Pina Colada Recipe

by | Sep 3, 2025 | Cocktail Recipes

Piña Colada cocktail served in a hurricane glass with pineapple wedge and cherry garnish on a summer bar top with tropical background

Piña Colada Recipethis frosty cocktail is a classic that turns any party into a mini vacation. We blend white rum, rich coconut cream, and fresh pineapple for a silky, tropical cocktail guests ask for by name.

About This Piña Colada

Our Long Island summertime staple. The trick is balance: enough coconut to feel luxurious, enough pineapple to stay bright, and cold enough to frost the glass. For events, we pre-chill the mix and blend to order so the texture stays cloud-smooth.

Pro link: Planning bottles? Use our Alcohol Calculator to estimate rum & mixers by guest count.

Ingredients

  • 2 oz white rum
  • 1 oz coconut cream (e.g., Coco López)
  • 1 oz heavy cream or coconut milk (for lighter dairy-free)
  • 6 oz fresh pineapple juice
  • 1/2 cup crushed ice
  • Garnish: pineapple wedge + cherry

Steps

  1. Blend. Add rum, coconut cream, cream (or coconut milk), pineapple juice, and crushed ice to a blender. Blend until smooth and frosty.
  2. Serve. Pour into a chilled hurricane or tall glass.
  3. Garnish. Add a pineapple wedge and cherry.

Bar Tips

  • Silky texture: crushed ice + high-speed blender.
  • Too thick? Splash more pineapple. Too thin? Add a few ice chips.
  • Better coconut flavor: stick to real coconut cream, not coconut syrup.

Flavor Pairings

  • Add-ins: 0.25–0.5 oz lime for brightness; a dash of Angostura for tiki vibes.
  • Food: grilled shrimp, jerk chicken, tropical fruit skewers.

Variations

  • Chi-Chi: swap rum for vodka.
  • Painkiller-style: add orange juice + grated nutmeg.
  • Frozen Light: use coconut milk instead of heavy cream.
  • Mocktail: skip rum; add extra pineapple + coconut milk.

Party Batch (8 drinks)

  • 2 cups (16 oz) white rum
  • 1 cup (8 oz) coconut cream
  • 1 cup (8 oz) heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 48 oz pineapple juice

Refrigerate the base 4–6 hours. Blend each portion with crushed ice to order (about 1/2 cup ice per drink) for consistent body.

When to Serve

Perfect for beach parties, poolside weddings, and tropical-theme nights. Want us to batch and pour? Hire a bartender. Or plan your shopping list with the Alcohol Calculator.

See our Summer roundup: Summer Cocktail Recipes.

Browse Some Fall Favorites: Fall Cocktail Recipes.

Browse All Cocktails: Cocktail Recipes.

What alcohol is best for a Piña Colada?

Clean, lightly grassy white rum keeps the drink bright. For richer depth, split the base with a splash of aged rum.

Can I make a dairy-free Piña Colada?

Yes, swap the heavy cream for unsweetened coconut milk and keep real coconut cream for body.

How do I fix a runny or too-thick texture?

If it’s too runny add a few ice chips or 0.5 oz coconut cream. Too thick, splash in pineapple juice and re-blend.

Fresh vs canned pineapple juice—does it matter?

Fresh gives brighter acidity and aroma. If using canned, choose “not from concentrate” and keep it very cold.

Can I batch Piña Coladas for a party?

Absolutely. Chill the base in bottles and blend each round with crushed ice to order so every glass stays frosty.