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The 5-Ingredient Piña Colada That’s Making Resort Bartenders Sweat Through Their Hawaiian Shirts!

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Top-down view of two tropical cocktails made with coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, sugar, and ice, served in clear cocktail glasses. The drinks are creamy yellow, frothy, and garnished with fresh pineapple slices and cherries. They sit on a white marble countertop, creating a clean, refreshing, and inviting tropical presentation perfect for summer.

Cocktails and Drinks, American

The Pina Colada is more than just a drink—it’s a mini-vacation in a glass. The combination of creamy coconut milk, sweet pineapple juice, and a splash of rum takes you straight to a sunny beach, no passport required.

This cocktail has a way of instantly transforming any ordinary moment into a tropical escape, making it the perfect companion for a summer day, beach party, or just to unwind after a long week.

Not only does this recipe serve up the perfect balance of sweetness and richness, but it also offers a delightful escape from the everyday grind. It’s incredibly easy to make, with just a few simple ingredients like coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, sugar, and ice.

For a complete tropical experience, you can serve this alongside Hibachi Noodles or a savory snack like Mushroom Alfredo Recipe. The rich flavors of the Pina Colada complement the savory dishes perfectly, making your meal feel like a holiday in your own home.

This drink has been a popular favorite for decades, and it’s no surprise why. It’s sweet, refreshing, and packs a punch, all while feeling indulgent yet light.

Share your twist on this recipe—whether you prefer it frozen or blended, with a little extra rum or a dash of spice, and let me know what tropical touches you add!

Why I Love This Recipe (And You Will Too!)

Top-down view of two tropical cocktails made with coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, sugar, and ice, served in clear cocktail glasses. The drinks are creamy yellow, frothy, and garnished with fresh pineapple slices and cherries. They sit on a white marble countertop, creating a clean, refreshing, and inviting tropical presentation perfect for summer.

  • Quick and Easy: Only a few ingredients needed for a simple, delicious drink.
  • Tropical Vibes: Instantly transports me to a sunny, beachy place—no plane ticket required!
  • Versatile: Works as both a refreshing drink and a sweet, indulgent treat after a long day.
  • Customizable: Add extra flavors or modify the rum amount to suit your taste.
  • Party-Perfect: Always a crowd-pleaser, whether it’s a solo sip or part of a group celebration.
Top-down view of two tropical cocktails made with coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, sugar, and ice, served in clear cocktail glasses. The drinks are creamy yellow, frothy, and garnished with fresh pineapple slices and cherries. They sit on a white marble countertop, creating a clean, refreshing, and inviting tropical presentation perfect for summer.

Pina Colada Recipe

This classic Pina Colada recipe blends creamy coconut milk, refreshing pineapple juice, and rum into a deliciously smooth drink. Perfect for relaxing or adding a tropical touch to any occasion!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine Caribbean, Tropical
Servings 4
Calories 321.75 kcal

Equipment

  • Blender
  • Measuring cups
  • Glass or cocktail glass (for serving)
  • Spoon or straw (optional for mixing)

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 1 cup pineapple juice
  • ½ cup rum
  • 4 tablespoons white sugar
  • 8 cubes ice

Instructions
 

  • Combine 1 cup of coconut milk and 1 cup of pineapple juice in a blender.
    Top-down image of coconut milk and pineapple juice combined in a glass blender jar on a white marble countertop. The creamy coconut milk contrasts with the vibrant yellow pineapple juice. Measuring cups and ingredient containers sit neatly beside the blender, showing the preparation of a tropical drink base with a clean, modern kitchen setup.
  • Add ½ cup of rum and 4 tablespoons of white sugar.
    Top-down view of rum and white sugar being added to a blender already containing coconut milk and pineapple juice. The clear glass blender rests on a clean white marble surface, with a sugar bowl and rum bottle nearby. The image captures the careful addition of ingredients needed to enhance the flavor of the tropical cocktail.
  • Add 8 ice cubes into the blender.
    Top-down shot of 8 ice cubes being added to a glass blender already containing a mix of coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, and sugar. The blender is set on a white marble countertop, with scattered ingredients nearby. The ice adds the chill and texture needed to turn this mix into a smooth, frozen delight.
  • Blend until smooth and frothy.
    Top-down view of a frothy yellow mixture inside a glass blender placed on a white marble kitchen countertop. The blend of coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, sugar, and ice is now fully mixed and smooth. The thick, airy texture is visible, promising a rich and refreshing tropical beverage ready for serving.
  • Pour the mixture into glasses.
    Top-down shot of a tropical drink being poured from a glass blender into two cocktail glasses on a clean white marble countertop. The creamy yellow drink flows smoothly, containing blended coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, sugar, and ice. This image captures the moment just before enjoying the refreshing island-inspired beverage.
  • Garnish with a pineapple slice or cherry (optional).
  • Serve immediately and enjoy your tropical treat!
    Top-down view of two tropical cocktails made with coconut milk, pineapple juice, rum, sugar, and ice, served in clear cocktail glasses. The drinks are creamy yellow, frothy, and garnished with fresh pineapple slices and cherries. They sit on a white marble countertop, creating a clean, refreshing, and inviting tropical presentation perfect for summer.

Nutrition Info:

NutritionValue
Calories321.75kcal
Carbohydrates22.1g
Protein 1.38g
Fat12.12g

Unexpected Variations To Level Up Your Pina Colada!

If you’ve already mastered the classic version, here are a few expert-worthy ways to switch it up without losing that tropical charm:

  • Frozen Banana Boost: Blend in half a frozen banana for a creamier texture and a hint of natural sweetness — it balances the rum beautifully and adds some fiber.
  • Coconut Cream Swap: Replace coconut milk with coconut cream for a thicker, richer mouthfeel. Great if you’re serving this at a gathering and want a “wow” factor.
  • Chili Rim Kick: Lightly dust the glass rim with a mix of chili powder and salt. The subtle heat against the sweetness creates an unexpected and addictive contrast.
  • Herb-Infused Ice Cubes: Freeze pineapple juice with bits of mint or basil into cubes and use them instead of regular ice. As they melt, they release fresh herbal notes.
  • Charred Pineapple Garnish: Grill pineapple slices before blending or as a garnish — the smoky caramelized flavor takes your cocktail from beachy to gourmet.
  • Mocktail Refined: For a non-alcoholic version with a twist, add a splash of passionfruit juice or a few dashes of bitters to give it that adult depth without the rum.

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