A classic Piña Colada that is made with pineapple juice, lime juice, coconut cream, and rum! This is a shaken cocktail served over ice. It’s filled with tropical flavors and the perfect summer cocktail! If you want a frozen drink, try our frozen pina colada recipe.
Furthermore, make these festive pina colada jello shots for a special party treat!
This is a classic cocktail with tropical flavors. It’s perfect for pool parties and beach days and every sip makes you feel like you’re on vacation! You can also try out watermelon version too!
If you wonder what is in a pina colada or what’s an easy recipe, you’re in luck. Here’s everything you need to know to create the perfect tropical cocktail!
History
Table of Contents
The earliest story of how the classic pina colada recipe came to be is from the 19th century when a Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí concocted a cocktail that contained coconut, pineapple, and white rum to give to his crew. This would eventually become the Pina Colada by Puerto Rico, by bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero who recreated it at the Caribe Hilton in 1954 in San Juan.
What Is in Piña Colada?
The traditional recipe is just three ingredients: coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum. Even with an easy pina colada recipe like this, everyone seems to add their spin to this popular drink.
How to Make a Classic Piña Colada
This cocktail is really easy to make! Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients
Coconut Rum or White Rum – You can use a high-end rum to make this drink to make it more sophisticated.
Pineapple Juice – Pure pineapple juice with no sugar added is what you’ll want to use in this recipe.
Real Coco Cream Of Coconut – We keep this on hand to make cocktails with coconut.
Lime Juice – Always use fresh lime juice.
Fill a cocktail shaker with ice, and add all of the ingredients into the shaker. Then, strain into a glass filled with ice.
Tips for Making this Cocktail
- Use any rum you want. A higher-end rum will add a smoother finish and a coconut rum will provide a lot of flavors.
- Add more or less coconut cream depending on sweet you like it.
- Shake for at least 20 seconds with ice to dilute the ingredients.
- Use pebble ice for serving if you can.
- Make a pineapple flower to garnish the cocktail with.
Piña Colada Variations
Any tasty cocktail comes with variations. These are just some ideas for adding a twist to the classic pina colada recipe.
- Add different Fruit – Try Passion Fruit, Mango, or Strawberries
- Make it Virgin – Leave out the booze.
- Get Creative – Make Popsicles, kabobs, or smoothies
Coconut Cream vs. Coconut Milk
While the traditional recipe calls for coconut cream, some people prefer to make their drink with coconut milk. Coconut cream has a higher fat content than coconut milk and it’s much thicker in texture.
Frozen Pineapple or Fresh Pineapple?
Some recipes call for fresh pineapple juice or fresh pineapple chunks, while others suggest frozen pineapples.
It depends on your style and what type of cocktail you’re making, classic or frozen. After all, you can try using both to create the ultimate pina colada.
Best Rum for Piña Coladas
The one thing about creating the perfect cocktail is the type of rum you use can make or break your drink.
With so many options of rum to choose from, finding the right one will take your recipe to the next level.
Don Q Gran Reserva Anejo XO and El Dorado 3-Year Rum as some of the best overall rums.
Other honorable mentions are Myers’ Rum, Bacardí Pineapple, or Bacardí Pineapple Fusion Rum or Malibu Coconut Rum if you want to pump up the flavor.
Rum Fire Overproof Jamaican Rum or some Cruzan Estate Diamond Dark Rum can also help you win the best award for Piña Colada of the year.
Virgin Pina Colada
We have that too! Try our version of the best virgin pina colada recipe! It’s the perfect tropical mocktail to serve to anyone who wants a festive drink without the booze!
Blended or Shaken
There are two ways to make this cocktail. Blended creates a frozen pina colada recipe and shaken creates a classic.
Virgin Pina Colada
A virgin cocktail doesn’t contain alcohol and is perfect for anyone wanting a zero-proof, festive drink! Simply leave out the coconut rum in the recipe and continue with all of the other ingredients and directions.
When to Serve a Pina Colada
This is a great cocktail recipe for summer celebrations! Here are some occasions you can whip up a coconut and pineapple cocktail:
More Rum Cocktails
Classic Three-Ingredient Daiquiri Recipe
Coconut Rum Pineapple Popsicles
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Pina Colada
Ingredients
- 2 ounces coconut rum, or any white rum
- 1 ounce coconut cream
- 2 ounces pineapple juice
- 1/2 ounce lime juice
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
- Add all of the ingredients into the shaker.
- Shake for 20-30 seconds to dilute and blend the ingredients.
- Strain into a glass filled with ice.
- Garnish with a cherry, pineapple slice and umbrella.
Notes
- Use any rum you want. A higher-end rum will add a smoother finish and a coconut rum will provide a lot of flavors.
- Add more or less coconut cream depending on sweet you like it.
- Shake for at least 20 seconds with ice to dilute the ingredients.
- Use pebble ice for serving if you can.
- Make a pineapple flower to garnish the cocktail with.
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