Virgin Piña Colada Recipe That Hits the Spot

Updated December 2, 2021
Virgin Pina colada

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce pineapple juice
  • 1 ½ ounces crushed pineapple
  • 2 ounces cream of coconut
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ cup crushed ice
  • Pineapple wedge for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a blender, combine the pineapple juice, crushed pineapple, coconut cream, vanilla extract, and ice.
  2. Blend until smooth and pour into a poco grande glass.
  3. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.

Variations

You can change this up in many ways.

  • Make a non-blended version by omitting the crushed pineapple and adding two more ounces of pineapple juice. Shake in a cocktail shaker with ice and serve on the rocks.
  • Add ¾ ounce freshly squeezed lime juice to cut the sweetness.
  • If you don't have cream of coconut, you can replace the cream of coconut with coconut milk and add ¾ oune of simple syrup.
  • Add up to 1 ounce of orange juice.

Garnish

The classic garnish for a piña colada is a pineapple wedge and a cherry. Since this is a fun tropical drink, it's okay to get a little campy with it.

  • Add an umbrella.
  • Use pineapple leaves for a fancy fun garnish.
  • Create a tropical fruit skewer with pineapple, mango, and papaya.
  • Garnish with a simple and aromatic grating of nutmeg.

About the Virgin Piña Colada

The piña colada is a Puerto Rican drink with what is believed to be a long history spanning back to the time of pirates. It's said that pirate Roberto Cofresí served a pineapple, coconut, and rum cocktail to boost crew morale, although the recipe was never specifically shared. The secret of the drink died with him. However, more than a century later, a bartender in Puerto Rico came up with his own recipe to replicate the punch and the rest, as they say, is history.

It's a Great Day to Be the Designated Driver

Whether you're the designated driver or you prefer your drinks without alcohol, the nonalcoholic piña colada is the perfect sip. With frosty, tropical flavor, you can't go wrong with this tasty booze-free treat.

Virgin Piña Colada Recipe That Hits the Spot