How to Make a Virgin Pina Colada

Cool, refreshing, and a breeze to make, the piña colada is the official drink of Puerto Rico. Made with coconut cream and pineapple juice, the virgin version is just as delicious as the original. If you want to know how to make an alcohol-free version of this fruity beverage, see Step 1.

Ingredients

Classic Piña colada

4 ounces cream of coconut
4 ounces pineapple juice
2 cups ice
2 slices pineapple and maraschino cherries for garnish

Banana Piña colada

2 ripe bananas
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
8 ounces pineapple juice
4 ounces coconut milk
2 cups ice
2 slices pineapple, for garnish

Berry Piña colada

4 ounces cream of coconut
4 ounces pineapple juice
1 cup berries, chopped
2 cups ice
Sliced berries, for garnish

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:
Classic Piña Colada

1
Put the cream of coconut, ice, and pineapple juice in a blender. This drink comes together quickly when you add all the ingredients at once. Reserve the pineapple slices, though - those are for the garnish.
2
Blend until the ice is crushed. It might take several pulses to get the creamy texture of a classic piña colada.
3
Pour it into two glasses. You can use hurricane glasses for a festive feel.
4
Garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry. Float the pineapple rings on top of the drinks and put the cherries in the middle of the rings.
5
Finished.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:
Banana Piña Colada

1
Blend the ice, pineapple juice and coconut milk. Pulse the blender until the mixture is nice and smooth. Keep going until it's rich and creamy.
2
Add the bananas and pineapple chunks. Pulse again to blend the mixture together until it has a smoothie-like texture.^{[1]
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3
Pour it into two glasses. Since this banana piña colada is almost like a smoothie, you could pour it into two tall glasses. Add a couple of straws to make it easier to drink.
4
Garnish with sliced pineapple. The drink will look more festive if you place a few pineapple rings on the edge of the glasses.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:
Berry Piña Colada

1
Blend the ice, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Keep pulsing until it's completely smooth and creamy.
2
Add the berries. You can use strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or a combination of all three! Blend the berries with the creamy base to create a colorful drink.
3
Pour it into two glasses. Use clear glasses so you can appreciate the pretty color of your fruity piña colada.
4
Garnish with a few sliced berries on top. Enjoy your drink with a straw.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I stop the drink from curdling?

Community Answer

If you use a slow setting on your blender, the drink should not curdle.
Question

Can I use coconut milk to make a Pina Colada?

Community Answer

Yes, coconut cream is just thicker and sweeter, but it will taste basically the same.
Question

What alternative ingredient for rum can I use in the recipe?

Community Answer

Vodka is a great substitute for rum. Just be careful how much you put in/drink. However, this will no longer be a virgin pina colada if you add the alcohol.
Question

I have a rum & coconut mix plus pineapple juice. Do I need anything else?

Community Answer

White rum, pineapple juice and coconut cream are all the traditional ingredients in an alcoholic Pina Colada, so for a virgin one, omit the rum.
Question

Can I make it a few hours before serving?

Community Answer

Sure, as long as you keep it super cold.
Question

Are virgin pina coladas 100% safe for a kids birthday party?

Community Answer

If you use no alcohol, then yes. Cut the rum and just use the coconut milk and the pineapple juice.