Virgin Pina Colada with Chia Seeds aka Chia Colada

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If only you could make as good a pina colada without the alcohol. The recipe is quite simple: pineapple juice, lemon juice, coconut milk, and a touch of sugar. But how many of these ingredients do you need to make a great virgin pina colada?

A glass with virgin pineapple pina colada. — A Pina Colada without Alcohol, Pineapple Coconut Drink

So here’s a fun fact about me: I didn’t touch alcohol until I was 23. Yup — while everyone else was counting down to their 18th birthday like it was New Year’s Eve, I was happily sipping on non-alcoholic drinks, aka mocktails, and pretending to be fancy. And honestly? I didn’t feel like I was missing out.

Before I even knew what went into half of the cocktails on a menu, I was out here mixing juices, coconut milk, crushed ice — basically anything that tasted like a vacation in a glass. I didn’t always know what to call them, but I had ideas. And this Virgin Piña Colada? One of my all-time favorites. Creamy, fruity, cold, and just the right kind of sweet — it’s like summer in a glass in Puerto Rico, no plane ticket required. It’s a tropical drink, the virgin version of the classic alcoholic version, the Pina Colada.

Even now, when I do enjoy the occasional cocktail, I still go back to this mocktail. It’s refreshing, kid-friendly (so I don’t have to make separate drinks for everyone), and gives me all the tropical vibes without any of the buzz.

Why make this drink?

A virgin pina colada or pina colada mocktail is a drink that does not contain alcohol but does contain an energy boost.
It needs only three ingredients, and all of them are simple pantry staples.
It really takes only 5 minutes to make the drink, and all you need is a blender!
Blend with a dollop of vanilla ice cream to make the most delicious pina colada milkshake.

A glass with mocktail and a straw. — A Pina Colada without Alcohol, Pineapple Coconut Drink

Ingredients and substitutes

Pineapple – I’m using fresh pineapple chunks today because I like the added fiber, but you can also use strained pineapple juice. Frozen pineapple wedges work just as well, and they are easily available in any grocery store. Canned pineapple has added sugar, so you may need to omit the sugar in the recipe. 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 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, but this is a lovely sweet drink that tastes great. But feel free to omit it.
Optional ingredients
- Rum extract – if you want to have the flavor of the original cocktail, you can use a rum extract instead of rum.
- Vanilla extract – I like the flavor of coconut and rum, but you can also use vanilla.
- Berries – For a twist, you can throw in a handful.

Progress pictures making virgin colada. — A Pina Colada without Alcohol, Pineapple Coconut Drink

Step-by-step: Virgin Pina Colada Recipe

In a blender, add chopped pineapples, lemon juice, sugar, and coconut milk. Top with crushed ice cubes. Blend until smooth.
Note – I like my drinks cold, but without ice, so I omitted the ice in the video.
Pour into an individual tall glass or smoothie glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
Pro tip – Taste and adjust sweetness and consistency. You can add more pineapples or coconut milk to your taste.

Progress pictures blending the pina colada. — A Pina Colada without Alcohol, Pineapple Coconut Drink

You can garnish it with a drink umbrella to dress it up. I used a pineapple wedge.

A glass with pineapple and coconut drink. — A Pina Colada without Alcohol, Pineapple Coconut Drink

Two glasses filled with pina colada smoothie — Pina Colada Smoothie Virgin

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What is a Virgin Piña Colada made of?

A Virgin Piña Colada is a non-alcoholic mocktail made with pineapple juice, coconut cream or coconut milk, and crushed ice or ice cubes. It’s blended or shaken to create a creamy, tropical drink without rum.

Can I use coconut milk instead of cream of coconut for Piña Colada?

Yes, you can use coconut milk for a lighter, less sweet drink, but cream of coconut gives the classic creamy texture and sweetness Piña Coladas are known for.

How do I make a Piña Colada without alcohol?

To make a Piña Colada without alcohol, simply skip the rum and blend pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice. Garnish with pineapple slices and cherries for a tropical finish.

Can I make a Virgin Piña Colada without a blender?

Yes, you can make a Virgin Piña Colada by shaking pineapple juice and coconut cream with ice in a cocktail shaker, then pouring it over ice in a glass. It will be slightly less creamy than the blended version.

Is a Virgin Piña Colada healthy?

A Virgin Piña Colada can be a healthier treat when made with pure pineapple juice and light coconut milk. However, it still contains natural sugars from the pineapple juice, so enjoy it in moderation.

Can I prepare Virgin Piña Colada ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Virgin Piña Colada in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Give it a good shake or stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate.

Veena Azmanov