We are going old school with this Traditional Pina Colada Recipe! That’s right, we are using fresh pineapple juice, cream of coconut, rum, and a touch of cream, just like the way this delightful cocktail was first created! You are going to need to pull out your blender because we are making the frozen version, which has always been my favorite! The frozen texture adds a refreshing twist that makes it perfect for hot summer days or any time you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation.
Check out the Tropical Pina Colada Recipes for even more pineapple and coconut-inspired recipes! You’ll find a variety of options that will surely satisfy your cravings for tropical flavors. Whether you want a classic drink or something with a twist, there’s something for everyone.
Can you smell the coconut? How about the sweet, juicy pineapple and the salty, ocean air? Oh yeah, you might want to grab some beach chairs for the full tropical paradise effect. Imagine yourself lounging on a sunny beach, the sound of waves crashing in the background, and a refreshing Pina Colada in hand. It’s the perfect escape, even if you’re just in your backyard!
What does pina colada mean?
The name piña colada (Spanish) literally translates to “strained pineapple,” which is a direct reference to the freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice that is used to create this delicious cocktail. This name perfectly captures the essence of the drink, highlighting the importance of using fresh ingredients to achieve the best flavor.
What’s in a pina colada?
Cream of coconut is a thick, heavily sweetened, processed coconut milk product that resembles condensed milk. It is originally produced by the Puerto Rican company Coco López and can be found in the liquor department in most grocery stores. This ingredient is essential for achieving that rich, creamy texture that makes the Pina Colada so irresistible.
Here’s a quick list of the key ingredients you will need:
- Freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice, which provides a vibrant and fruity flavor.
- Heavy whipping cream, adding a luxurious creaminess to the drink.
- White rum – Bacardi is produced in Puerto Rico, where the Pina Colada claims to be from, making it a fitting choice for this classic cocktail.
How to make a tropical Pina Colada:
- Start by removing the top of the pineapple. This is the spiky part that you don’t want in your drink. Then, cut the pineapple into 4 wedges, trying to avoid the center core, which is tough and not very tasty.
- Next, slice the flesh away from the outside of the pineapple and cut it into chunks. This will make it easier to extract the juice.
- Place the chunks into a large measuring cup or bowl and smash them with a potato masher to release the juice. This step is crucial for getting all that delicious pineapple flavor into your drink.
- Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the crushed bits of pineapple. This will give you a smooth juice that blends perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Now, pour the freshly made pineapple juice, cream of coconut, rum, crushed ice, and heavy cream into a blender. Make sure to add enough ice to achieve that frosty texture.
- Place the lid on the blender and puree for about 15 seconds. You want everything to be well combined and frothy.
- Finally, pour the mixture into a Poco Grande glass and serve it garnished with a fresh pineapple wedge and a straw. The garnish not only looks beautiful but also adds an extra touch of tropical flair.
I also included two leaves from the top of the pineapple as a garnish, but that is optional. Just look at that frothy deliciousness created by the whipping cream! It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Tools used to create this cocktail:
- Ninja Blender – you need one powerful enough to crush ice! A good blender will make all the difference in achieving that perfect frozen consistency.
- Potato Masher – to separate the pineapple juice from the pulp. This tool is simple but effective for getting the most juice out of your pineapple.
- Measuring Cup – for accurately measuring your ingredients.
- Poco Grande Glasses – the official Pina Colada glasses, but hurricane glasses also work well. The right glass can enhance the presentation of your drink.
- Coco Lopez real cream de coconut – this is the key ingredient that gives the Pina Colada its signature flavor and creaminess.
With this traditional Pina Colada recipe, you can bring the taste of the tropics right to your home. Enjoy this refreshing drink on a hot day, or serve it at your next gathering to impress your friends and family. Cheers to good times and great cocktails!
More Tropical Rum Cocktail Recipes:
If you’re looking to expand your cocktail repertoire, here are some delightful tropical rum cocktail recipes that will transport you straight to a sunny beach. Each of these drinks offers a unique blend of flavors that highlight the versatility of rum.
- Caribbean Rum Punch: This vibrant drink combines various fruit juices with rum, creating a refreshing punch that’s perfect for parties or a relaxing day by the pool. The mix of tropical flavors will have you dreaming of the Caribbean.
- Hurricane Cocktail: Originating from New Orleans, this cocktail is a fruity blend of rum, passion fruit juice, and citrus. It’s known for its bright color and bold flavors, making it a favorite among rum enthusiasts.
- Mai Tai Cocktail: A classic tiki drink, the Mai Tai features a mix of light and dark rum, lime juice, and orgeat syrup. This cocktail is not only delicious but also visually stunning, often garnished with fresh mint and a slice of lime.
- Tropical Painkiller: This creamy cocktail combines rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut cream. It’s like a vacation in a glass, perfect for sipping while lounging in the sun.
- Bahama Mama: A fruity concoction of rum, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine, the Bahama Mama is sweet and refreshing. It’s a great choice for those who enjoy a sweeter cocktail.
- Frozen Banana Daiquiri: This frozen treat blends rum, banana, lime juice, and sugar for a creamy, tropical delight. It’s a fun twist on the classic daiquiri that’s sure to please.
- Rum Runner: A fruity mix of rum, banana liqueur, blackberry liqueur, and orange juice, the Rum Runner is a deliciously sweet cocktail that’s perfect for summer gatherings.
- Layered Berry Pina Colada: This visually stunning drink layers fresh berries with the classic Pina Colada mix, creating a beautiful presentation. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of the tropics while adding a fruity twist.
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Enjoy!
Traditional Pina Colada Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ounce heavy whipping cream
- 6 ounces freshly pressed pineapple juice (substitute Dole canned pineapple juice if fresh is not available)
- 1 ounce Coco Lopez cream of coconut
- 2 ounces white rum (like Bacardi Silver or Superior)
- 1/2 cup crushed ice
Instructions
- Remove the top of the pineapple, then cut it into 4 wedges trying to avoid the center.
- Slice the flesh away from the outside of the pineapple and cut into chunks.
- Place the chunks into a large measuring cup or bowl and smash with a potato masher to release the juice.
- Pour the juice through a fine mesh strainer to remove the crushed bits of pineapple.
- Pour the pineapple juice, cream of coconut, rum, crushed ice, and heavy cream into a blender.
- Place the lid on the blender and puree for 15 seconds.
- Pour into a Poco Grande glass and serve garnished with a fresh pineapple wedge and straw.
Notes
- You will need 1 large pineapple to get 6 ounces of juice. Substitute Dole canned pineapple juice if not available.
- This cocktail can also be served in a hurricane glass.
