Piña Colada

Nothing captures the tropical flavors of an island vacation better than this frosty piña colada. The perfect balance of creamy coconut and sour-sweet pineapple, this rum-based cocktail is the official drink of Puerto Rico. Recipes that resemble the modern blended beverage date back to the 1950s, with some reports attributing the original pineapple, coconut, and rum combination to 18th-century sailors (and pirates). You don't have to be on a tropical vacation to enjoy one, though. Just blend one up on a nice, sunny day, sit outside, and dream of the ocean! Here are more frozen drinks and summer cocktails to sip on a warm afternoon.

What is in a piña colada?

According to the IBA (International Bartender’s Association), a piña colada must have rum, coconut cream, and fresh pineapple juice. There is plenty of room for variation, though. Some people make their own simple syrup and others add a boozy dark rum floater to the top of the drink. This piña colada recipe includes the standard ingredients, but calls for amping up the pineapple flavor with frozen pineapple chunks. Using frozen fruit in blended cocktails is a great way to get that irresistible slushy texture without watering down the drink with too much ice. There is also a squeeze of lime juice to keep this sweet drink bright and balanced.

What's the best rum for a piña colada?

Use a light or golden rum. Dark rum tends to be little too complex and caramel flavored for a cocktail this refreshing. Lighter rum, however, lets the tropical flavors of pineapple and coconut shine.

What is cream of coconut?

With the abundance of coconut milk products on the market, it's crucial to select the right one for your recipe. Cream of coconut isn't the same as coconut milk or coconut cream. While coconut milk is the standard for savory dishes and unsweetened coconut cream is great for coconut-based desserts, cream of coconut is what you should reach for to make a piña colada. Cream of coconut is coconut cream that has been processed and sweetened to form a thick, syrupy concoction that's perfect for blended cocktails.

Is a piña colada a strong cocktail?

When it’s made at home, a piña colada is as strong as you want it to be. If you split this recipe between two glasses, each drink will contain about two ounces of rum. Feel free to make adjustments based on preferences.

Can you make this a mocktail?

Certainly! If you're looking for fun mocktail recipes, this one is easy to adjust. Just skip the rum! It'll still be frosty, perfectly sweet, and so refreshing.