Coconut Cream Piña Colada Cocktail Recipe

Coconut Cream Piña Colada Nutrition Facts

Calories:245

Fat:3g

Protein:1g

Carbohydrates:21g

Alcohol %:13%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Piña Colada is a sweet cocktail made with rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. It was first created in Puerto Rico in 1954 by bartender Ramón 'Monchito' Marrero. He wanted to capture all of Puerto Rico's flavors in a glass, and after three months of experimenting, the Piña Colada was born. It's a perfect cocktail for those who love tropical and sweet flavors.

How Coconut Cream Piña Colada Tastes?

The Coconut Cream Piña Colada is a creamy, sweet, and tropical cocktail. It has a rich coconut flavor, balanced by the tanginess of the pineapple and the warmth of the rum. It's like a tropical vacation in a glass.

Interesting facts about Coconut Cream Piña Colada

  • The Piña Colada has been the national drink of Puerto Rico since 1978.
  • The name Piña Colada literally means 'strained pineapple' in Spanish.
  • There's a National Piña Colada Day celebrated every year on July 10th.

Ingredients

White Rum

White rum is chosen for its clean and light flavor, allowing the coconut and pineapple to shine through. Using a heavy or darker rum would impart a stronger rum taste that might overpower the delicate balance. 2oz is just the right amount to kick things up a notch without having the cocktail do a number on you.

Emma Rose

Coconut Cream

Coconut cream gives the cocktail its creamy texture and sweet, coconut flavor. Missing this, you'd lose the 'coconut' in your 'Coconut Cream Piña Colada'. If coconut cream isn't your thing, try substituting with coconut milk for a lighter version.

Alex Green

Pineapple Juice

Pineapple juice brings the tang and sweetness that makes a Piña Colada what it is, plus it adds a tropical punch. Not adding it would be like forgetting the piña in your colada. If you're looking to mix things up, you could try mango juice for a different tropical twist.

Mary Mitkina

Fresh Pineapple Wedge

Apart from an eye-catching garnish, the fresh pineapple wedge offers a juicy, fresh bite that complements the drink. Without it, you can still survive, but why miss out on the fun?

Emma Rose

Maraschino Cherry

And the cherry on top, quite literally. It's all about the aesthetics - plus a tiny burst of a sweet and tart flavor at the end. No cherry? No panic, your cocktail will still taste fabulous.

Alex Green

Ice Cubes

The ice doesn't just cool things down; it affects the consistency of your cocktail. Without enough ice, your drink could be too liquidy and not as refreshingly cold.

Mary Mitkina

Recipe. How to make Coconut Cream Piña Colada Drink

  1. Fill a blender with ice cubes.
  2. Add white rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice to the blender.
  3. Blend until smooth.
  4. Pour the mixture into a chilled glass.
  5. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.

Pro Tips

  • Use fresh pineapple juice for the best flavor.
  • Chill your glass before serving for a colder cocktail.
  • If you like your cocktails sweeter, you can add a splash of simple syrup.

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The sweetness of the piña colada complements the smokiness and slight char from the grilled shrimp.
  • Coconut Shrimp: Pairing coconut with coconut to double down on tropical vibes.

Main Courses

  • Hawaiian Pizza: The pineapple in both the pizza and cocktail makes for a nice connection.
  • Caribbean or Thai Curries: The creaminess of a piña colada balances the spiciness of curry dishes.

Desserts

  • Key Lime Pie: The tartness of the pie nicely offsets the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Tropical Fruit Salad: Fresh fruits resonate with the fresh pineapple wedge and juice in the cocktail.

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What you could change in Coconut Cream Piña Colada

  • You can replace the white rum with coconut rum for a more coconutty flavor.
  • If you don't have coconut cream, you can use coconut milk instead.

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And of course - twists🍹

Spiced Rum Piña Colada

Replace white rum with spiced rum. For those who like a bit more complexity and a hint of vanilla and spices, a spiced rum can add a new dimension to the cocktail. It'll turn your smooth sip into a treasure map that leads to a spicy island.

Strawberry-Coconut Piña Colada

Add 1oz of strawberry puree. Blend in some strawberries and watch your Piña Colada turn into a sunset. It's like a tropical holiday romance between strawberries and coconuts on a beach.

Frozen Coffee Piña Colada

Blend in 1/2 oz of cold brew concentrate. For coffee enthusiasts who like to mix their buzzes, this twist is for you. It's a nod to your morning cup but with beachy vibes. It'll wake you up and chill you out, all in one gulp.

In case you forgot basics how to make Coconut Cream Piña Colada

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Coconut Cream Piña Colada

What types of rum work best in a Piña Colada?

Most people use a white or light rum for Piña Coladas. However, it can also be made with a coconut rum or a dark rum for different flavors.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of a Piña Colada?

Yes, you can make a mocktail version by leaving out the rum and adding more pineapple juice or coconut cream.

How best can I serve my Piña Colada?

Piña Coladas are usually served in large glasses as it's a frozen, blended cocktail. Poured over crushed ice, they're commonly adorned with tropical garnishes like a pineapple wedge or a maraschino cherry.

What dishes pair well with a Piña Colada?

A Piña Colada pairs well with tropical, spicy foods like Thai, Caribbean and Hawaiian dishes.

What other cocktails can I make with these ingredients?

Many tropical cocktails use similar ingredients to a Piña Colada. For instance, combining rum, pineapple juice, and grenadine syrup creates a Rum Punch, and mixing rum and coconut cream without the pineapple yields a Coconut Daiquiri.

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