How to Make a Piña Colada
Indulge in a taste of the exotic with a classic piña colada. Originating in Puerto Rico, this iconic cocktail blends the natural sweetness of pineapple juice with a kick of rum and rich cream of coconut for a taste of tropical bliss that is dairy and gluten-free.
Served chilled and typically garnished with a pineapple wedge or maraschino cherry, piña coladas transport drinkers to sandy shores and sun-kissed skin. Whether enjoyed by the poolside, beachfront, or at home, this cocktail remains a timeless tropical indulgence.
Follow our simple guide on how to make a piña colada and transport yourself to paradise from the comfort of your own home.
Piña Colada Ingredients
Piña coladas are made with three key ingredients:
- Pineapple: ‘Piña colada’ translates to ‘strained pineapple’ and it’s the primary ingredient in this drink. You can just use juice, but we like to use whole fruit as well to give a thicker texture. Freezing your pineapple beforehand can also reduce the amount of ice you’ll need and intensify the fruit flavour.
- Coconut: Piña coladas typically use cream of coconut, providing a creaminess that is naturally vegan. Swap this for coconut water to make a lighter and more refreshing drink, or add extra coconut milk to heighten the richness.
- Rum: Classic piña coladas use white rum, although some will add dark instead for a smokier taste. We prefer white, as it allows the fruit flavour to shine through, but adjust this recipe to your preferences. We’d recommend avoiding spiced rum, as it overpowers the tropical notes.
In the following recipe, for one drink we will be using:
- 50ml white rum
- 25ml cream of coconut
- 25ml pineapple juice, with extra to add as desired
- 3-4 chunks of whole pineapple (frozen)
- Ice
You’ll also need something to mix your drink. Piña coladas are typically blended, but they can also be served shaken. Just keep in mind that you’ll want to crush any whole fruit before shaking, as this won’t get broken up as it would in a blender.
Making a Piña Colada
Step 1: Prepare your ingredients
If blending, cut your pineapple into chunks and freeze ahead of time. Otherwise, crush the pineapple in a food processor to ready it for shaking. Chilling your glassware in advance is not necessary, but will give the drink an extra-refreshing feel.
Step 2: Mix your cocktail
If using a blender: place the rum, cream of coconut, pineapple juice, frozen chunks and ice into the machine and blend until smooth. Add more pineapple juice to thin it out if desired.
If shaking: Put the crushed pineapple into a cocktail shaker or jar and add the rum, cream of coconut and pineapple juice. Seal and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds, or until the mixture is frothy and creamy.
Step 3: Serve
Pour the cocktail into your chilled glass, preferably a hurricane glass for a truly tropical look. If you’ve shaken your cocktail, pour over ice. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry, if desired. Serve and enjoy!
Piña Coladas, Served
Making your own piña coladas allows you to indulge in a taste of the tropics wherever and whenever you want, but it’s not the only way to enjoy the classic cocktail at home. If you want a bar-quality cocktail that you don’t have to craft yourself, our ready-to-drink Piña Colada is made with premium ingredients, including our own Caribbean white rum and real wonky fruit to provide the best taste possible whilst reducing food waste. As with all of our drinks, it’s full of flavour and made with no added sugar for a quality drinking experience without compromise.
