BA’s Best Piña Colada: A Tropical Escape
BA’s Best Piña Colada
BA’s Best Piña Colada
Ingredients
- ½ medium ripe pineapple (approximately 1¼ lb.), peeled, cored, and chopped into 1½" pieces (2–2½ cups)
- 6 oz. sweetened coconut cream (ideally Coco López; thoroughly shaken prior to measuring)
- 2 oz. unsweetened coconut milk (well shaken before measuring)
- 8 oz. white rum
- 1 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
- 2 oz. dark rum (optional)
- Maraschino cherries and lime wedges (for garnish)
- 3 cups ice (around 15 oz.)
Instructions
Step 1
To start making your refreshing Piña Colada, you'll need to prepare the star of the show: the pineapple. Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing a medium ripe pineapple into 1½-inch pieces. Aim for about 2 to 2½ cups of those juicy chunks. Once your pineapple is ready, place the pieces in a resealable plastic bag, making sure to lay them flat to freeze evenly. Pop the bag into the freezer and let the pineapple freeze until solid, which should take at least 3 hours. This step is essential for creating that creamy, icy texture we all love in a perfect Piña Colada!
Step 2
To create a luscious piña colada base, start by adding the frozen pineapple, 6 ounces of sweetened cream of coconut, 2 ounces of unsweetened coconut milk, 8 ounces of white rum, and 1 ounce of fresh lime juice into your blender. Make sure to also toss in about 3 cups of ice to give your drink that refreshing chill. Blend everything together on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, pausing to scrape down the sides if necessary. Once you’ve achieved that dreamy consistency, transfer the blender jar to the freezer. Let it chill for about 25 to 35 minutes, or until the mixture thickens up to a milkshake-like texture. You’ll know it’s ready when you can scoop it easily with a spoon.
Step 3
Once your mixture is blended to a smooth consistency, take a moment to check the texture. It should be thick and slushy, perfect for a refreshing drink. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of coconut milk or pineapple juice and blend again briefly to reach your desired consistency. Next, divide the delightful piña colada evenly among four glasses, ensuring each one is filled to your liking. If you’re feeling adventurous, pour ½ ounce of dark rum over the top of each drink for an extra kick. Finally, finish off each glass with a maraschino cherry and a lime wedge for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your tropical creation!
Nutrition Information
My Tip
For a truly refreshing piña colada, make sure to freeze your pineapple pieces flat in a resealable plastic bag. This helps them freeze evenly and blend into a smooth, creamy consistency, ensuring every sip is perfectly slushy and delicious!
Leftovers
To store any leftover Piña Colada, transfer it to a glass jar with a tight-sealing lid and keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, give it a good shake to mix the ingredients, then pour it over ice for a refreshing treat!
Make It Your Own
For a tropical twist, try swapping the white rum for coconut rum to enhance that coconut flavor, and add a splash of mango juice for a fruity kick. This will give your Piña Colada a delightful new dimension!