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This sun-kissed Frozen Piña Colada recipe will transport you to a tropical paradise with every sip. With fruity flavors like coconut and pineapple, this tropical drink will elevate your basic cocktail recipes to new heights!

Overhead high contrast shot of cocktails on tray with grilled pineapple.

During those harsh summer months, indulging in a tropical cocktail is always our go-to move. From a Blue Whale Cocktail to a Sea Breeze Cocktail, we’re all about adding a taste of the tropics to our lives. For this recipe, we’re keeping the tropical vibe and revealing our Piña Colada recipe. Known as the National Drink of Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada is a tropical drink famous for its coconut and pineapple flavor. This rum cocktail is the tropical escape you’ve been searching for. Grab your paper umbrella, and let’s get into it. 

What Is a Frozen Piña Colada Recipe?

Pina Coladas taste like the best pineapple smoothie you have ever had. Simply put, the pineapple juice’s sweetness combined with the coconut milk’s creaminess creates a pineapple smoothie-like drink that’s unlike anything you’ve ever tasted.

Combine that with a bit of zest from the rum and the slushy texture from the ice, and it’s pretty much the most basic and best tropical combination ever. Plus, they’re simple and fun to make – all you need is a blender, and you can prep batches ahead of time so that you aren’t bartending all night long! And with all that extra free time, you should whip up a platter of pina colada cheesecake danish to go with these!

Up close shot of pina colada in a mason jar.

What You Need to Make This Frozen Piña Colada Recipe

  • Pineapple Juice – We recommend fresh pineapple juice, but you can also use store-bought!
  • Unsweetened Coconut Milk – You can also use sweetened coconut milk if you prefer a sweeter flavor.
  • Light Rum – Your preferred brand.
  • Dark Rum – Your preferred brand.
  • Ice

For Garnish:

  • Grilled Pineapple – You can also use a fresh pineapple wedge if you don’t want the hassle of grilling.
  • Maraschino Cherries

How to Make This Frozen Piña Colada Recipe

  1. Shake the unsweetened coconut milk well before starting.
  2. Combine all ingredients in a blender, top off with ice, and pulse until smooth.
  3. Add more ice as needed for a smooth texture.
  4. Place the blended mix in the freezer for 2 hours to firm up.
  5. Pour into a glass and serve with desired pineapple sliced garnish.
Frozen pina colada cocktails in mason jars garnished with grilled pineapple, cherries and edible flowers.

What to Serve With This Frozen Piña Colada Recipe

When we think of a Pina Colada, we’re picturing a poolside afternoon. With that in mind, we’ll keep it simple with these easy grilled shrimp over greens and this summertime avocado salad. Or, have these bacon-wrapped brats smoking ahead of time so guests can grab and go. And if you’re really feeling inspired, whip up this coconut tres leches cake OR bring the tart flavor to the center of attention with this lemon pie as dessert.

Leftovers

  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month. Then, when ready to serve, let the frozen cocktails sit out until partially thawed. Mix, then serve.
Soft focus on grilled pineapple garnish.

Expert Tips

  • To really up the flavor, if you have the time, skip the ice and freeze fresh pineapple chunks for up to 3 hours before making. This works as ice and flavor. You can also add extra pineapple juice if you don’t have time to freeze pineapple chunks!
  • For extra coconut flavor, swap out the light rum for a coconut rum like Malibu or Bacardi!
  • For a more creamy consistency, use coconut cream instead of coconut milk! You can also use high-fat coconut milk for the same effect. 
  • Sprinkle some fresh coconut shavings on top for extra tropical flavor!

Recipe FAQs

Can I jazz up this easy Pina Colada recipe?

Absolutely! One of our favorite ways to jazz up this recipe is to make a Pina Colada with frozen mango or papaya next time to incorporate those tropical flavors. Sure, it technically wouldn’t be a piña colada anymore, but if you have a friend who questions that, move on. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life anyway.

What type of light and dark rum should I use for this recipe?

There are so many choices when it comes to choosing the best rum for your Pina Colada. Here are some of our favorite choices to help you decide:
– Light Rum, aka White or Silver Rum:
– Bacardi White Rum
– Havana Club Añejo Rum
– Don Q Cristal 
Dark Rum, aka Aged Rum:
– Myer’s Rum
– Don Q Coco Rum
– Cruzan Dark Rum

Can I make a Virgin Pina Colada with this recipe?

​Yes! Simply omit the light and dark rum and substitute coconut cream. 

Why is my Piña Colada separating?

One of the main culprits for a Piña Colada that has separated is using canned pineapple juice. The pulp from fresh pineapple juice actually helps the drink blend together quite nicely, even when it’s hot out!

More Frozen Cocktail Recipes to Try

Whether sitting on your couch or lying on a beach chair in the tropics, this frozen Pina Colada recipe is the perfect way to indulge in tropical flavors. This easy recipe combines key ingredients like coconut, pineapple, and rum to transport you to a tropical oasis as you watch your worries trail off into the distance. What are you waiting for?

If you’ve sipped on this cocktail recipe, please rate the recipe card and leave a comment below to help out the next reader!

The Best Frozen Piña Colada Recipe

Indulge in the tropical flavors ?️ of our refreshing Frozen Piña Colada. Blending creamy coconut ?, juicy pineapple ?, and a splash of rum ?, this frozen cocktail is like sipping paradise. Perfect for lounging by the pool or enjoying a beach-inspired party. Cheers! ?
Print Recipe
Prep Time:10 minutes
Additional Time:3 hours
Total Time:3 hours 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 oz pineapple juice
  • 4 oz unsweetened coconut milk
  • 4 oz light rum
  • 2 oz dark rum
  • Ice

For Garnish

  • Gresh grilled pineapple
  • Maraschino cherries

Instructions

  • Shake the unsweetened coconut milk well before starting.
  • Combine all ingredients in a blender, and top off with ice and pulse until smooth.
  • Add the more ice as needed for a smooth texture.
  • Place the blended mix in the freezer for 2 hours to firm up.
  • Pour into a glass and serve with desired pineapple sliced garnish.

Notes

To really up the flavor, If you have the time, skip the ice and freeze chunks of fresh pineapple for up to 3 hours before making. This works as ice and flavor.
Servings: 2 cocktails
Calories: 402kcal
Author: Kita Roberts

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5 Comments

  1. I think the last time I had a pina colada was when… I was like 14 (virgin) and at a Bar Mitzvah, hahahaahahha! I absolutely lovedddddddddd it! Sadly I have NOT had one since!

  2. Melissa L Cushing says:

    Thank you so much for sharing this delicious looking recipe! I have friends coming over this weekend and I am so making some 🙂

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