This Best Pina Colada is a fun and tropical drink that tastes like a vacation in a glass. It mixes sweet pineapple, creamy coconut milk, and smooth white rum to create a deliciously refreshing treat.
Perfect for sunny days or beach parties, this easy-to-make cocktail is topped off with a splash of lime juice and a sweet cherry garnish.
Best Pina Colada Cocktail
It’s the ultimate frozen drink to help you relax and enjoy the moment!
If you enjoy this pina colada recipe with coconut milk, be sure to try other pineapple recipes like super thick pineapple pancakes, tropical smoothie, and pineapple bread.
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Best Pina Colada Ingredients
- Pineapple Chunks - Fresh or canned pineapple chunks for a sweet, tropical base.
- Coconut Milk - Adds creamy texture and rich coconut flavor. I used a coconut milk can, just make sure to shake it well before adding to the mix. You can substitute this with heavy cream and some coconut extract but the flavor will not eb the same.
- White Rum - The spirit that gives the cocktail its classic kick. I like to use Malibu.
- Lime - Juice from this lime adds a zesty tang and balances the sweetness.
- Agave Syrup - A natural sweetener to enhance the flavor without overpowering it.
- Maraschino Cherries - For classic garnish!
🥥 Does Malibu work for Piña Colada?
YES, Malibu works well in a Piña Colada, adding extra coconut flavor.
📋 You can find the full ingredient list in the Recipe Card below the article.
How To Make A Pina Colada Cocktail
- Make Pina by mixing all the ingredients in the blender. Combine the pineapple chunks, coconut milk, lime juice, and agave syrup.
- Add white rum and a few ice cubes to the blender and blend until the ice is crushed.
- Pour the mocktail into glasses and garnish with a pineapple slice and glazed cherries.
- Serve this frosty cocktail in cold in tall glasses and enjoy your delicious piña colada
🍹 I have a Virgin Pina version on my blog too.
Substitutions and Variations
🍍My best tip for perfect pina colada: use fresh ripe pineapple - it will provide the best flavor and is healthier than sweetened canned versions.
- Fresh Pineapple Chunks: Use pineapple juice or frozen pineapple if chunks aren’t available.
- Coconut Milk: Substitute with coconut cream for a richer, creamier texture, or use coconut water + milk for a lighter option.
- White Rum or use coconut rum: For a different flavor, try flavored rums like coconut or pineapple.
- Agave Syrup: Honey or maple syrup can be great alternatives.
The Best Non-Alcoholic White Rum Substitutes
This tropical cocktail will taste delicious even without the rum. Here's some alternatives I recommend:
- Non-Alcoholic Rum Alternatives: Brands like Lyre’s and Ritual offer non-alcoholic rum substitutes that can mimic the flavor of rum without the alcohol.
- Rum Extract: A small amount of rum extract can add rum-like flavor without alcohol. Use sparingly, as it’s quite strong.
Equipment
- Blender - this professional one or here's a cheaper version
- Measuring Jigger or just use kitchen measuring spoons.
- Citrus Juicer (optional, but makes the process quicker and easier)
- Serving Glasses - (classic pina colada glasses and simplified version)
- Tip: Chill Your Glasses! Serve your piña colada in chilled glasses to keep the drink refreshing and cool for longer.
Top Tips for Success
- Use frozen pineapple chunks or add extra ice to make your Pina Colada extra frothy and thick.
- Blend until smooth to ensure a creamy texture with no chunks.
- Adjust the sweetness and tartness to your taste by adding more agave syrup or lime juice as needed.
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor. You can either blend fresh pineapple or use high-quality pineapple juice. Avoid canned juices if possible.
- Use Quality Rum: The type of rum you use can greatly affect the taste. A good white rum is traditional, but you can also experiment with dark rum for a richer flavor.
- Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk: For a creamier texture, use coconut cream. If you prefer a lighter drink, you can use coconut milk. Some people even mix both for an ideal balance.
- Crushed Ice: Blend your ingredients with crushed ice for a smoother texture. If you don’t have crushed ice, you can blend regular ice until it reaches a fine consistency.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add a splash of orange juice for acidity or a hint of vanilla extract for depth. Some people even enjoy adding a bit of banana or mango for a fruity twist.
Storing Instructions
- Pina Coladas are best enjoyed immediately for the freshest taste.
- However, if you need to store leftovers, keep them in a sealed jar container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Re-blend before serving.
More Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes
Want something similar but non alcoholic drink? Try our Watermelon Slushie recipe next!
- Watermelon Margarita Recipe
- Spicy Frozen Watermelon Margarita
- Jalapeno Simple Syrup
- Tinto de Verano
- 46+ Best Holiday Cocktails
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Recipe Card
Best Pina Colada Cocktail
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INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup pineapple chunks
- ½ cup coconut milk
- 1 ½ ounce white rum, 45ml
- ½ lime
- 2 tablespoon agave syrup
- ½ cup ice
- 3-4 glazed cherries, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
- Make Pina by mixing all the ingredients in the blender. Combine the pineapple chunks, coconut milk, lime juice, and agave syrup.1 cup pineapple chunks, ½ cup coconut milk, ½ lime, 2 tablespoon agave syrup
- Add white rum and a few ice cubes to the blender and blend until the ice is crushed.½ cup ice, 1 ½ ounce white rum
- Pour the mocktail into glasses and garnish with a pineapple slice and glazed cherries.
- Serve this frosty cocktail in cold in tall glasses and enjoy your delicious piña colada3-4 glazed cherries
NOTES
- Virgin Pina Colada: Simply omit the rum for a family-friendly version.
- Tropical Twist: Add mango or strawberries to the blender for a fruity twist.
- Minty Pina Colada: Blend in a handful of fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal note.
ADD YOUR OWN PRIVATE NOTES
NUTRITION
Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on the products used.
Full Nutrition Disclaimer can be found here.
The Best Pina Colada: Frequently Asked Questions
You mix Piña Colada with white rum for the best flavor.
Bacardi is better if you want a classic rum flavor, while Malibu adds a coconut twist.
It’s not very strong; it’s sweet and creamy with a mild rum flavor.
NO, Bacardi coconut has a hint of coconut, while Malibu is all about strong coconut flavor.
A Piña Colada has pineapple and coconut, while a Coco Colada focuses more on coconut flavor.
Coconut cream is better if you want a richer, creamier Piña Colada.
Julia
The best pina colada - you will love it!
Joann
Making it tonight, looks delicious!
Dave C.
Perfect Colada recipe!
Carla-May
Appreciating all the substitution options Julia provided, especially for making a healthier Pina Colada. Has anyone tried any of these with coconut water instead of cream for a lighter version?
Rob Vance
I was doubtful about the non-alcoholic substitutes for white rum in Pina Coladas, but Julia's suggestions were surprisingly good. Still, nothing beats the original. Change my mind.
Lena K.
Just tried making the Pina Colada with the recipe Julia shared, and it turned out amazing! I've always struggled with getting the right creaminess, but the tips here made a huge difference. Anyone else found a fav blender to make this smoother?