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    Home » Real Food » Beverage Recipes » Pina Colada Smoothie

    Pina Colada Smoothie

    By Kristen Chidsey | 35 Comments | Published April 23, 2020 | Updated January 12, 2022 *This post may include amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    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 tropic. Rich coconut, fresh pineapple, and orange juice and bananas create a creamy, all-natural version of this favorite cocktail.

    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.

    Pina Colada with fresh pineapple on rim of glass.

    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

    Ingredients for Pina Colada on counter: Pineapple Juice, oranges, banana, and coconut milk.
    • 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.
    Pina Colada blended in blender.

    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.

    Sugar Free Pina Colada Recipe

    Pina Colada

    ade 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 tropic.
    4.74 from 19 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Drinks
    Cuisine: American, Caribbean
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 5 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 233kcal
    Author: Kristen Chidsey

    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
    Prevents your screen from going dark while preparing the recipe.

    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

    • Blender

    Notes

    While fresh pineapple and orange juice are best for this pina colada, feel free to use any variety you have on hand. 
    Add 1.5 ounces of rum (coconut rum is best) per drink for an alcoholic pina colada. If you are making the entire recipe with alcohol, add in 6 ounces (or  ¾ cup) of rum to the blender before blending. 
    If you do not prefer a frozen pina colada, use fresh bananas in place of frozen. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 233kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Sodium: 11mg | Potassium: 534mg | Sugar: 22g | Vitamin A: 250IU | Vitamin C: 75.1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 2.5mg
    Liked this Recipe? Tag me Today!Snap a picture and tag #amindfullmom on Instagram - I would love to see!

    This post was originally published in 2017 but has been updated in 2020 with new tips. 

     
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    About Kristen Chidsey

    Hi, I am Kristen, creator of A Mind "Full" Mom. I believe that making a wholesome family meal does not need to be hard or expensive! I love nothing more than to share with you delicious solutions for your hungry family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. ASHLEY

      April 29, 2020 at 6:19 pm

      5 stars
      So easy yet delicious every time!

      Reply
    2. Renee Goerger

      April 29, 2020 at 5:54 pm

      5 stars
      I would love this smoothie any time of day. I'm a sucker for pineapple and coconut!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        April 29, 2020 at 8:27 pm

        I am so glad you enjoyed

        Reply
    3. Maggie

      November 20, 2019 at 2:42 pm

      2 stars
      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.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        November 21, 2019 at 7:15 am

        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.

        Reply
    4. Jane Saunders

      June 28, 2018 at 4:49 am

      5 stars
      I'm admiring how bubbly it looks. It certainly looks very appetising. I'd take mine with that splash of coconut rum.

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 28, 2018 at 7:56 am

        We love ours with a splash of rum too!

        Reply
    5. Nellie Tracy

      June 27, 2018 at 11:06 pm

      5 stars
      I love this smoothie so much! So light and refreshing, perfect for summer!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        June 28, 2018 at 7:56 am

        It is a perfect summer drink! So glad you enjoyed!

        Reply
    6. Erin

      July 18, 2016 at 11:57 pm

      This smoothie looks amazingly simple!! I might make it for the kids but, really, I first need to make an adult version for myself!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 19, 2016 at 7:05 pm

        Well of course you need to try the adult version 🙂

        Reply
    7. Christie

      July 18, 2016 at 7:07 am

      5 stars
      I'm always looking for new and delicious smoothies for breakfast. I'll be putting this one on the menu soon! Yum!

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 18, 2016 at 8:38 am

        This is for you!

        Reply
    8. grace

      July 15, 2016 at 8:46 am

      i'd be very tempted to slip some rum into this, but it would be very satisfying without it too! 🙂

      Reply
      • Kristen Chidsey

        July 15, 2016 at 3:49 pm

        Oh girl, you know I do that too from time to time.

        Reply
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