Frozen Pina Colada

An updated version of a classic summer cocktail. This frozen pina colada blends together coconut ice cream, pineapple, and rum to make one smooth and creamy beverage!

Few things can conjure up a memories of a tropical vacation like sipping on a piña colada.

This cocktail is a popular choice for poolside lounging and it’s a staple drink aboard any cruise ship. Best of all, you can easily customize this frozen cocktail to your liking!

Ingredients

Traditional pina colada is a blended concoction of light rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. 

This updated version is made with rum, coconut ice cream, frozen pineapple chunks, and pineapple juice. The secret ingredient that adds additional coconut flavor is coconut vodka!

• Light Rum
• Coconut Flavored Vodka
• Coconut Ice Cream
• Frozen Pineapple Chunks
• Pineapple Juice

White rum, also known as light rum or silver rum, works best for the recipe to keep the pina colada’s creamy color. If you choose to use dark rum (aged rum), the resulting drink will be a little darker in color.

I highly recommend using coconut flavored vodka to really amp up the coconut notes. Popular versions include: Cîroc Coconut Vodka, Pinnacle Coconut Vodka, and Smirnoff Coconut Vodka.

Unlike regular vodka, coconut flavored vodka is quite fragrant. It has the alluring notes of coconut with just a hint of pineapple sweetness. It’s a great addition to any tropical inspired drink.

Instead of coconut cream, let us up the ante with coconut ice cream! It adds the same flavors with the addition of the frozen silkiness of ice cream.

I’m squeezing this homemade coconut ice cream for all it’s worth! Similar to how I try to purchase items that serve multiple purchases, I like to make foods that can be used in different applications. Of course, you may sub in your favorite store-bought coconut ice cream.

Since I’m not fond of adding ice to blended drinks (I hate the way ice dilutes the mixture), I used frozen pineapple chunks. It helps to ensure the drink stay thick and frosty. Canned 100% pineapple juice is the last ingredient.

Instructions

This pina colada will definitely be thick, rich, and creamy. I call it an adult milkshake. That being said, I consider this frozen cocktail to be more of a dessert. W

Non-Alcoholic Version

A virgin frozen pina colada is super easy to make. Simply, substitute coconut water in place of the light rum and coconut vodka. Or, use coconut milk for a richer more luscious drink!

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy frozen pina colada year round! This sweet and creamy drink pairs well with a variety of different foods.

Try it with light appetizers like spicy guacamole and roasted tomato salsa with chips. Or, serve it with more hearty sandwiches such as shoyu pulled pork sliders and gochujang mayo sliders.

More Blended Drinks

• Tropical Jackfruit Smoothie
• Blended Berry Bellini
• Cherry Jack and Coke Slushies
• Watermelon Peach Frose