Step into the tropics with our authentic Puerto Rican Bacardi Pina Colada the recipe! Blended with coconut, fresh pineapple juice and Bacardi rum cream, every sip is a vacation in a glass. Both blended and shaken recipes are included. For a non-alcoholic version, make a caricature of a Piña Colada.
Transport yourself to the sun-kissed beaches of Puerto Rico with this refreshing Piña Colada recipe. We mix in creamy coconut cream, fresh pineapple juice and a generous splash of Bacardi rum, each to feel like a tropical escape. Garnish with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry for island charm. Make this refreshing concoction and let its smooth, velvety texture and exotic flavors transport you to heaven. Salud! 🍍🥥🍹
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Reasons to love this recipe
- The real taste of Puerto Rico. Embrace the true essence of Puerto Rican cuisine with this recipe that reflects the bright flavors of the island’s tropical fruits and rum.
- Creamy coconut bliss. Experience the rich, creamy texture of coconut cream as it perfectly complements the sweetness of fresh pineapple juice to create a velvety smooth drink that’s irresistible.
- Balanced sweetness. Find the ideal balance between sweet and tangy with the natural sweetness of ripe pineapple juice, ensuring that every sip is refreshingly delicious without being overpowering.
- A versatile indulgence. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, hosting a summer soiree, or just want a taste of the tropics, this Pina Colada recipe is perfect for a versatile treat for any occasion.
- Instant holiday moods. Close your eyes, take a sip, and let the exotic aromas and flavors transport you to a sun-drenched beach in Puerto Rico, where your worries melt away under the warmth of the Caribbean sun.
Where did the Piña Colada come from?
In 1954, the iconic Piña Colada was born by bartender Ramon Monchito Marrero at The Caribe Hilton Hotel in Puerto Rico. For 35 years, Marrero delighted patrons with his creation, and in 1978, the Piña Colada was proudly designated as the official drink of Puerto Rico.
Ingredients
- Pineapple – Using fresh pineapple chunks will result in the freshest and most authentic Piña Colada recipe imaginable.
- Coconut cream – Must create this soft drink.
- Malibu Coconut Liqueur – Malibu adds a nice flavor but is completely optional.
- Limes – A squeeze of lime balances the sweetness of the drink.
- Maraschino cherries – While classic in a Piña Colada, it’s not important to rush to the grocery store just for a few cherries. Your Piña Colada will still taste good.
- Rom – Use Bacardi or Don Q rum for the best version of this recipe, or omit it entirely for a virgin update.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients with measurements.
How do you know when a pineapple is ripe?
To determine if a pineapple is ripe enough to cut, follow these steps:
- Check the color. Look for pineapples that boast vibrant, golden-yellow skin with minimal green color at the base, especially if you plan to use them for this recipe the same day you buy them. However, if you intend to use it within a few days, a fully green pineapple is acceptable as it will have time to ripen.
- Give it a sniff. Hold the pineapple close to your nose and inhale. A ripe pineapple should have a sweet, fragrant aroma at the core. If it smells slightly sweet, it is most likely ripe.
- Evaluate the texture. Press gently on the pineapple. It should give a little under pressure but still feel firm. Avoid pineapples that are too soft, as they may overripe.
- Check the leaves. Examine the leaves in the crown of the pineapple (center). They should look green and fresh and come off easily.
Substitutions and Variations
- Rom – You can make this recipe in virgin Piña Colada, omitting the alcohol entirely.
- Coconut liqueur – You can skip the coconut liqueur and stick to using rum only in this recipe.
- Rom – For the best recipe, use white or golden rum.
- Pineapple juice – If you can’t find fresh pineapples in your area, opt for frozen pineapple slices or juice instead.
Instructions:
Cutting a pineapple
Step 1: Cut off the top leafy part of the pineapple or cut off the top with a knife (image 1).
Step 2: Cut the pineapple in half vertically and then into quarters (Images 2 and 3).
Step 3: Take one of the quarters and use a knife to cut long slits without cutting the entire pineapple section. (Image 4).
Step 4: Cut the quarter into ½ inch slices. You will use these pieces to decorate your used glasses (Image 5).
Step 5: Place the other pineapple quarters on a cutting board. Using a knife, cut out the hard “inner core” and discard it (Image 6). Cut off the outer skin of the pineapple and cut the pineapple into large pieces. Add pieces to blender (Image 7) and a glass of cold water. Beat until smooth (Image 8).
Step 6: Add ice, 2 ½ oz pineapple mix, 1 oz coconut cream, 1 ½ oz rum, ½ oz Malibu, and ½ oz lime juice to a cocktail shaker, cover, and shake vigorously. (Image 9). Add ice to the glass and strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish the glass with a pineapple slice and top with a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!
For a complete batch of Piña Colada Mix, see the recipe card below.
Step 7: If you want to omit the pineapple garnish, cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and discard. Cut off the outer skin and then cut the pineapple into large pieces (Image 10). Add the pieces to the blender and continue with the rest of the instructions.
Expert advice
- Pina Colada Mix: – Choose fresh pineapple or pineapple juice vs. a blend. Using fresh pineapple allows you to control the quality of the ingredients in your drink. You can be sure you’re using ripe, high-quality fruit with no added preservatives or artificial flavors.
- A healthy option. Fresh pineapple is packed with vitamins, minerals and enzymes that offer health benefits such as improved digestion and immune protection. By using fresh fruit instead of a processed mix, you are choosing a healthier alternative.
- Delicious aroma. Fresh pineapple not only adds flavor, but also contributes to the flavor profile of your drink. The natural aroma of ripe pineapple enhances the sensory experience, making every sip more enjoyable.
Recipe FAQs:
Of course, you can use any rum you like, but if you want to be completely authentic, use Bacardi white or golden rum.
For a bolder flavor profile, it’s best to use dark rum.
Although a coconut rum like Malibu adds a more coconut flavor profile, it’s not necessary. You can use only rum or no alcohol at all.
While Piña Coladas are traditionally made with dark rum, if rum isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute the vodka with a nice twist or make Malibu Pina Colada.
Other Drinks You’ll Love
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📖 Recipe
Bacardi Pina Colada
Step into the tropics with our authentic Puerto Rican Bacardi Piña Colada recipe. Both shaken and blended recipes are included.
Services: 5:00
Calories. 34:will you
Ingredients
A big batch of Pina Colada
Instructions:
Cutting a pineapple
-
Twist off the top leafy part of the pineapple or cut off the top with a knife.
-
Cut the pineapple in half vertically and then into quarters.
-
Take one of the quarters and use a knife to cut the long slit without cutting the entire pineapple section.
-
Cut the quarter into ½ inch slices. You will use these pieces to decorate your used glasses.
-
Place the other pineapple quarters on a cutting board. Cut out the tough “inner core” with a knife and discard. Cut off the outer skin of the pineapple and cut the pineapple into large pieces. Add the pieces to a blender and a cup of cold water. Beat until smooth.
Shaken Pina Colada
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Add ice, 2 ½ oz pineapple mix, 1 oz coconut cream, 1 ½ oz rum, ½ oz Malibu, and ½ oz lime juice to a cocktail shaker, cover, and shake vigorously. Add ice to the glass and strain the mixture into the glass. Garnish the glass with a pineapple slice and top with a maraschino cherry. Enjoy!
Frozen Piña Colada
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Add 1 cup ice, 2 ½ ounces pineapple mix, 1 ounce coconut cream, 1 ½ ounce rum, ½ ounce Malibu, and ½ ounce lime juice to a blender and blend until smooth. Add to a glass and garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry on top. Enjoy!
Skipping the pineapple garnish
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If you want to omit the pineapple garnish, cut off the top and bottom of the pineapple and discard. Cut off the outer skin and then cut the pineapple into large pieces. Add the pieces to the blender and continue with the rest of the instructions.
Notes
Whole pineapple. If you can’t find fresh pineapple, use canned or frozen pineapple chunks.
Nutrition
Serving. 1:is |: Calories. 34:will you |: Carbohydrates. 6:00is |: Proteins: 0.1:is |: Fat. 1:is |: Saturated fats. 1:is |: Polyunsaturated fats. 0.01:is |: Monounsaturated fats. 0.002is |: Sodium. 3:mg |: Potassium. 21:00mg |: Fiber. 0.4:is |: Sugar: 6:00is |: Vitamin A. 9:00IU: |: Vitamin C. 2:mg |: Calcium. 3:mg |: iron 0.04:mg