This classic Piña Colada recipe blends the tropical flavors of real pineapple and creamy coconut milk into a refreshing, vacation-worthy drink.

Homemade Frozen Piña Coladas

Pina coladas are a classic summer drink with a Caribbean vibe, blending sweet and tangy pineapple with creamy coconut in a refreshing frozen concoction. The piña colada came into being in Puerto Rico and it quickly became popular once vacationers tasted it and brought the recipe home.

The three main components of a piña colada never change: coconut, pineapple, and rum.

However, for our version, I added a tiny bit of sugar and lime to make the flavor pop. I did this so the piña colada you make at home will taste more like the one you would get in a bar or restaurant. A couple tweaks to the basic recipe makes a big difference!

Since we used frozen pineapple, you don’t need to add any ice cubes to get a deliciously creamy frozen drink. That way it’s ALL flavor!

First, Let’s Talk About The 3 Main Ingredients Of The Piña Colada:

Since a piña colada is essentially just three ingredients, it’s important to make sure you have the right products to get the best flavor.

Coconut –

The coconut part is the first choice to make. I tested canned coconut milk and coconut cream. These are easy to find these days in the grocery store. Traditional piña coladas are made with something similar Cream of Coconut.

I didn’t use cream of coconut because it contains sugar and I don’t like an overly sweet drink. You can control the added sugar by making your piña colada at home.

I tested coconut cream, which many people recommend because of its higher fat content and creaminess. I also tested canned coconut milk because it’s something that I always have on hand.

The coconut cream was slightly creamier but it was a slight difference. The coconut milk was very creamy as well.

Pineapple –

The next star of piña coladas is the pineapple. Here you’ve got some choices: fresh, frozen, or canned. However, for this recipe, if you are using one of the not frozen options, you’ll freeze it.

Since I always have frozen pineapple on hand, that is what to me is the easiest. It’s already cut and already frozen, making it so easy to grab from the freezer and use in this cocktail.

However, if you happen to have a juicy ripe pineapple on hand, cut it up and freeze a few cups of the cubes to make some amazing piña coladas.

If you are using canned pineapple, you can pour the canned pineapple into something where it can freeze in a thin layer. When frozen break apart to blend.

Rum –

When it comes to the rum, feel free to use what you gave on hand, or your favorite type. If you are buying it just to make piña coladas, I’d probably buy a clear rum so the drink is lighter. What I had on hand was a darker rum, left over from making our famous eggnog for the holidays.

In my taste tests, I used the canned coconut cream and canned coconut milk, partnered with either fresh pineapple that I cut and froze or packaged frozen pineapple.

I did a little field research to prepare for my own taste tests. I went to a nearby bar and ordered a piña colada.

What struck me was how bright and fresh the pineapple flavor came through and I wanted to make sure I got that in ours.

The very best was the fresh pineapple paired with the coconut cream. To be clear though, it was not significantly better and I’m not sure if it was better or I was expecting it to be better.

So you don’t have to chase down those ingredients. Use what is easy to find in your area and enjoy!

Ingredients

For your convenience in re-creating this recipe at home, we’ve included shop-able ad links to some of the products and supplies used. Read our disclosure policy here.

½ cup canned coconut milk or canned coconut cream
1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
1 ½ to 2 ounces rum
½ Tablespoon sugar (optional)
½ Tablespoon fresh lime juice (optional)
Pinch of salt (optional)

Optional Garnish Ideas

Whipped Cream
Maraschino Cherries
Pineapple Slices

Helpful Kitchen Tools

High-powered blender
Hurricane glass or similar cocktail glass for serving

Recipe is intended for readers 21+; please enjoy responsibly.

Instructions

Add all ingredients to a large blender.
Start blending at low speed.
Work your way up to high speed, blending until everything is well combined and smooth.
Pour into glasses and top with whipped cream, cherries, and pineapple wedge.

Prep Tips and Notes

Yield – The ingredients listed will make one frozen cocktail, with a standard pour of rum (1.5-2 ounces). Since there is a cup of pineapple and a half cup of coconut milk, you’ll need a fairly big glass.
Coconut Milk – It’s important to use canned coconut milk or cream that is found on the grocery store shelf and not coconut milk found in cartons in the refrigerator section. This gives our pina colada its creaminess and real coconut flavor. Canned coconut milk and canned coconut cream are usually found in the Asian food section of your grocery store.
Separation of Liquids – Coconut milk or cream can feel solid or liquid when you shake the can. In cooler temps the fatty part of the coconut milk or cream will separate. This isn’t bad. However, for this recipe, I got better results when I used cans of coconut milk/cream that were all liquid when I shook it up. So, when picking your coconut milk, try to get cans that you can shake up. If they all feel solid, you can still use it by putting in bowl and whisking until smooth.
Shortcut Recipe – You can make this recipe with just the first three ingredients: coconut milk, pineapple, and rum. This still tastes really good. However, a little sugar, salt, and citrus makes almost everything taste better!

More Frozen Drink Recipes To Try:

Homemade Frozen Piña Colada Recipe (Printable Recipe Card)

If you tried this recipe and loved it too, please rate it! We’d also love to hear what you think in the comments below.

Want to Save This Recipe?

Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!

By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Granny's in the Kitchen