This is the ULTIMATE recipe for a Pina Colada! Made with simple ingredients, and no added sugars, this Pina Colada Smoothie is seriously the best version of the classic tropical cocktail. Serve with or without alcohol for a delicious escape to the tropics.
If I had to pick a recipe I was "famous" for with my family and friends, it would be my Pina Colada Smoothie.
I have been making this simple cocktail for decades and everyone marvels at how delicious and fresh it is.
Instead of being made with tons of added sugars or artificially flavored syrups, my recipe for a pina colada is made with simple, wholesome ingredients and no added sugars. It is perfectly balanced, just sweet enough, and incredibly fresh tasting.
It is requested at every social gathering and my family says that we must have Pina Colada Smoothie wherever we enjoy meals like Beef Tacos, Vegetarian Fajitas, or Chicken Enchiladas.
I think you will agree, this Pina Colada Smoothie is better than ANY other recipe for a pina colada out there!! It is simple, fresh, easy to make, and most importantly it is delicious!
Key Ingredients
- Pineapple Juice: I always keep pineapple juice on hand for Instant Pot Chicken Breasts, Mongolian Beef, and many other recipes. If you can't find pineapple juice or don't have it on hand, use the juice from canned pineapple (just be sure it is canned in 100% juice) and then have the pineapple chunks or slices as a snack.
- Orange Juice: If you have the patience to juice fresh oranges, that will yield the BEST pina colada. But by all means, use any orange juice you have on hand.
- Coconut Milk: Canned coconut milk is best for pina coladas for a rich, pure taste. Light or full-fat works, but I do find that the light coconut milk blends easier into the smoothie. Use leftover coconut milk to make Coconut Coffee Creamer or Butter Chicken or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Bananas: Bananas may not be traditional in pina coladas, but the banana sweetens this cocktail perfectly without the need for added sugars. And in my travels, I can say, MOST Caribbean islands add bananas to their pina coladas as well. Frozen banana chunks give this smoothie a creamy, frozen texture, but fresh bananas work as well.
- Liquor (optional): White or dark rum is considered traditional in a Pina Colada. I personally recommend Coconut Rum for this cocktail. And in a pinch, plain vodka will work in place of the rum.
How to Make the BEST Pina Colada
Making a pina colada at home is as simple as placing the ingredients in the blender and blending away. However, let me give you a few tips that are key.
- Start by placing the liquids in the blender. This allows the blades to be able to move around freely and not get stuck on the banana.
- If you like a thick, frothy pina colada smoothie, be sure to use frozen bananas.
- Place chunks of banana in the blender, not a full banana. This makes the smoothie much easier to blend.
- Alcohol is completely optional. I often blend up the smoothies and then pour into glasses. I add in alcohol to my husband and I's drink and serve my kids Virgin Pina Coladas. Just be sure to mix the pina colada with a spoon to distribute the rum evenly into the pina colada.
Serving Suggestions
There is nothing better than sitting on the beach with a cold Pina Colada in your hand! But even when you can't escape to the beach, you can enjoy a delicious, healthy version of a pina colada right at home and it is the perfect option to pair with Mexican, Caribbean, or Southwest Meals. Below are a few of my family's favorites.
- Lentil Tacos
- Slow Cooker Steak Fajitas
- Taco Pizza
- Southwestern Cobb Salad
- Slow Cooker Pork Carnitas
- Instant Pot Chicken Tacos
- Grilled Jerk Pork Tenderloin
- Taco Salad
Whether for a pool party, Taco night, or a gathering with friends, this Pina Colada Smoothie is a MUST. Trust me, you may just become known for this recipe as well. If you give it a try, be sure to leave a review and comment below.
Pina Colada
Ingredients
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup canned coconut milk light or full fat
- 2 frozen bananas broken into chunks for easier blending
Instructions
- Place pineapple juice, orange juice, and coconut milk into a blender. Add in bananas and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately with a shot of coconut rum if desired.
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2017 but has been updated in 2020 with new tips.
ASHLEY
So easy yet delicious every time!
Renee Goerger
I would love this smoothie any time of day. I'm a sucker for pineapple and coconut!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoyed
Maggie
This pina volada recipe was a big letdown. It's not remotely the best pina colada. The orange juice overwhelmed it and turned it into a totally different drink. If your family get used to such a strong orange taste then of course they won't think any pina colada is as good since pina coladas don't call for any orange juice at all.
Kristen Chidsey
Hi Maggie. I am sorry you did not enjoy this recipe. It certainly is not like jarred/canned mixed pina coladas. This is a fresh, lighter, naturally sweetened version. A lot of people prefer this, but I understand it was not what you were expecting.
Jane Saunders
I'm admiring how bubbly it looks. It certainly looks very appetising. I'd take mine with that splash of coconut rum.
Kristen Chidsey
We love ours with a splash of rum too!
Nellie Tracy
I love this smoothie so much! So light and refreshing, perfect for summer!
Kristen Chidsey
It is a perfect summer drink! So glad you enjoyed!
Erin
This smoothie looks amazingly simple!! I might make it for the kids but, really, I first need to make an adult version for myself!
Kristen Chidsey
Well of course you need to try the adult version 🙂
Christie
I'm always looking for new and delicious smoothies for breakfast. I'll be putting this one on the menu soon! Yum!
Kristen Chidsey
This is for you!
grace
i'd be very tempted to slip some rum into this, but it would be very satisfying without it too! 🙂
Kristen Chidsey
Oh girl, you know I do that too from time to time.