What the heck is this?
It’s a vacation in a glass—no passport required. The ultimate piña colada is rich, smooth, and bursting with the sweet tropical goodness of pineapple, coconut, and rum. Blended until perfectly creamy and served icy cold, it’s the kind of drink that makes you want to toss on sunglasses and forget about your inbox. Whether you’re poolside, on the patio, or just stuck inside dreaming of palm trees, this piña colada is the answer to your beachy cocktail cravings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– It’s insanely creamy and frosty without tasting artificial
– Real fruit, real coconut, real rum—none of that syrupy mix nonsense
– Ready in 5 minutes flat
– Easy to scale up for parties
– Tastes like summer in every sip
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
– 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
– 3 oz white rum (like Bacardi or your fave brand)
– 1/2 cup cream of coconut (like Coco López—not coconut milk)
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup coconut milk (for extra creaminess)
– 2 cups ice
– Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional but fabulous)
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Load the Blender
Toss the frozen pineapple, rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and ice into a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high until the mixture is thick, creamy, and smooth—think milkshake consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more juice. If it’s too thin, throw in more ice or frozen pineapple.
Step 3: Serve Like a Pro
Pour into chilled hurricane or cocktail glasses. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry if you’re feeling fancy (and why not?).
Serving Suggestions
– Perfect as a signature cocktail for summer BBQs or tropical-themed parties
– Add a paper umbrella or toasted coconut on top for extra flair
– Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple if you’re going full vacation mode
Switch It Up
– Make it Virgin: Skip the rum and add a splash of coconut water for a non-alcoholic treat
– Add a Float: Pour a little dark rum over the top for extra depth and a dramatic look
– Berry Piña Colada: Blend in a handful of frozen strawberries or mango for a fruity twist
– Spiced Up: Use spiced rum for a warmer, more aromatic flavor profile
Make-Ahead Tips
– Make a big batch and freeze it in a zip-top bag. Just let it thaw for 10–15 minutes and knead it to slushy perfection.
– You can also freeze leftovers into popsicles for the ultimate adult treat.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I use fresh pineapple instead of frozen?
A: You can, but then you’ll need to add more ice to get that frozen texture. Frozen pineapple works best to keep it thick and cold.
Q: What’s the difference between cream of coconut and coconut cream?
A: Cream of coconut is sweet and syrupy (like Coco López), perfect for drinks. Coconut cream is unsweetened and used more in cooking. Don’t swap them!
Q: Can I make this in advance for a party?
A: Totally. Blend a big batch and freeze it. Let it sit out 10 minutes before serving and give it a quick stir.
The Ultimate Piña Colada Recipe: Creamy, Tropical, and Dangerously Easy to Love
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 2 large cocktails
Description
It’s a vacation in a glass—no passport required. The ultimate piña colada is rich, smooth, and bursting with the sweet tropical goodness of pineapple, coconut, and rum. Blended until perfectly creamy and served icy cold, it’s the kind of drink that makes you want to toss on sunglasses and forget about your inbox. Whether you’re poolside, on the patio, or just stuck inside dreaming of palm trees, this piña colada is the answer to your beachy cocktail cravings.
Ingredients
– 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
– 3 oz white rum (like Bacardi or your fave brand)
– 1/2 cup cream of coconut (like Coco López—not coconut milk)
– 1/2 cup pineapple juice
– 1/4 cup coconut milk (for extra creaminess)
– 2 cups ice
– Pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries, for garnish (optional but fabulous)
Instructions
Step 1: Load the Blender
Toss the frozen pineapple, rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and ice into a high-powered blender.
Step 2: Blend Until Smooth
Blend on high until the mixture is thick, creamy, and smooth—think milkshake consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more juice. If it’s too thin, throw in more ice or frozen pineapple.
Step 3: Serve Like a Pro
Pour into chilled hurricane or cocktail glasses. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a cherry if you’re feeling fancy (and why not?).
Notes
Perfect as a signature cocktail for summer BBQs or tropical-themed parties
– Add a paper umbrella or toasted coconut on top for extra flair
– Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple if you’re going full vacation mode
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~340 kcal per serving
- Fat: ~12g
- Carbohydrates: ~35g
- Protein: ~2g