Piña Colada

Step into the tropics with our authentic Puerto Rican Bacardi Piña Colada recipe! Blending cream of coconut, fresh pineapple juice, and Bacardi rum, each sip is a vacation in a glass! Both blended and shaken recipes included! For a non-alcoholic version, make a mocktail Piña Colada!

Two Bacardi Pina Coladas served in glasses, topped with maraschino cherries, pineapple slivers and straw.

Transport yourself to the sun-kissed beaches of Puerto Rico with this refreshing Piña Colada recipe! We blend creamy cream of coconut, fresh pineapple juice, and a generous splash of Bacardi rum, each sip will feel like a tropical escape! Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry for a touch of island charm! Indulge in this refreshing concoction and let its smooth, velvety texture and exotic flavors whisk you away to paradise. ¡Salud! 🍍🥥🍹

Jump to:

Reasons to Love this Recipe
Where Did the Piña Colada Originate?
Ingredients
How to Tell When a Pineapple is Ripe?
Substitutions and Variations
Instructions
Expert Tips
Recipe FAQs
Other Drinks You Will Love
📖 Recipe

Reasons to Love this Recipe

Authentic Puerto Rican Flavor: Embrace the true essence of Puerto Rican cuisine with this recipe, which captures the vibrant flavors of the island’s tropical fruit and rum.

Creamy Coconut Bliss: Experience the rich, creamy texture of cream of coconut as it perfectly complements the sweetness of fresh pineapple juice, creating a velvety smooth drink that’s irresistible.

Balanced Sweetness: Strike the ideal balance between sweet and tangy with the natural sweetness of ripe pineapple juice, ensuring each sip is refreshingly delicious without being overpowering.

Versatile Indulgence: Whether you’re lounging poolside, hosting a summer soirée, or simply craving a taste of the tropics, this Pina Colada recipe is your go-to for a versatile indulgence suitable for any occasion.

Instant Vacation Vibes: Close your eyes, take a sip, and let the exotic aroma and flavors transport you to a sun-drenched beach in Puerto Rico, where worries melt away in the warmth of the Caribbean sun.

Where Did the Piña Colada Originate?

In 1954, the iconic Piña Colada was birthed by bartender Ramon Monchito Marrero at The Caribe Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico. For 35 years, Marrero delighted patrons with his creation, and in 1978, the Piña Colada was proudly designated as the official drink of Puerto Rico.

Ingredients

Pineapple – Utilizing fresh pineapple chunks will yield the freshest and most authentic Piña Colada recipe imaginable!

Cream of Coconut – A must to create this refreshing drink!

Malibu Coconut Liquor – Malibu adds nice flavor but is completely optional.

Limes – A splash of lime balances out the sweetness of the drink.

Maraschino Cherries – While classic in a Piña Colada, it’s not essential to rush to the grocery store just for some cherries! Your Piña Colada will still be delicious!

Rum – Use Bacardi or Don Q rum for the best version of this recipe or exclude completely for a virgin refreshment.

See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.

How to Tell When a Pineapple is Ripe?

To determine if a pineapple is ripe enough to cut, follow these steps:

Check the Color: Seek out a pineapple boasting vibrant, golden-yellow skin, with minimal green at the base, especially if you plan to use it for this recipe the same day as purchase. However, if you intend to use it within a few days, a fully green pineapple is acceptable, as it will have time to ripen.

Give it a Sniff: Bring the pineapple close to your nose and take a whiff. A ripe pineapple should have a sweet, fragrant aroma at the base. If it smells slightly sweet, it’s likely ripe.

Assess the Texture: Gently press on the pineapple. It should give slightly under pressure but still feel firm. Avoid pineapples that are too soft, as they may be overripe.

Check the Leaves: Examine the leaves at the crown (center) of the pineapple. They should be green and fresh-looking and pull out easily.

Substitutions and Variations

Rum – You can craft this recipe into a virgin Piña Colada by omitting the alcohol entirely.

Coconut Liquor – You have the option to skip the coconut liquor and stick solely to using rum in this recipe.

Rum – Use a white or gold rum for the best recipe!

Pineapple Juice – If you cannot find fresh pineapples in your area, opt for frozen pineapple chunks or juice instead.

Instructions

Cutting the Pineapple

Step 1: Twist the top leafy part off the pineapple or using a knife, cut top off (Image 1).

Step 2: Cut the pineapple vertically in half down the middle and then in quarters (Image 2 & 3).

Step 3: Take one of the quarters and using a knife, cut a slit longways without cutting fully through the pineapple quarter (Image 4).

Steps five through eight for colada recipe.

Step 4: Cut the quarter into ½ inch slices. You will use these pieces to garnish the glasses you will be using (Image 5).

Step 5: Lay the other pineapple quarters on a cutting board. Using a knife cut the hard “inner core” off and discard it (Image 6). Cut the outer skin off the pineapple and cut the pineapple into large chunks. Add chunks to a blender (Image 7) and one cup of cold water. Blend until smooth (Image 8).

Steps nine through twelve for colada recipe.

Step 6: Add ice, 2 ½ ounces of the pineapple mix, 1 ounce of coconut cream, 1 ½ ounces rum, ½ ounce Malibu, and ½ ounce of lime juice to a cocktail mixer, cover and shake vigorously (Image 9). Add ice to a glass and strain the mix into the glass. Garnish the glass with a pineapple slice and top with a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!

For a full batch of Piña Colada mix, see recipe card below.

Step 7: If you would like to skip the pineapple garnish, cut the top and bottom of the pineapple and discard. Cut off the outer skin and then cut the pineapple into large chunks (Image 10). Add the chunks to a blender and proceed with the rest of the instructions.

Two Pina Coladas served in glasses, topped with maraschino cherries, pineapple slivers and straw.

Expert Tips

Piña Colada Mix – Opt for fresh pineapple or pineapple juice versus a mix. Using fresh pineapple allows you to control the quality of the ingredients in your drink. You can ensure that you’re using ripe, high-quality fruit without added preservatives or artificial flavors.

Healthier Option: Fresh pineapple is packed with vitamins, minerals, and enzymes, offering health benefits such as improved digestion and immune support. By using fresh fruit instead of processed mix, you’re opting for a healthier alternative.

Delicious Aroma: Fresh pineapple not only adds flavor but also contributes to the aromatic profile of your drink. The natural fragrance of ripe pineapple enhances the sensory experience, making each sip more enjoyable.

Recipe FAQs

What is the Best Rum for Piña Colada?

Of course you can use whatever rum you like but if you would like to go fully authentic, use Bacardi white or gold rum.

Is White Rum or Dark Rum Better for Piña Colada?

For a bolder flavor profile, using dark rum is better.

Must I Use a Coconut Liquor in Addition to Rum to Make a Piña Colada?

Although a coconut rum like Malibu adds a more coconutty flavor profile, it is not necessary. You can solely use rum or no alcohol at all.

Can I Make a Piña Colada with Vodka?

While traditionally Piña Coladas are crafted with dark rum, if rum isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute vodka for a delightful twist or make a Malibu Piña Colada.