Pina Coladas are an irresistibly refreshing tropical cocktail found on cruise ship menus, restaurant menus, and beachside service menus alike. This recipe combines La Famosa pineapple juice, Coco Lopez cream of coconut and Puerto Rican rum with ice for an irresistibly tasty drink that offers no escape.
Pineapple juice is an essential part of this dish, so use only high quality canned or frozen chunks from Cannery Farms for best results. Coco Lopez coconut cream should also be included to complete your coconut cream base.
Ingredients
The classic pina colada is one of the world’s best-known cocktails, combining white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice and garnished with fresh pineapple chunks and cherries for an unrivalled tropical experience. Perfect for poolside sipping or beachside relaxation.
This recipe requires only four ingredients to create. These include white rum, Coco Lopez coconut cream (Coco Lopez), pineapple juice and crushed ice. For optimal results use high-grade white rum like Mount Gay; alternatively you could try spiced rum which will alter its taste slightly.
This popular drink can easily be made non-alcoholic by simply leaving out the rum. As an easy, tasty non-alcoholic option to your fruit smoothie routine or refreshing cocktail option. You are sure to delight everyone.
Preparation
For this tropical cocktail, all that’s required is white rum, Coco Lopez coconut cream (an extremely popular brand) and pineapple juice blended together with crushed ice. Chilling these ingredients beforehand is key for creating its iconic frosty texture!
For optimal results, choose a premium white rum with a light flavor such as Plantation or Flor de Cana to balance out the sweet notes from coconut and pineapple. A spiced or dark rum could drastically change its taste; therefore a good mid-range option would be $20-$25 in price range.
No matter where life takes you, this classic cocktail will delight. Add an extra-special treat by floating a shot of dark rum to the glass as a floater and garnishing it with pineapple slice and maraschino cherry for the perfect tropical touch. Serve this tropical drink in 14-ounce hurricane glass (optional paper umbrella not required). Enjoy!
Disposal
Pina Coladas are one of the world’s most well-known cocktails, yet many remain unfamiliar with them. While some might dismiss it as overly sweet tropical drink suitable only for Spring Breakers, well-crafted Pina Coladas can bring real pleasure.
History of this drink is well-documented due to its creation in 1954 at Puerto Rico’s Caribe Hilton Hotel by bartender Ramon “Monchito” Marrero Perezin with the goal of creating something that captured its spirit of Caribbean hospitality.
As there are various variations to this recipe, cream of coconut is key to its success. Not to be mistaken with coconut milk or condensed milk as none have the same consistency or flavor profile – look for brands such as Coco Lopez in grocery stores, or make your own using equal parts coconut and condensed milk for best results.
Variations
A classic Pina Colada blends white rum, Coco Lopez coconut cream (for that tropical feel) and pineapple juice into a refreshing beverage that transports you straight to an island oasis. Perfect for poolside sipping or just lounging around in your own backyard.
Add an elegant finishing touch by splashing some absinthe or creme de menthe onto the drink for an herbaceous touch that pairs beautifully with tropical flavors.
Make sure to select a high quality white rum with high alcohol content when creating this cocktail for optimal flavor and texture.
Make an alcoholic-free version by omitting the rum and using Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut instead of regular coconut cream – available at most grocery stores in their mixer section as well as liquor stores – instead. Be sure to serve over crushed ice for optimal results!