↑

Will Cook For Smiles

Classic and Original Homecooking Recipes

  • Home
    • About Me
    • Work With Us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Subscribe!
  • Recipes
    • Popular Posts
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Healthy Dishes
    • Soup
    • Salad
    • Sandwich
    • Cauliflower
    • Drink
    • Cocktail
  • How To
  • Instant Pot
    • Instant Pot Main Dishes
    • Instant Pot Side Dishes
    • Instant Pot Soups
  • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Chicken
    • Beef
    • Seafood
    • Pork
    • Chili
    • Pasta
    • Slow Cooker
    • Vegetarian
  • Dessert
    • Cheesecake
    • Cake
    • Cookies
    • Chocolate
  • Holidays
    • BBQ
    • Father’s Day
    • 4th Of July
    • Fall Recipes
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Christmas Dinner
    • Christmas Baking
    • New Year’s
    • Valentine’s Day
    • Super Bowl Recipes
    • St. Patrick’s Day
    • Easter
    • Holiday Leftover Recipes
    • Cinco de Mayo
    • Mother’s Day
Home » Drink » Pina Colada

Pina Colada

Created: June 7, 2021 Updated: April 21, 2022 by Lyuba Brooke 3 Comments

3.8K shares
Jump to Recipe

This delicious Piña Colada is a refreshing summer cocktail perfectly suited for any occasion. Made with only four simple ingredients, this Puerto Rican cocktail features frozen pineapple and cream of coconut blended to frozen perfection with white and topped with dark rum float. Soak up some sunshine and refresh yourself with an icy, sweet, and tropical Piña Colada this summer!

A pina colada fills a hurricane glass.

Piña Colada

Did you know that Piña Colada cocktails have only been in existence since 1954?! I’m not sure how anyone enjoyed themselves at the beach before then. When I’m catching some rays by the water, I like to do so with a creamy, frozen Piña Colada. It was first created by a bartender, Ramon Marrero Perez, in Puerto Rico back in ’52, and I’m so grateful for that man!

There are so many frozen cocktails to choose from, but the Piña Colada has withstood the test of time and remained a favorite for beach goers, vacationers, and summer-lovers alike. And don’t worry, you don’t necessarily need to be at the beach to enjoy one of these boozy frozen delights!

With only four ingredients needed to create the most perfect, classic-tasting Piña Colada. It’s a wonder why so many restaurants charge upwards of $10 for a single glass. Save some money and make this recipe at home instead of wasting it at a tiki bar on a pre-mix and rum cocktail!

This simple recipe is sweet without being overly so, and has rich pineapple and coconut flavors that almost mask the rum entirely. If you like Piña Coladas and getting caught in the rain… Then this is the recipe for you!

Ingredients In Piña Colada

The ingredients for pina coladas are placed on a cutting board.
  • Frozen Pineapple Chunks – For the absolute best results, chop and freeze your own fresh pineapple. It adds fresh, sweet, and natural juicy pineapple flavor. Freezing the pineapple also cuts down on the amount of ice you’ll need, that way the drink won’t be as diluted.
  • Cream of Coconut – Make sure you’re using cream of coconut, not coconut milk or coconut cream. It’s sweet and meant for frozen cocktails. My favorite brand of cream of coconut to use is Coco Lopez or Goya!
  • White Rum – White rum, like Bacardi, is always a good choice when blending Piña Coladas. To make things even more authentic, though, use Puerto Rican aged rum, like Don Q, for spicier and more flavorful results.
  • Dark Rum – Dark rum is just used in this recipe as a floater, which is entirely optional. I highly recommend it, though! It perfectly balances out the white rum and adds a little bit of spice to an otherwise sweet drink.

How to Make a Piña Colada

Pineapple chunks are placed in two ziplock baggies.

Start by cutting and freezing the pineapple chunks. For the best cutting method, follow my instructions on How to Cut a Pineapple.

Divide cut pineapple into portions in separate zip-top freezer bags and freeze them for at least 3 hours.

Pina Colada is being blended in a blender.

When ready to make the Piña Colada, combine frozen pineapple, cream of coconut, some ice, and white rum. Blend everything (except for the dark rum floater) until smooth.

Be sure to add just enough ice, approximately 1-2 cups when using frozen pineapple.

Pina Colada is being poured into a fun hurricane glass.

Divide the mixture among the glasses evenly and carefully pour dark rum over the top.

Two glasses are garnished.

Don’t forget to garnish! When you have a fun, frozen drink like this, it’s a crime not to add a garnish or two. Pineapple chunks, pineapple leaves, or maraschino cherries are all adorable toppings. Oh – and of course, mini umbrellas!

A pina colada is placed on a white surface.

Tips For Best Results and Variations to Try

  • You can prepare the pineapple ahead of time. Portion the chunks into several bags and use the bag as needed. Pineapple chunks will last in the freezer for up to 2 months if you don’t open the bag. That’s why it’s best to portion it into several bags.
  • For the absolute best results, you will need to put in a little extra time. If you want to avoid using too much ice and diluting the flavor, freeze Piña Colada twice. First, blend the frozen pineapple, cream of coconut, and white rum together until all smooth. Then, either place the pitcher bowl into the freezer if it’s safe, or transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze it for 1-2 hours. Then, blend it all together again, and if you feel like you need to, add only about a cup of ice. This will give you the strongest and most vibrant flavor.
  • If you want even more tropical flavor, add some frozen bananas!
  • Do you love more fruity flavor? Add frozen or fresh strawberries to the blender for a fun, fruity twist.
  • For even more coconut flavor, use coconut rum instead of white rum.
A pineapple leaf and mini umbrella garnish a pina colada.

Try More Tropical Cocktail Recipes!

Strawberry Margarita – this sweet margarita combines fresh berries, aromatic reposado tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave nectar for a touch of sweetness

Rum Punch – this Jamaican-style cocktail has a base of orange and pineapples juices and both, light and dark rums

Bahama Mama – a sweet tropical cocktail that features coconut rum, orange juice, pineapple juice, touch of grenadine, and dark rum

Mai Tai – a well balanced tropical cocktail that features lime juice, simple syrup, orgeat syrup, curacao, and rum

PIN THIS RECIPE FOR LATER

A pineapple leaf and mini umbrella garnish a pina colada.

Pina Colada

Piña Colada is a refreshing summer cocktail with only four simple ingredients, frozen pineapple, cream of coconut, white rum, and dark rum float.
5 from 2 votes
Print SaveSaved! Rate
Course: cocktail, Drinks
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
Freeze time (optional):: 2 hours hours
Total Time: 5 minutes minutes
Servings: 4 (serves 4-6)
Calories: 438kcal
Author: Lyuba Brooke

Ingredients

  • 8 oz frozen pineapple chunks
  • 8 oz cream of coconut
  • 8 oz white rum (or Puerto Rican aged rum)
  • 2 oz dark rum floater
US Customary – Metric

Instructions

Pineapple:

  • If you need instructions to cut pineapple, check out my post and a video on How To Cut A Pineapple.
  • Divide pineapple chunks into about 8 oz. portions and freeze for at least 3 hours. (A whole pineapple will give you 3-4 8 oz. portions.)

Pina Colada:

  • For the easiest and fastest Pina Colada, add all the ingredients into the blender, except for the dark rum floater, and add 3-4 cups of ice. Blend it well until all smooth.
  • Divide the mixture among the glasses and carefully pour 1/2 oz. of dark rum on top.
  • Garnish with pineapple chunks, pineapple leaves, or maraschino cherries as you wish.

Pina Colada Version 2:

  • For absolutely best results, you will need to put in a little extra time but this version will have the strongest and brightest flavor.
  • First, blend frozen pineapple chunks, cream of coconut, and white rum together until all smooth.
  • Place the mixer pitcher into the freezer (if it's freezer-safe) or transfer the mixture into a freezer-safe container and freeze for 1-2 hours.
  • Then, blend it all together again and if you feel like you need to, add about a cup of ice. This will give you the strangest and most vibrant flavor. (But note that it will give you less servings because there will be less ice.)

Nutrition

Calories: 438kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Sodium: 30mg | Potassium: 63mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 43g | Vitamin A: 33IU | Vitamin C: 27mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @willcookforsmiles and tag #willcookforsmiles

LYUBA

ABOUT LYUBA

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read more...

3.8K shares

Filed Under: Cocktail, Drink, Rum

All images and text ©Lyubov Brooke for ©Will Cook For Smiles. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If using my posts in collections and features, please link back to this post for the recipe. Disclaimer: Nutrition information shown is not guaranteed to be 100% accurate as most ingredients and brands have variations.

Comments

  1. Shar says

    May 14, 2023 at 11:23 am

    5 stars
    This is the best Pina Colada recipe! Reminded me of my favorite Pina Colada from a bar in Florida Keys! Will be my go-to at home. So easy and delish. Topped it off with whipped cream. It doesn’t need it, but that’s how they served it in the Keys 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
    • LyubaB says

      May 16, 2023 at 11:14 am

      I am so glad you like it, Shar! Thanks for taking the time to come tell me you like it!

      Reply
  2. Jessica says

    March 21, 2023 at 11:36 pm

    5 stars
    Omg! This drink is dangerously good! lol

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Well, hey there!

I’m Lyuba Brooke, mother of 2, the cook, recipe developer, photographer, and author behind willcookforsmiles.com. I share many classic and original recipes, cooking tips, and tutorials. My passion is sharing delicious meals for everyone to try. Read More.

Father’s Day Recipes

closeup of ribeye steak covered in a cream sauce and parsley.

Rib Eye Steaks with The Best Cream Sauce

inside of Steak Diane after being sliced

Steak Diane

closeup of holding a cheeseburger with one hand

How To Make The Best Burgers

beef topped with herbed butter and roasted green beans

Pan Seared Steak

baked lobster tails topped with fresh parsley and herb butter

Lobster Tails Recipe

swirled chocolate mousse in a clear glass with shaved white chocolate on top.

Chocolate Mousse

two grilled steaks on the wooden cutting board with rosemary around.

How To Grill The Best Steak

sliced beef tenderloin coated in peppercorn seasoning.

Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin

Our Popular Recipes

Easy Roasted Cauliflower

closeup of a red bowl with minestrone soup with a spoon.

Minestrone Soup

horizontal side view of the yellowish cocktail in a glass topped with two flowers and more orange flowers around the glass

Mai Tai

New York Cheesecake

closeup of blackened salmon filet with a lime wedge

Blackened Salmon

Chicken Alfredo

Top Rated Recipes

The Best French Toast

Cauliflower Parmesan Crisps

Christmas Cheesecake (Cranberry Jam White Chocolate Mousse Cheesecake)

Avocado Salmon Rice Bowl

round decorative bowl filled with apple pie bread pudding topped with ice cream and a fork leaning on the side of the bowl viewed close up.

Apple Pie Bread Pudding

Smores cheesecake on a wooden table

S'mores Cheesecake

Sides

30 Min

Pasta

Salads

Breakfast

Drinks

Soups

Gluten Free

FEATURED ON:

featured on

Steak Diane

Steak Diane

May 29, 2023
Steak...
Sautéed Mushrooms

Sautéed Mushrooms

May 26, 2023
Sautéed...
Lobster Tails Recipe

Lobster Tails Recipe

May 26, 2023
This...
Greek Tortellini Salad

Greek Tortellini Salad

May 25, 2023
Greek...
Blackened Salmon

Blackened Salmon

May 25, 2023
Blackened...
Shrimp and Grits

Shrimp and Grits

May 11, 2023
Shrimp...
Chocolate Mousse

Chocolate Mousse

May 8, 2023
Chocolate...
Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

Creamy Shrimp Enchiladas

May 4, 2023
Shrimp...
Pork Carnitas

Pork Carnitas

May 3, 2023
Carnitas...
Spanish Rice

Spanish Rice

April 26, 2023
Spanish...
Privacy Policy
©2023, Will Cook For Smiles. Design by Pixel Me Designs