There’s something about the combination of pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum that makes the tropical drink Pina Colada a favorite all over the world. So how do you make one? It's easy!

Table of Content
A pina colada is a tropical drink from Puerto Rico that contains equal parts rum, pineapple juice, and coconut milk. This drink is very popular in the Caribbean and Latin America, but also worldwide. I bet you must have had one of these when you were on vacation.
Why make this cocktail
- It's a fun and refreshing drink!
- And it really takes just minutes to make your it from scratch.
- Also, most of the ingredients are easy to find or pantry staples.
- Of course, fresh pineapple is the best, but feel free to use frozen pineapple too (after all they are crushed).
- It's a crowd-pleaser. You can make one drink for yourself or a large pitcher to feed a crowd. (details below)

Ingredients and substitutes
- Pineapple - I use fresh strained pineapple juice when I make one single serving. But, when making a few drinks in a pitcher, I use fresh pineapple chunks. You can also use frozen or canned pineapple juice. And save a piece for garnish by slicing it into a wedge.
- Coconut - Coconut milk from a can or carton works great. Cream of coconut is more concentrated, so I do not recommend it. But if that is all you have, use just half the measure (30 ml).
- Lemon juice - Helps break down the sweetness of the drink. Lime juice works too.
- Sugar - Pineapple juice is sweet, so yes, you can omit sugar. And yet, this is a lovely sweet drink that tastes great.
- Rum - Use a white rum instead of the dark-aged variety. But you can certainly use a combination too.

Best Piña Colada Recipe
Single drink
- In a cocktail glass (or cocktail shaker), add some ice cubes and top it with white rum, pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar, and coconut milk. Shake or stir to combine. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a straw.
Pro tip - You can also put it all in a blender and blend until smooth.

Pitcher
- In a blender, add the crushed ice, rum, pineapple juice, coconut milk, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into individual smoothie glasses. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and straw.
Pro tip - Taste and adjust sweetness and consistency. You can add more pineapples or coconut milk to your taste.

Variations
- Virgin pina colada - Omit the rum and this becomes a non-alcoholic mocktail.
- Mango Pina colada - Use mango juice instead of pineapple juice.
- Orange Pina colada - Use orange juice instead of pineapple juice.
- Berry Pina colada - For a twist, you can throw in a handful of berries along with the pineapple.
- Chia pina colada - Soak 1 teaspoon chia seeds for 10 mins. Then, blend with pineapple cubes, and coconut milk. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and pineapple juice.

More cocktail recipes
- Strawberry Moscow Mule, Easy Moscow Mule Recipe
- Cherry Champagne Cocktail
- Strawberry Vodka Cocktail
- Blueberry Mojito, Strawberry Mojito
- Cranberry Margarita
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Printable Recipe
Pina Colada
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Conversions Used
1 lb = 453 grams, 1 cup = 240 ml, 1 stick = 113g, 1 tbsp= 15 ml, 1 tsp= 5 ml,
Ingredients
Single drink
- 60 ml (¼ cups) White rum
- 120 ml (½ cups) Pineapple juice
- 120 ml (½ cups) Coconut milk (or ¼ cup coconut cream)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (or lime juice)
- 1 teaspoon Sugar (or honey (optional) )
- 1 cup Ice cubes (crushed)
Pitcher (4 to 6 servings)
- 6 oz (¾ cups) White rum
- 6 oz (¾ cups) Pineapple juice
- 6 oz (¾ cups) Coconut milk
- 1 oz (2 tablespoon) Lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon Sugar
- 4 cups Ice cubes (crushed )
Instructions
Single drink
- In a cocktail glass, add some ice cubes and top it with white rum, pineapple juice, lemon juice, sugar, and coconut milk. Stir to combine. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a straw. Pro tip - You can also put it all in a blender and blend until smooth.
Pitcher
- In a blender, add the crushed ice, rum, pineapple juice, coconut milk, lemon juice, and sugar. Blend until smooth.
- Pour into individual smoothie glasses. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and straw. Pro tip - Taste and adjust sweetness and consistency. You can add more pineapples or coconut milk to your taste.
Nutrition Information
The nutrition information and metric conversion are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator. Thank you
Katie Crenshaw
This recipe makes the best pina colada. It comes out rich, creamy, and delicious.
Amy Casey
I had some frozen pineapple in my freezer and this was such a delicious recipe to use it in. It was easy to make and tasted better than anyone I have ordered from a restaurant.