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  • Emily Wilson
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Pina Colada Recipe | How to Make a Pina Colada

The pina colada made its first appearance back in 1952 in Puerto Rico and has remained a popular drink ever since. A fruity, tropical blend that instantly transports you to a sunny beach or poolside, the pina colada is surprisingly easy to make. 

What's In a Pina Colada? 

A pina colada is a blend of coconut cream, white rum and zesty pineapple juice, blended together with a handful of ice for a refreshing drink. This drink is usually topped off with a cocktail umbrella for a kitsch touch. 

How To Make a Pina Colada

Pina coladas are easy to make. You don’t need a lot of equipment to get started in making this summer staple. 

Equipment Needed: 

There’s a misconception that a blended pina colada is the only way to make the drink, but you can also create this cocktail using a cocktail shaker as well. Blended or shaken, a pina colada is a delicious tropical refresher that’s perfect for those moments when you want to feel like you’ve been whisked away to an exotic location.

 

Ingredients Needed:

Part of the charm of this cocktail is how easy it is to make and the fact that you don’t need a huge list of ingredients for a delicious result. 

  • 60ml rum – Rum is the base alcohol for this drink. Choose a white rum as it pairs well with the other ingredients. 
  • 60ml coconut – Use coconut cream rather than coconut milk or ‘cream of coconut’.
  • 120ml pineapple juice – You can also use fresh pineapple, tinned chunks or frozen pineapple – whatever you have to hand. If you’re using frozen pineapple, you can omit the ice. 
  • Handful of ice cubes.

Method:

  1. Gather your ingredients and add them all to your blender.
  2. Blend until all the ingredients are fully combined and pour into a tall glass. 
  3. If using a garnish, add as a finishing touch and serve immediately. 

Alternative Pina Colada Recipes

The classic pina colada is delicious, but you may want to experiment with different flavours for an alternative take on this tropical beverage. From different fruits to lighter versions, these are some of our favourite alternative pina colada recipes. 

Banana Colada Daiquiri

Fans of bananas will love this spin on a tropical classic, which pairs white rum with banana-infused liquor, along with the classic flavours of pineapple and coconut. 

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients Needed:

Method:

  1. Add the ice, coconut rum, banana rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream and banana to a blender or cocktail shaker.
  2. Combine well until smooth.
  3. Pour into a tall glass and garnish with the lime.
  4. Serve immediately.

Pina Colada Iced Tea

When the weather warms up, iced tea is the perfect refreshment to take the place of a traditional mug of hot tea. Pina colada iced tea is a flavourful alternative that is guaranteed to impress your guests at BBQs and picnics. 

Equipment Needed:

Ingredients Needed: 

  • 30ml Koko Kanu Rum
  • 30ml Plantation Isle of Fiji Rum
  • 30ml Pina Colada Syrup 
  • 22.5ml Lemon Juice 
  • Cola
  • Pineapple Spears & Lemon for garnish

Method:

  1. Add the rums, syrup and lemon juice to your blender or cocktail shaker, and blend to combine thoroughly. 
  2. Pour over ice and top up with cola.
  3. Serve immediately and enjoy.


Alternatively, check out the recipe for a Kraken Colada. This type of colada uses dark spiced rum for an extra kick.