Pina Colada cocktail
The Pina Colada is a creamy sweet rum cocktail, the coconut milk and ice cubes blend together to give it a consistency like fresh ice cream or gelato. The Pina Colada has been the official beverage of Puerto Rico since 1978.
If you don't have a blender, you can use crushed ice with a cocktail shaker – it won't be quite as smooth but it will still taste great.
- Total Time:
- Type: Cocktail
- Units: 2
Equipment
- hurricane glass
Ingredients
- 75 ml pineapple juice
- 50 ml rum
- 50 ml coconut milk
- crushed ice or ice cubes
Optional
- pineapple wedge
- maraschino (sweet) cherry
Instructions
- Pour the ice into a blender.
- The pour the rum, pineapple juice and coconut milk into the blender.
- Pop the lid onto the blender and blend the mixture until smooth.
- Pour into a chilled glass.
- To finish garnish with a pineapple wedge and the maraschino cherry.
FAQ
Which rum is best in a Piña Colada?
A light rum is most traditional, giving a smooth tropical base that lets the pineapple and coconut shine. If you prefer more depth, a splash of dark or golden rum adds caramel richness, similar to how dark rum transforms a Mai Tai.
Is a Piña Colada always blended?
Traditionally yes, it’s blended with ice for a frozen texture. However, it can also be shaken and served over ice in a tall glass for a lighter, less creamy version. The shaken style is closer in feel to a refreshing Daiquiri.
Can I make a Piña Colada dairy-free?
Absolutely. The creaminess comes from coconut cream, so the drink is naturally dairy-free. Some recipes add cream for richness, but it’s not essential – and the original recipe relies only on coconut.
What garnish works best with a Piña Colada?
A pineapple wedge and a cherry are the classic finishing touches, adding tropical flair. Some bartenders also use a pineapple leaf for height and presentation, much like the vibrant garnishes on a Zombie.