Pineapple, coconut and rum are three staple ingredients of this classic tiki drink, perfected at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. A crowd pleaser!
An electric blender or shaker is required to craft this tropical cocktail. Although white rum is recommended in this recipe, dark rum may also work as a suitable alternative. Coco Lopez cream of coconut can be found at liquor aisle stores as a key ingredient.
Ingredients
Coco Lopez Pina Coladas are refreshing tropical drinks made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Created by Ramon “Monchito” Marrero – Puerto Rico’s official bartender – it has quickly become its national cocktail and can be found everywhere from cruise ships and restaurants to most grocery store mixed drink sections.
To create an exquisite coco lopez pina colada, the following are required.
Coco Lopez cream of coconut provides this drink’s rich and creamy texture and can be found at most grocery stores. Made from real coconuts, this ingredient makes this recipe special!
As well as pineapple juice and light rum, for this tropical drink to achieve its perfect taste you will also need light rum and vodka as an alcoholic alternative. White rum tends to be less sweet than dark rum and lighter in color compared to its counterpart; using fresh squeezed orange or flavored rum can add extra flavors that round out this tasty tropical beverage!
Preparation
No matter where or when you drink one, making a pina colada at home with just three key ingredients can be easy and enjoyable. Coconut, rum and pineapple come together beautifully in this timeless drink – though for optimal results I suggest opting for lighter aged varieties rather than stronger aged varieties; or skip out all together if looking for non-alcoholic pineapple coconut cocktails to serve the whole family.
Use high-quality pineapple juice. Be wary of any that contain added sugars or artificial flavors; blend your drink long enough to eliminate chunks of ice; for optimal results use Coco Lopez cream of coconut as this sweeter and thicker variant is made using similar ingredients as traditional coconut milk.
Nutrition
The pina colada is an iconic Puerto Rican cocktail combining coconut cream, pineapple juice and white rum. This tropical drink can be found across cruise ships, restaurants and bars, or you can make your own at home using a Ninja or NutriBullet.
Make sure that the pineapple juice you choose contains no added sugars or artificial flavors; look for varieties labeled as “Pineapple Juice Concentrate.” For an extra creamy and sweet experience, you may wish to use Coco Lopez cream of coconut, which can usually be found in tropical drinks or cocktail mixers sections of most grocery stores.
This recipe offers an enticing way to enjoy a refreshing non-alcoholic pina colada at home, without using alcohol. Instead of replacing the rum with more pineapple juice or milk for an ideal family-friendly version that’s safe to drink anytime of day!
Variations
The classic pina colada combines white rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice for an irresistibly tropical drink, perfect for lounging poolside. The original formula was developed by Coco Lopez’ cream of coconut in Puerto Rico; today this iconic drink stands as a staple of tiki drinks worldwide.
For a reduced-caloric version, use bottled light orange juice in place of freshly squeezed and less sweetened coconut cream instead. Mount Gay White Rum makes an excellent accompaniment.
This delicious variation of the Coco Lopez Pina Colada uses a blender and ice to create an alcoholic milkshake with tropical flavors. Serve in a tall glass, garnished with a pineapple umbrella and lime wheel, and enjoy!