-Alcoholic Pina Colada
I put 100% pineapple juice in these pina coladas. They’re like a sweet fruity milkshake and my kids will tell you, they prefer this drink over an Oreo Milkshake!
What Rum Is Best For Pina Colada?
- Stick with light (not dark) rum. Dark rum’s rich, caramel tones don’t mix well with the light fruitiness of this drink.
- Pick a rum you enjoy on its own.
Variations
- Add some more fruit and give my Strawberry Piña Colada a try!
- Make a dairy free Pina Colada following this recipe and using canned coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- Vegan Pina Colada? This recipe is naturally vegan!
- Use canned pineapple by draining it well and then freezing the night before.
How To Make Pina Colada
It’s as easy as tossing everything in a blender and blending! Here are some tips:
- Use a High-Powered Blender: Ensures smooth results with frozen ingredients.
- Slightly Thaw Fruit: Let super frozen fruit soften a bit for easier blending.
- Liquid First: Start with liquids in the blender for smoother blending.
- Pulse, Then Blend: Pulse to chop big pieces, then blend for a smooth texture.
- Adjust to Taste: Add more sweetness or tartness if needed after a quick taste test.
- Chill Glasses: Serve in chilled glasses to keep it colder for longer.
Can I Make More?
Yes, you can double the recipe based on your blender’s capacity. For larger quantities, prepare in batches.
(And remember, if you’re throwing a Pina Colada party, it’s practically mandatory to have the Pina Colada song playing in the background!)
How To Garnish This Pina Colada Recipe
- Pineapple Wedge: Slide a fresh pineapple wedge onto the rim of each glass.
- Maraschino Cherry: Place a cherry on top of the drink or skewer it with a small umbrella and rest it on the edge of the glass.
- Mint Sprig or Lime: Insert a sprig of mint or a thinly sliced lime.
- Umbrella or Straw: Add a colorful umbrella or a fun straw for a fun tropical vibe.
What To Serve With Your Drink:
- Seafood Dishes: Shrimp or fish tacos pair great with Pina Coladas.
- Tropical Fruit Salad: I love a side of fresh fruit!
- BBQ: The sweetness of this drink balances goes well with my chicken taco marinade.
- Finger Foods: Coconut shrimp, spring rolls, or mini crab cakes are great appetizers with your drink.
- Spicy Dishes: The creaminess of this drink can cool down the heat from spicy foods like jerk chicken.
Pina Colada
Equipment
- High powered blender
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup 100% pineapple juice (for a cocktail, replace with rum) (Note 1)
- 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- 2 cups ice cubes
- 3/4 cup Coco Real Cream of Coconut (Note 2)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or canned coconut cream)
- 1 up to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice (add to preference)
- Tiny pinch (1/16 tsp) salt
- Optional. for serving: pineapple or lime slices and/or Maraschino cherries
Instructions
- PREP: Let the frozen pineapple chunks warm up at room temperature for a minute for easier blending. Optionally, chill glasses ahead of time.
- BLEND: Combine all ingredients in a high-powered blender in the order listed. Blend until smooth and frosty.
- SERVE: Taste and adjust as necessary. Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with pineapple slices, lime slices, and Maraschino cherries, if desired. Serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
