Creamy Piña Colada with Crushed Pineapple

Two pina coladas, garnished with a pineapple wheel and a whole pineapple nearby.

This creamy piña colada with crushed pineapple is made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple, and couldn’t be easier. We also think it’s even better than the classic.

Two pina coladas, garnished with a pineapple wheel and a whole pineapple nearby.

Adapted from Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack | Vianney Rodriguez | Latin Twist | Hippocrene Books, 2015

This boozy, creamy piña colada is what we’re sipping all summer long. The frozen drink features two types of rum (yeah, baby, two types of rum!), cream of coconut, and pineapple. With one of these in hand, you won’t even mind getting caught in the rain.–Angie Zoobkoff

Piña Colada FAQs

Can I make a piña colada without a blender?

No. The ingredients in this drink need to be blended smooth, and the ice needs to be perfectly pulverized. If this were to be served on the rocks, your drink would likely have plops of solidified coconut cream and pineapple pieces throughout. Chunky, unappetizing, and impossible to drink through a straw.

Can fresh pineapple be used instead of canned?

Yes, but you may need to add a touch of sweetener (such as agave syrup) to taste.

What’s the difference between cream of coconut and coconut milk or cream?

Coconut milk is extracted from the pulp of coconut. When chilled, the layer of fat that forms on top is coconut cream. Cream of coconut is made from coconut cream, however, it has sugar added to it and has a more syrup-like texture, making it ideal for cocktails and desserts.

Creamy Piña Colada with Crushed Pineapple

Two pina coladas, garnished with a pineapple wheel and a whole pineapple nearby.

With one of these in hand, you won’t even mind getting caught in the rain. The combination of both light and dark rum, coconut, crushed pineapple, and lots of ice is truly superb.

Yvette Marquez-Sharpnack | Vianney Rodriguez

Prep 10 mins

Total 10 mins

Pop 2 cocktail glasses in the freezer to chill while you are making the drink.
In a blender, combine the pineapple juice, cream of coconut, light and dark rums, coconut milk, crushed pineapple, and ice and blend until smooth.
Pour the pina colada between the 2 cocktail glasses. If desired, garnish each glass with a cherry and pineapple wedge. Serve immediately.

Serving: 1drinkCalories: 689kcal (34%)Carbohydrates: 150g (50%)Protein: 5g (10%)Fat: 6g (9%)Saturated Fat: 5g (31%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.4gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 43mg (2%)Potassium: 1071mg (31%)Fiber: 14g (58%)Sugar: 118g (131%)Vitamin A: 540IU (11%)Vitamin C: 439mg (532%)Calcium: 146mg (15%)Iron: 3mg (17%)