What is in pina colada mix: The classic Pina Colada recipe
The classic Pina Colada recipe
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The Pina Colada recipe is one everybody should know. It’s a summertime classic that deserves more respect than it gets. It may be sweet and it may be palatable to people who don’t drink much or are just starting, but it’s a wonderful treat for seasoned cocktail lovers, too.
The evolving Pina Colada recipe
The original recipe was probably very simple: one part white rum, one part coconut cream and three parts pineapple juice, and it’s delicious. But over time, that recipe evolved.
This version adds heavy cream and a dash of Angostura Bitters. Those ingredients affect the texture and enhance the flavor without changing the overall profile.
The cream makes the whole drink even richer and more like a smoothie. And that dash of bitters is just enough to bring out the other flavors in stark relief.
Angostura bitters are never about adding much flavor on their own.
It’s all about contrasting with the others.
The reason this drink’s popularity has endured for so long is simply that it’s delicious. The flavors are all about the coconut and pineapple, with the rum in the background.
Some cocktail snobs turn up their noses at this drink. It’s unapologetically sweet and tropical and made with ingredients that weren’t all fresh squeezed from the wings of organic angels.
But that’s why it works. It’s not a high maintenance drink. It’s just simple and tasty, and easy to make, and easy to love.
Choosing ingredients
It doesn’t need top shelf ingredients. Fresh squeezed pineapple juice is terrific, but a can of Dole’s will taste wonderful, too.
For the coconut cream, Coco Real is perfect. And you definitely don’t need a special rum. Barcardi’s Superior Silver and Gold rums are perfect for the pina colada recipe.
You can play around with your pina colada recipe if you want to. Try using a pineapple flavored rum to amp up the pineapple flavor.
Or try a coconut flavored rum to amp up the coconut flavor. Captain Morgan’s Loconut is a fantastic choice.
But be careful about substituting anything for the cream of coconut. You might be tempted to try fresh coconut milk, but you’ll find it’s thinner, more watery, and less sweet.
And a lot of the other “cream of coconut” products are unsweetened, which would throw off the balance of sweetness in this drink. If you use one of them, you’ll probably need to add a little simple syrup to taste.
Entertaining
This is a great drink for parties, especially if you have non-drinkers among your guests, because you can just make it without the rum and it’s equally delicious.
In fact, it’s easier to make in bulk than drink by drink. You just put all the ingredients in the blender and blend until it’s smooth.
This recipe is for one drink, but to make two, just double your ingredients. If you’re filling a pitcher that can hold 5 or 6 drinks, just multiply the ingredients by the right number.
You can read more about making big batch cocktails here.
And the nice thing with the Pina Colada is that you can mix up a pitcher or two in advance and let guests serve themselves. It makes the work of the host or hostess so easy.
This particular recipe contains a good bit of rum – two and a half ounces, to be specific. That makes it a rather strong drink.
But it’s a long drink, filled with fruit juice and rich coconut cream, so the alcohol flavor isn’t very strong. That’s why it’s a popular choice for people who don’t drink very often.
Enjoy a Pina Colada at your next party. It also makes a great dessert drink after dinner or lunch, or anytime you want a light sweet snack.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
The Pina Colada is a delicious tropical treat that tastes like pineapple and coconut. If you blend it, the texture is like a smoothie. Over ice, it’s rich and thick. This particular recipe adds some special touches to enhance the original recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 jigger of white rum
- 1 ounce of dark rum
- 3 ounces of pineapple juice
- 1 1/2 ounces coconut cream
- 1 ounce of heavy cream
- Dash of Angostura bitters
Instructions
- Put everything in a blender with ice.
- Blend for about 15 seconds.
- Pour it into a hurricane glass.
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple and/or maraschino cherry.
Recommended Products
Epure Venezia Collection 4 Piece Hurricane Glass Set
Vitamix A2300 Ascent Series Smart Blender
Coco Real Cream Of Coconut, 2 Pack
Angostura Aromatic Bitters, 4 oz – PACK OF 2
The Best Pina Colada Mix Recipe
Home » Beverages » The Best Pina Colada Mix
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The Best Pina Colada Mix – This fruity homemade Pina Colada mix recipe is perfect for serving as a refreshing blended frozen drink or on the rocks.
Enjoy the best classic Pineapple Coladas with rum or as Virgin Pina Coladas!
The Summer Beverage of Choice…
Nothing says summer quite like sitting poolside with a frosty blended drink in your hand.
Even if I’ve just got my feet splashing in a kiddie pool in the backyard, give me a refreshing frozen beverage and suddenly I feel like I’ve been transported to my favorite resort, complete with palm trees and ocean breezes. And if it’s a fruity and fresh adult drink with a splash (or two) of rum? Now we are talking full-on summer vacation mode happiness anywhere you are!
The Best Pina Colada Recipe
There are so many terrifically delicious alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) summer drinks you can make this season. Some of the most popular we’ve shared over the years include this Frozen Coconut Mojito and our Cucumber Ginger Mint Agua Fresca. Check out the Beverages section of the site for even more unique drink recipes!
Now added to our lineup of creative smoothies, slushies, and party punches, today we are sharing the most tried and true Pina Colada Mix Recipe.
It has the best classic pineapple and coconut flavor, with that perfectly silky frozen texture that you know and love.
This simple recipe was designed for Frozen Pina Coladas with rum, but can be served on the rocks and/or as Virgin Pina Coladas.
Pina Colada Ingredients
Homemade Pina Coladas only require a few simple ingredients and are made in just minutes!
Here’s everything you need to make the best homemade Pina Colada Mix:
- Cream of coconut – either store-bought like Coco Lopez or homemade (not coconut cream)
- Pineapple juice – brings in the flavor of summer
- White rum – for sweetness and punch
- Dark rum – for depth of flavor
- Lime juice – fresh is best
- Frozen pineapple chunks – if you are making blended Pina Coladas
- Ice
The combination of white rum and dark rum makes the drinks nice and strong without having too harsh of an alcohol taste.
For Virgin Pina Coladas simply skip adding these two ingredients.
The most traditional garnishes for Pina Coladas are maraschino cherries and fresh pineapple slices. However, you can also use a lime wedge or a spring of mint. Or even whipped cream if you feel extra festive!
How to Make Pina Coladas (with our Amazing Pina Colada Mix Recipe!)
There are three easy ways to enjoy this classic Pina Colada mix as perfectly refreshing summer drinks at home:
- For The Best Frozen Piña Colada: Place all the ingredients in the blender and puree until smooth and frothy. Pour into hurricane glasses and serve immediately.
- For A Classic Piña Colada On the Rocks: Set out a 2-cup measuring pitcher. Combine the cream of coconut, pineapple juice, both rums, and lime juice in the pitcher. Stir well. Fill two tall glasses with ice and pour in the Pina Coladas.
- To Make the Best Virgin Piña Colada: Place the cream of coconut, 7 ounces pineapple juice, lime juice, pineapple chunks, and ice in the blender.
(Omit the rums.) Puree until smooth and frothy. Pour into hurricane glasses and serve immediately.
(Omit the rums.) Puree until smooth and frothy. Pour into hurricane glasses and serve immediately.Garnish with your choice of goodies, like cherries or pineapple slices. Serving homemade Pina Coladas with fancy straws and/or paper cocktail umbrellas is always fun, too!
Want your Pina Coladas a bit more potent? Serve them with a floater (an extra shot of dark rum) on the side to be mixed in as needed.
Cheers!
Get the Complete (Printable) Best Homemade Best Piña Colada Mix Recipe Below. Enjoy and Drink Responsibly!
Pina Colada Garnishes
Here is a mixture of some of the most traditional garnishes and others that would be great additions to your cocktail (or mocktail) that most bartenders or mixologists would add to this tropical vacation drink:
- maraschino cherries
- fresh pineapple wedges
- lime wedge
- spring of mint
- a fun straw or a paper umbrella can also be fun!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Piña Colada Mixes Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Blend all of the ingredients together except for the frozen pineapple chunks and ice, and keep in an airtight container in the fridge for several days until you are ready to enjoy.
Then to make blended frozen Pina Coladas, combine the refrigerated mix with frozen pineapple and ice in the blender. For Pina Coladas on the rocks, simply pour the pre-made mix over ice and serve.
What Can I Use Instead of Rum in This Classic Drink?
No rum? No problem!
Vodka is a common substitute for rum in Pina Coladas. However, since vodka definitely has a distinct taste and lacks the sweetness of rum, it’s recommended that you add a splash of simple syrup or extra pineapple juice to the classic homemade Pina Colada Mix Recipe.
Skip the alcohol altogether for a Virgin Pina Colada. You can add a few shots of coconut milk to make up for the alcohol and create an even creamier texture.
Want your Pina Coladas a bit more potent?
Serve them with a floater (extra shot of dark rum or light rum) on the side to be mixed in as needed from your favorite liquor store.
Looking for More Refreshing Summer Drink Recipes?
- Frozen Strawberry Margarita
- How to Make Agua Fresca
- Best Orange Julius Recipe
- Frozen Lemonade with Pineapple
- Smoothie King Caribbean Way
Check the printable recipe card below for the nutrition information including calories, carbohydrates, cholesterol, sugar, and vitamin c percentages.
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5 from 12 votes
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The Best Pina Colada Mix Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
This fruity homemade Pina Colada mix recipe is perfect for serving as a refreshing blended frozen drink or on the rocks. Enjoy the best classic pineapple coladas with rum or as Virgin Pina Coladas!
Servings: 2 drinks
US Customary – Metric
- ½ cup cream of coconut (Coco Lopez)
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 2 ounces white rum
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 2/3 ounce lime juice
- 5-6 frozen pineapple chunks
- 1 ½ cups ice
For The Best Frozen Pina Coladas: Place all the ingredients in the blender and puree until smooth and frothy. Pour into hurricane glasses and serve immediately.
For The Best Virgin Pina Coladas: Place the cream of coconut, 7 ounces pineapple juice, lime juice, pineapple chunks, and ice in the blender.
(Omit the rums.) Puree until smooth and frothy. Pour into hurricane glasses and serve immediately.For Pina Colada On the Rocks: Set out a 2 cup measuring pitcher. Combine the cream of coconut, pineapple juice, both rums, and lime juice in the pitcher. Stir well. Fill two tall glasses with ice and pour in the Pina Coladas.
(Omit the rums.) Puree until smooth and frothy. Pour into hurricane glasses and serve immediately.Want your Pina Coladas a bit more potent? Serve them with a floater (extra shot of rum) on the side to be mixed in as needed.
Pina Colada Garnishes: The most traditional garnishes are maraschino cherries and fresh pineapple slices. However, you can also use a lime wedge or a spring of mint. Paper umbrellas are also fun!
Serving: 1drink, Calories: 478kcal, Carbohydrates: 58g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 11g, Sodium: 48mg, Potassium: 55mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 54g, Vitamin C: 7mg, Calcium: 11mg, Iron: 1mg
Making this recipe? Follow us on Instagram and tag @ASpicyPerspective so we can share what you’re cooking!
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7 best recipes for making alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails at home, composition and advice from the bartender
One of the most famous drinks that is often mentioned in films and songs is Pina Colada. A true tropical classic, the perfect cocktail for a beach holiday, party or cruise. Pina Colada is a harmonious combination of fragrant rum, sweet coconut and sour pineapple. You can enjoy this cocktail not only at big events and trendy parties, but also at home if you have everything you need to prepare.
KP shares interesting recipes and bartending tips.
Pina Colada Ingredients
To prepare a classic cocktail we need:
- rum,
- pineapple juice,
- pineapple,
- coconut milk or coco liqueur depending on the variation.
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To prepare the right Pina Colada, you will need:
- blender,
- glass 400 ml,
- jigger (can be replaced with a regular beaker or measuring cup),
- straw.
The classic homemade Pina Colada alcoholic cocktail recipe
There are many variations of the cocktail in the world. Let’s look at the classic way
Photo: cottonbro, pexels.com
| Rum | 50 ml | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Powdered sugar | 1 tsp | coconut
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The popular cocktail is known all over the world and deserves more than a passing mention.
Mix the Ingredients
Add a straw. You can decorate the cocktail with mint leaves.
Everything came together, except for one missing ingredient – real Puerto Rican rum was added to the recipe later.
03.2010 10:18:00″> March 12, 2010 
07.2010 11:13:00″> 07 July 2010 