Freezing fresh pineapple cubes is the secret to making the Best Piña Colada Recipe with coconut milk at home! Simply blend up the pineapple, coconut milk and cream with a light rum and enjoy the BEST frozen cocktail at home all Summer long. This refreshing drink can also be made into a mocktail so the whole family can sip poolside together.
The Best Piña Colada Recipe with Coconut Milk
It may initially seem like this tropical drink is too difficult to make at home, but it’s actually SUPER easy and quick to whip together your own cocktail mix.
And speaking of mixes — skip them entirely because they taste SO much better when you make them fresh at home.
The key to piña colada success? First, it’s all about freezing fresh fruit, which ensures you have the most pineapple flavor. Secondly, it’s important that you use both coconut milk and cream to get the creamy texture with tons of coconut flavor.
Trust me, I know! I’ve been to Costa Rica 4 different times and that’s the way they make them and they’re simply the BEST!
(Make sure you know how to cut a pineapple, first!)
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Pineapple. Fresh pineapple that has been frozen ahead of time is best to use. Pre-cut fruit can be purchased in the refrigerated area at your grocery store in clear plastic containers. It is normally sold as rings or large chunks. Don’t sub pineapple juice in this classic drink, it won’t have the same consistency.
- Coconut. Both milk and cream are used in this recipe. If you can’t find cream, chill an unshaken can of coconut milk for a few hours. The liquid and cream will separate and you can scrape the cream off the top. Full-fat coconut milk will yield a creamier texture.
- Rum. Many different types of rums will work, but there are a few that will taste better than others. When making a homemade piña colada recipe you will want to opt for a light, white, or silver rum. White rum is aged for less time and maintains a light, fresh flavor. The darker rums have been aged longer and have a much bolder flavor than their lighter counterparts.
How to Make a Piña Colada at Home
Please see the recipe card below for more detailed ingredient amounts.
1. Prepare the Pineapple
You can either use frozen pineapple in a bag from the grocery store or a fresh one. However, you’ll want to freeze a sliced fresh pineapple for a few hours to get the creamy consistency.
Check out How to Cut a Pineapple if you don’t know!
Once you have your fresh fruit cut into chunks, place pineapple pieces in a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or up to overnight.
2. Combine Ingredients and Blend
Add frozen pineapple chunks, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum, and sugar to a blender cup or pitcher. A Vitamix or other high-speed blender is best, but a large food processor will also work.
Blend for about 1-2 minutes. Look for when the pineapple is completely smooth and there are no chunks remaining.
Add the ice cubes and pulse until well incorporated. Be careful not to add too many or else it will come out watery!
3. Serve
This tropical cocktail is best served immediately. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge, straw, and a maraschino cherry, or freeze until ready to serve.
FAQs
The best type of pineapple to use when making homemade piña coladas is FRESH that has been FROZEN for at least 2-3 hours. You can definitely use store-bought frozen fruit, but just know the pineapple will not have nearly as much flavor as the fresh fruit you freeze yourself.
You can, although it won’t be quite as creamy or have those rich tropical flavors. If you can’t find cream, chill an unshaken can of coconut milk for a few hours. The liquid and cream will separate and you can scrape the cream off the top.
Rum is the traditional alcohol used in piña coladas. The best type of rum is a white rum. You can also use vodka or another clear and neutral spirit.
Yes! You can absolutely make this recipe into a non-alcoholic piña colada by simply leaving out the rum completely. The virgin drink will not have quite the same flavor, but it makes a great smoothie or nonalcoholic alternative.
Yes! Make the piña coladas and freeze them in an airtight container. At least 30 minutes before serving take it out and let it defrost slightly. Then re-blend and serve!
The piña colada is originally from Puerto Rico. It is made of pineapples, coconut, and rum that are blended together into a delightful summer drink. The name literally translates to strained pineapple!
Recipe Tips
- Freeze fresh pineapple. Using fresh pineapple will give you the best flavor.
- Cream and milk are key. Both are essential to give you the creamiest texture and most coconut flavor.
- Get the cream from the canned milk. Chill an unshaken can of coconut milk then scrape the cream off of the top.
- High-powered for texture. You can only get your piña colada as smooth as the blender you’re using, so make sure you use a really powerful one!
- Light rum is the way. Darker rums have too much flavor and will overpower the other sweet flavors of the fruit.
- Make a mocktail. Treat the whole family by making one batch with rum and another batch of virgin piña coladas without for the kids!
Other Frozen Drink Recipes
Sip on any of these refreshing beverages to cool down on a hot summer day, or serve at your next summer party.
- Frozen Mojito
- Frozen Peach White Wine Sangria
- Homemade Frozen Lemonade
- Watermelon Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
- Peach Bellini
- Mango Margarita
- Watermelon Margarita
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Piña Colada Recipe with Coconut Milk
Email this recipe!
Equipment
- Vitamix
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups pineapple fresh
- ½ cup coconut milk* regular or lite
- ¼ cup coconut cream
- 3 oz. rum white, silver, or light
- 1 Tbsp. sugar optional
- ¼-½ cup ice
Instructions
- Prepare the Pineapple: Cut fresh pineapple into 1-inch chunks.* Place in a 1-gallon ziplock bag and freeze in a single layer for 2-3 hours.1 ½ cups pineapple
- Combine Ingredients and Blend: Add frozen pineapple chunks, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum, and sugar to a large food processor or high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix. Blend for about 1-2 minutes or until pineapple is completely smooth. Add ice and pulse until well incorporated.½ cup coconut milk*, ¼ cup coconut cream, 3 oz. rum, 1 Tbsp. sugar, ¼-½ cup ice
- Serve immediately with a pineapple wedge, straw, and a maraschino cherry or freeze until ready to serve. If freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and then blend it just before serving. Enjoy!
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Video
Notes
- Nutritional information is calculated with no sugar added and with no garnishes.
- You can also use previously frozen pineapple if it is not currently in season.
- Make sure to use the coconut milk found in a can, NOT the kind in the refrigerated section.
- Nutritional information with Lite coconut milk: 300 kcals, 20 grams carbohydrates, and 12 grams of sugar in 1 serving.
- Freeze fresh pineapple. Using fresh pineapple will give you the best flavor.
- Cream and milk are key. This will give you the creamiest texture.
- Get the cream from the canned milk. Chill an unshaken can of coconut milk then scrape the cream off of the top.
- High-powered for texture. You can only get your piña colada as smooth as the blender you’re using.
- Make a mocktail. Treat the whole family by making one batch with rum and another without for the kids!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This tasted so good. I would definitely reduce the amount of pineapple chunks if you don’t want yours to come out so yellow. I added another 1/2 cup of coconut milk to correct it. It also corrected how strong the alcohol amount was for me.
Side note: I did use refrigerator pineapple chunks instead of frozen so not sure if that had an affect on the color.
Yay! So happy to hear you enjoyed the recipe, KC! Glad it still tasted delicious with those changes, thanks for sharing. And thanks so much for taking the time to leave a comment and rating!
Tried one tablespoon of sugar. A little sweet. Pineapple is already very naturally sweet. I would recommend no sugar all the way to one half a tablespoon per batch. For rum I would recommend the brand Ship Wreck Coconut Rum from Saint Kitts. One of the best and enhances the flavor. It’s sold here in the states. If you want to mix it up a bit, add half Guavaberry rum from Sint Maarten. Also sold in some stores here in the US.
Ya you can definitely leave out the sugar if you don’t want it too sweet. Will have to try out that rum you mentioned! Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment and rating 🙂
Perfect for us! We tried this recipe and it was awesome! Definitely a new recipe for pina colada.
Yay!! So happy to hear you enjoyed the pina colada so much. Thanks for your comment and rating, Jada 🙂
What is the best Rum to make with this?
I would definitely lean more towards a light or white rum. Flor de cana, Bacardi, or El Dorado are all great rums to try!
Try ShipWreck Coconut Rum. Imported from St Kitts. One of the best. Also try half Guavaberry rum from Saint Maarten. Also imported. Gives it a nice spin.
Thanks for the tip, Andrew! Will have to check it out. I haven’t tried it before!
Picked up some coconut creme by mistake…Guess I’ll have to make Pina Coladas!
LOL… Looks like you will, Jules 😉 Can’t wait to hear what you think!!