Pina Colada translates to “strained pineapple,” with three Puerto Rican bartenders claiming that it was their invention – however all three use Coco Lopez cream of coconut in their drinks.
Add the rum, unsweetened frozen pineapple juice and coconut cream* into a cocktail shaker filled with ice, shake vigorously until well mixed, then strain into glasses.
1. Fresh Pineapple
This frozen drink features pineapple combined with cream of coconut for both flavor and a smooth texture. Furthermore, pure coconut milk was used instead of simply mixing shredded coconut into canned milk which can produce an overly sweet drink.
For this cocktail, use light rum instead of dark rum which could be too strong and heavy. Coco Lopez coconut milk can also be found near alcohol sections at most grocery stores and should be selected accordingly.
Make this tropical beverage even more festive by serving it in a large hurricane glass with fresh pineapple slices and maraschino cherries as garnish. Or if making these for children or non-drinkers without alcohol consumption, skip out on adding any rum and make an amazing vegan mocktail instead!
2. Coconut Cream
This non-alcoholic version of a classic Coco Lopez pina colada is just as tasty and refreshing. Simply combine pineapple juice, white rum (also known as light rum) and Coco Lopez cream of coconut for this refreshing coconut rum mocktail recipe. It takes mere minutes to put together!
Cream of coconut is an indispensable ingredient in tropical drinks and desserts; its sublime sweetness and soft texture add a unique tropical charm. Most grocery stores carry it near mixers in the beverage aisle; for optimal results look for one labeled “Coco Lopez,” not simply coconut milk or cream.
Pineapples provide an abundance of Vitamin C while coconut cream provides medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which have the power to promote metabolism and provide energy boost.
3. Rum
Rum is optional in this pina colada recipe, but adding it makes the drink extra-creamy and delectable. We suggest white rum as it’s lighter and less expensive than darker varieties.
For a vegan-friendly option, substitute coconut milk in place of the rum and add extra pineapple juice – still an enjoyable tropical cocktail that will bring back memories of beach vacations past!
Use real coconut cream rather than the canned variety when creating this recipe. Coco Lopez brand cream of coconut is widely available at large supermarkets or international food aisles; avoid replacing it with other brands of coconut cream that contain added sugars.
4. Ice
To create the ideal pina colada, all that’s required is some Coco Lopez cream of coconut (or another brand), pineapple juice and ice. This tropical drink is an essential part of any tropical vacation and can easily be made non-alcoholic as well. This delectable beverage offers surprising health benefits as well. Pineapple juice contains vitamin C which can enhance immune response while also decreasing inflammation; coconut cream provides energy as well as supporting digestive processes!
Pour all ingredients into a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously over ample ice. Strain into glasses, garnishing each with either a pineapple wedge or paper parasol as desired.
5. Fresh Lime Juice
If you don’t have fresh lime juice on hand, lemon-lime soda may serve as an adequate replacement. Just be sure that it does not contain added sugars or artificial flavors.
For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum! Or try substituting pineapple juice in place of coconut cream if possible – Coco Lopez flavors will provide more sweetness and flavor!
Verify you’re using coco lopez cream of coconut instead of regular coconut milk, which would be too sweet. Coco lopez can be found in most grocery store mixer sections or liquor stores; online purchasing options also exist – this brand provides the ideal blend of sweet coconut flavor without overdoing it!