Cream Cheese Pineapple Juice From Can Canned Coconut Milk
Learn how to make this Easy Piña Colada recipe and enjoy all Summer long! Blend fresh pineapple, coconut cream, coconut milk, and rum into the best frozen cocktail. This refreshing drink can also be made into a mocktail so the whole family can sip poolside together.
My hubby and I just returned home from our second trip to Costa Rica.
The ceviche is made from fish caught that day and the piña coladas are a blend of fresh pineapple and coconuts grown locally.
While sitting at our resort's bar I noticed how quickly the bartender threw together our drinks. They looked so easy to make that as soon as I got home I was on my Vitamix trying to figure out that perfect concoction of ingredients!
It may initially seem like a frozen piña colada drink is too difficult to make at home, but it's actually SUPER easy and quick to whip together your own cocktail mix.
And speaking of mixes – skip them entirely because a drink that is made with fresh pineapple and creamy coconut milk is the WAY to go.
The store bought mixes just won't compare.
Piña coladas are a frozen cocktail made of pineapples, coconut, and rum that is blended together into a delightful summer drink.
Originally from Puerto Rico, this refreshing cocktail is now popular worldwide. The name literally translates to strained pineapple!
Most piña coladas are made simply with rum, coconut cream, and either fresh pineapple or pineapple juice. These ingredients are either blended with ice and served frozen, or shaken over ice and served as more of a standard cocktail.
Ingredients
You will only need a few easy-to-find ingredients to make this piña colada recipe:
- Pineapple. Fresh pineapple that has been frozen ahead of time is best to use. Read below to learn more information about this.
- Coconut. Both milk and cream are used in this recipe. If you can't find cream, chill an unshaken can of coconut milk for a few hours. The liquid and cream will separate and you can and scrape the cream off the top.
- Rum. Many different types of rums will work, but there are a few that will taste better than others. See what type of rum is best below.
- Sugar. This is totally optional but can be used to increase the sweetness of the drink. You can also substitute with a non-nutritive sweetener such as Stevia or add a touch of honey instead.
- Ice. The key to making this frozen cocktail recipe extra creamy and slushy!
How to Make a Piña Colada
These are the simple steps to take when making a homemade piña colada:
- Add frozen pineapple chunks, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum, and sugar to a blender.
A Vitamix or other high speed blender is best, but a large food processor will also work.
- Blend for about 1-2 minutes.
Look for when the pineapple is completely smooth and there are no chunks remaining.
- Add the ice.
Pulse until well incorporated
- Serve immediately.
Garnish with a pineapple wedge, straw, and a maraschino cherry or freeze until ready to serve.
Fresh or Frozen Pineapple
The best type of pineapple to use when making homemade piña coladas is FRESH that has been FROZEN for at least 2-3 hours.
Fresh pineapple can be purchased in the refrigerated area at your grocery store in the clear plastic containers. It is normally sold as rings or large chunks.
You can also always Cut a Pineapple into large chunks.
Once you have your fresh fruit cut into chunks, place it in a 1-gallon ziplock bag and freeze for at least 2-3 hours, or up to overnight.
You can definitely use store-bought frozen fruit, but just know the pineapple will not have nearly as much flavor as the fresh fruit you freeze yourself.
Best Rum for Piña Coladas
When making a homemade piña colada recipe you will want to opt for a light, white, or silver rum.
White rums are aged for less time and maintain a light, fresh flavor.
The darker rums have been aged longer and have a much bolder flavor than their lighter counterparts.
However, if you only happen to have a darker rum you can always use that instead.
Best Rums Brands:
- Flor de Caña – personal preference
- Bacardi Superior
- El Dorado
Prep-Ahead and Storage
Make extra ahead of time! Instead of the 2 drinks it serves, you can always double, triple, or quadruple this recipe. If multiplying it by 3 or 4 you will want to make sure to use a Vitamix to ensure all of the ingredients fit.
- To Prep-Ahead: Make the drink ahead of time and keep it in the freezer. Pull it out 30 minutes before serving to let it thaw slightly. Add it back to the food processor or blender and blend until it is a sippable consistency.
- To Freeze: Simply freeze your prepared recipe in an airtight container in the freezer. Store for up to 3 months.
FAQs
Can you use coconut milk instead of cream in a pina colada?
You can, although it won't be quite as creamy. If you can't find cream, chill an unshaken can of coconut milk for a few hours. The liquid and cream will separate and you can and scrape the cream off the top.
What alcohol is in a piña colada?
Rum is the traditional alcohol used in piña coladas. You can also use vodka or another clear and neutral spirit.
Can I make this into a mocktail?
Yes! You can absolutely make this piña colada recipe into a mocktail by simply leaving out the rum completely. The virgin drink will not have quite the same flavor, but it makes a great smoothie or nonalcoholic alternative.
Can you make piña coladas ahead of time?
Yes! Make the piña coladas and freeze them in an airtight container. At least 30 minutes before serving take it out and let it defrost slightly. Then re-blend and serve!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Freeze fresh pineapple. Using fresh pineapple will give you the best flavor.
- Cream and milk are key. Both are essential to give you the creamiest texture and most coconut flavor.
- Get the cream from the canned milk. Chill an unshaken can of coconut milk then scrape the cream off of the top.
- High-powered will make it creamy. You can only get your piña colada as smooth as the blender you're using – so make sure you use a really powerful one!
- Light rum is the way. Darker rums have too much flavor and will overpower the other sweet flavors of the fruit.
- Make a mocktail. Treat the whole family by making one batch with rum and another for the kids without!
Other Frozen Drink Recipes
Sip on any of these refreshing beverages to cool down this Summer:
Frozen Mojito
Frozen Peach White Wine Sangria
Homemade Frozen Lemonade
Watermelon Frosé (Frozen Rosé)
Piña Colada Recipe
Learn how to make this Easy Piña Colada recipe and enjoy all Summer long! This refreshing drink can also be made into a mocktail so the whole family can sip poolside together.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 2 drinks
Calories 370 kcal
- 1 ½ cups pineapple fresh
- ½ cup coconut milk* regular or lite
- ¼ cup coconut cream
- 3 oz. rum white, silver, or light
- 1 Tbsp. sugar optional
- ¼-½ cup ice
-
Cut fresh pineapple into 1-inch chunks.* Place in a 1-gallon ziplock bag and freeze in a single layer for 2-3 hours.
-
Add frozen pineapple chunks, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum, and sugar to a large food processor or high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix.
-
Blend for about 1-2 minutes or until pineapple is completely smooth.
-
Add ice and pulse until well incorporated.
-
Serve immediately with a pineapple wedge, straw, and a maraschino cherry or freeze until ready to serve.
-
If freezing, let it sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes and then blend it just before serving. Enjoy!
- Nutritional information is calculated with no sugar added and with no garnishes.
- You can also use previously frozen pineapple if it is not currently in season.
- Make sure to use the coconut milk found in a can, NOT the kind in the refrigerated section.
- Nutritional information with Lite coconut milk: 300 kcals, 20 grams carbohydrates, and 12 grams of sugar in 1 serving.
Prep-Ahead and Storage
- To Prep-Ahead: Make the drink ahead of time and keep it in the freezer. Pull it out 30 minutes before serving to let it thaw slightly. Add it back to the food processor or blender and blend until it is a sippable consistency.
- To Freeze: Simply freeze your prepared recipe in an airtight container in the freezer. Store for up to 3 months.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Freeze fresh pineapple. Using fresh pineapple will give you the best flavor.
- Cream and milk are key. This will give you the creamiest texture.
- Get the cream from the canned milk. Chill an unshaken can of coconut milk then scrape the cream off of the top.
- High-powered will make it creamy. You can only get your piña colada as smooth as the blender you're using.
- Make a mocktail. Treat the whole family by making one batch with rum and another for the kids without!
Nutrition Facts
Piña Colada Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 370 Calories from Fat 207
% Daily Value*
Fat 23g 35%
Saturated Fat 20g 125%
Sodium 10mg 0%
Potassium 357mg 10%
Carbohydrates 20g 7%
Fiber 2g 8%
Sugar 12g 13%
Protein 3g 6%
Vitamin A 70IU 1%
Vitamin C 60.6mg 73%
Calcium 26mg 3%
Iron 2.9mg 16%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Cream Cheese Pineapple Juice From Can Canned Coconut Milk
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