Pina Coladas have long been considered an integral component of tiki culture, as their combination of rum, pineapple and coconut make for a delicious cocktail drink. While its creator is debatable, Caribe Hilton employee Ramon “Monchito” Marrero may have had something to do with its creation in 1954 at least.
Monchito’s incorporation of Coco Lopez cream of coconut revolutionized cocktails by providing non-spoiling and labor-saving consistency. Coco Lopez can be found at most supermarkets near cocktail mixers and ingredients sections.
Ingredients
A traditional pina colada, served either shaken or blended, is the ultimate tropical cocktail. Crafting this frozen beverage requires using high-grade white rum that perfectly balances coconut cream and pineapple juice flavors.
Coco Lopez coconut creams specifically designed for mixed beverages can be found at most large supermarkets near other drink mixers or within Latin or Caribbean products aisle.
As not all coconut creams are created equal, be sure to read the label closely as not all contain an equal level of sweetness and syrup-like consistency. Coco Lopez brand offers the ideal coconut cream for pina coladas as it has been specially processed to achieve just the right texture and sweetness, pairing perfectly with pineapples and white rum. For maximum ease in creating this cocktail recipe use a blender until all of your ingredients have reached an icy-cold slushie-like consistency – you could also combine all your ingredients in one container at once!
Preparation
Homemade pina coladas offer an exquisite dining experience and are one of the easiest cocktails to create at home! This recipe uses frozen pineapple with coconut cream, white and dark rums, sugar, lime juice and vanilla bean paste – creating a frosty treat reminiscent of sun-kissed islands and beach days gone by! If alcohol isn’t your cup of tea, simply leave out the alcohol!
When it comes to crafting the perfect pina colada, use only high-quality ingredients. Although it might be tempting to save some cash with premade mixes, we strongly advise investing in high-grade coconut cream (Coco Lopez is our pick) and medium-priced white rum (or even buy your favorite brand as mini liquor bottles!). Indulge yourself and ensure a superior pina colada experience! It will be well worth your while in the end!
Garnish
This refreshing tropical drink combines pineapple and coconut juices with white rum to provide a tropical escape in every sip. Perfect for summer parties or non-drinkers alike! Make it non-alcoholic for kids and non-drinkers too.
Decorate this drink with pineapple wedges, lime slices or shredded coconut sprigs for an extra tropical flair. For an added sweet touch add cherries. This recipe works for either blender or shaker versions – whatever works for you is what matters!
Blend white rum, Coco Lopez cream of coconut and pineapple juice and chunks in a blender until it becomes smooth. Adjust the amount of ice in your beverage according to desired thickness or reduce accordingly if you prefer something thinner. Coconut cream may be substituted for Coco Lopez but won’t provide quite the same experience; for a stronger tiki-style drink try adding in another flavor of rum instead.
Serving
Comparative to many tropical drinks, this recipe requires very few ingredients and does not use preservative-laden bottled mixes sold at stores. Furthermore, making your own is considerably cheaper and will taste much fresher and better!
Coco Lopez coconut cream provides the optimal coconut flavor. Alternatively, try creating your own homemade syrup by combining equal parts sugar and coconut milk.
This drink is perfect for poolside sipping, beachside relaxation or simply enjoying as a refreshing treat anywhere. Add extra island flair with garnishing such as pineapple or cherry.
Drinking this dessert cocktail on an everyday basis might not be suitable; however, when you do indulge, its sweet flavors make it hard to resist! Like most tiki beverages, however, this drink packs quite an alcohol punch; therefore it is wise to be aware of your individual tolerance level when partaking.