Is it hot and sunny where you are? There’s nothing better than sipping on a cool, refreshing drink on a warm day, and my Virgin Piña Colada is just what you need! It’s creamy, tropical, and tastes like a vacation in a glass. Best of all, it’s super easy to make and perfect for all ages. So, grab your blender and let’s make this delicious, non-alcoholic summer drink!

Method

Freeze the Pineapple (If Using Fresh)

If you’re using fresh pineapple, begin by cutting it into small cubes. Once cut, place the pineapple pieces in a resealable bag, ensuring they are spread out in a single layer to freeze evenly. Store the bag in the freezer overnight. This process is important as it allows the pineapple to become firm and icy, which helps create the thick, slushy consistency of a classic Piña Colada without the need for additional ice.

Make the Simple Syrup

To balance the natural tartness of the pineapple and enhance the overall sweetness of the drink, prepare a simple syrup. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of warm water. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved into the water. The result should be a smooth, sweet liquid that will seamlessly mix into the drink. Set this aside to cool slightly before using.

Blend Everything Together

Now it’s time to bring everything together! In a blender, combine the frozen pineapple, coconut milk, ice, and the simple syrup you prepared. Start blending on a low speed to allow the ingredients to break down, then gradually increase to high speed. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, making sure no large pineapple chunks remain. If the drink appears too thick and struggles to blend properly, add 1/2 cup of water and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.

Serve & Enjoy

Once your Virgin Piña Colada is perfectly blended, it’s time to serve! Carefully pour the mixture into glasses, ensuring each serving is smooth and evenly distributed. For an extra fun and tropical touch, garnish the glasses with a slice of pineapple on the rim or a cocktail umbrella. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy the creamy, tropical flavors of your homemade Piña Colada.

Necessary Tools

Blender
Measuring cups
Knife (if using fresh pineapple)
Small bowl
Spoon for stirring
Glasses for serving

Virgin Pina Colada

Recipe by Henry AveryCuisine: CaribbeanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking timeminutes

Total time

minutes

Ingredients

4 cups frozen pineapple
1 can coconut milk (400ml)
1/2 cup simple syrup (made with 1/2 cup sugar + 1/2 cup water)
2 cups ice

Directions

Freeze the Pineapple (If Using Fresh): If you’re using fresh pineapple, start by cutting it into small cubes. Place the pineapple pieces into a resealable bag and freeze them overnight. This will give your drink that thick, icy texture without needing too much extra ice.
Make the Simple Syrup: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with 1/2 cup of warm water. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved. This creates a simple syrup that will add just the right amount of sweetness to your Piña Colada.
Blend Everything Together: In a blender, add the frozen pineapple, coconut milk, ice, and the simple syrup you just made. Blend everything on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy. If you find the drink is too thick, you can add 1/2 cup of water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.
Serve & Enjoy: Once your Piña Colada is blended to perfection, pour it into glasses. For a fun tropical touch, garnish each glass with a pineapple slice or even a cocktail umbrella! Then, grab a straw and enjoy the creamy, fruity goodness.

Notes

Freezing the Pineapple: Make sure your pineapple is fully frozen before blending to get that thick, slushy texture.
Blending: If your blender is struggling to mix the ingredients, pause and stir before blending again to prevent overheating.
Simple Syrup Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet drink, reduce the amount of simple syrup or use honey instead.
Consistency Adjustment: If the drink is too thick, add a bit of water or extra coconut milk to reach the right texture.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Style: Serve it in a tall glass with a pineapple wedge on the rim.
Extra Creamy: Blend in a frozen banana for extra thickness and sweetness.
Berry Twist: Add a handful of frozen strawberries for a tropical berry fusion.
Mocktail Fun: Top with a splash of sparkling water for a fizzy, refreshing take.

Fun Fact

Did you know the Piña Colada is the official drink of Puerto Rico? It was created in the 1950s, and its name means “strained pineapple” in Spanish. While the original recipe includes rum, this virgin version is just as delicious and perfect for all ages!

Conclusion

This Virgin Piña Colada is the ultimate tropical drink creamy, refreshing, and oh-so-easy to make! Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a summer party, or just dreaming of a beach getaway, this drink will instantly transport you to paradise. So, go ahead, blend one up, and enjoy a sip of sunshine!