Easy Pina Colada Recipe

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: Got fresh pineapple? Wait until it’s ripe, then freeze it solid.
• Cream of Coconut: Coco Real in the easy-to-use squeeze bottle is my favorite.
• Heavy Cream: You can use canned coconut cream instead (use leftovers in Coconut Cream Pie!).
• Pineapple Juice: Make sure the only thing listed is pineapple—no added water.
• Lime Juice: Adds a tart flavor, but you can skip it.
• Salt: Just a tiny pinch brings out the flavor.
• Garnishes: Top with pineapple, lime, or cherries for fun and added 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.

How To Make Pina Colada

It’s as easy as tossing everything in a blender and blending! Here are some tips:

1. Use a High-Powered Blender: Ensures smooth results with frozen ingredients.
2. Slightly Thaw Fruit: Let super frozen fruit soften a bit for easier blending.
3. Liquid First: Start with liquids in the blender for smoother blending.
4. Pulse, Then Blend: Pulse to chop big pieces, then blend for a smooth texture.
5. Adjust to Taste: Add more sweetness or tartness if needed after a quick taste test.
6. 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

1. Pineapple Wedge: Slide a fresh pineapple wedge onto the rim of each glass.
2. 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.
3. Mint Sprig or Lime: Insert a sprig of mint or a thinly sliced lime.
4. 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.