Piña Colada: the Best and Easy Recipe for the Classic Pineapple Cocktail

The Piña Colada is an ultra-refreshing drink to enjoy when the weather is hot in summer. Made of sweet coconut milk, rum and pineapple juice, this Puerto Rican classic cocktail is perfect for any occasion. It has a beautiful balance of sweetness, tanginess, and a wonderfully rich, creamy texture.

Piña coladas contain almost two ounces of crisp white rum, which works out to about 13 percent alcohol content when you factor in the other ingredients. You can make your piña coladas either shaken or blended – make whichever you prefer! No tiki party is complete without a piña colada in hand, so serve it in a highball or hurricane glass and garnish it with a pineapple wedge and a pineapple leaf.

Whether you're looking for an amazing drink to serve at get-togethers or simply want a tasty cocktail to help cool you down when the temperatures creep up, the piña colada is perfect!

Piña Colada Origins: is it Hawaiian or Mexican?

The piña colada (“strained pineapple” in Spanish) hails from Puerto Rico, but like any good cocktail, it has several origin stories. One popular tale states that it was first created in 1954 at San Juan's Caribe Hilton by one of the hotel's bartenders, Ramon “Monchito” Marrero.

However, some legends say that the piña colada was created by the 19th-century pirate, Roberto Cofresi. He gave the delicious drink to his crew to keep up morale. Whatever the origins, the piña colada is an incredible drink loved by people from all over the world.

Tips and Variations

– To keep your drink cooler for longer, chill the Piña Colada glass in the freezer before you start mixing your drink. This small step ensures your cocktail stays refreshingly cold.

– Use high-quality rum for the best flavor. A good white rum or a coconut-flavored rum can enhance the tropical notes of the cocktail.

– The key to a perfect Piña Colada is balancing the sweetness of the pineapple juice with the creamy richness of coconut milk. Taste as you mix to ensure neither flavor overpowers the other.

– For a non-alcoholic version, simply skip the rum. You can add a bit of almond milk or extra pineapple juice to maintain the creamy texture and fruity taste.

– Blend the ingredients with ice instead of shaking them for a slushy texture. This is perfect for especially hot days.

– Mix in other tropical fruits like mango or banana for added flavor dimensions. A splash of mango juice or a few slices of banana blended in can create a delightful variation.

– Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon before shaking to introduce a warm spice that complements the tropical flavors wonderfully.

– Incorporate a small amount of fresh basil or cilantro into the shake for a surprising herbal note that pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the coconut.

– Blend in some strawberries or raspberries for a berry twist on the traditional Piña Colada. The berries add a tartness and depth that can be very refreshing.

Should You Blend or Shake a Piña Colada?

The classic piña colada is served shaken, but you can easily make a tasty blended version. Add coconut milk, pineapple juice, frozen pineapple chunks, rum, and ice into a blender and blitz until smooth.

More Piña Colada Recipes You Might Love

Strawberry Piña Colada

Piña Colada Bars

Piña Colada Ice Cream Sandwich

Piña Colada Cupcakes

How to Store Piña Colada

Although it's best enjoyed as soon as it's made, you can store your Piña Colada in the freezer. It'll last up to one month. Let it sit alone for about 10 minutes or so before serving.

Find out how to prepare Piña Colada by following our step-by-step recipe and advice.

How to Prepare Piña Colada

Fill a glass with a cup of ice.

Add the white rum.

Add the coconut milk.

Then, add the pineapple juice.

Transfer the mixture into the shaker with the ice. Close the lid and shake it for about 30 seconds.

Fill the piña colada glass with another cup of ice.

Pour the drink into the glass, sifting it.

Serve the drink with pineapple leaves and slices as garnish. Enjoy!