Whether you’re planning your next tropical-themed party or just want to sip something delicious and possibly healthier, you’re in the right place. When it comes to summer drinks, nothing beats a Piña Colada. Creamy, tropical, and totally refreshing, it’s a cocktail that immediately transports me to white sandy beaches and sunny skies—even if I’m just sitting on my backyard patio. But beyond the flavor and the fun garnishes on top, the Piña Colada has a special place in my heart for another reason: it’s tied to one of my favorite memories with my husband.
It all started on our honeymoon trip to Daytona Beach. My husband and I spent most of our time along the beach, sipping these delicious treats for the week that we were there. Our hotel beachside bar looked like it came straight out of a movie—wooden stools, string lights, and the sound of waves gently crashing in the background.
These delicious drinks were perfect every time. They were creamy and cold, with the perfect balance of sweet pineapple and smooth coconut. The rum added just enough kick without being overpowering. We were hooked on this fabulous drink. Every trip we make during hot summer months or to hot sunny locations since our honeymoon, we’ve made it a tradition to toast with Piña Coladas.
Back home, we started recreating them in our kitchen, using healthier ingredients without sacrificing taste. Piña Coladas are one of our favorite summer drinks to enjoy on a hot summer evening.
Why Piña Coladas Are the Perfect Summer Cocktail
There’s a reason Piña Coladas are one of the most popular tropical cocktails in the world. Here’s why we (and so many others) love them:
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Refreshing and creamy: The combination of crushed ice, coconut cream, and pineapple juice is incredibly satisfying on a hot day.
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Customizable: You can make them with or without alcohol, use frozen or fresh fruit, and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
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Vacation in a glass: The taste alone evokes warm weather and beachy vibes—even if you’re sipping from your own back yard.
The Healthy Side of Piña Coladas (Yes, Really!)
You might not think of a cocktail as something healthy, but when made with the right ingredients, Piña Coladas can offer some surprising health benefits.
Coconut Cream
Coconut cream is the rich, thick layer that rises to the top of coconut milk. It adds the luxurious creaminess Piña Coladas are known for, but it also offers some real nutritional perks. Coconut cream contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are fats that the body can use for quick energy. The healthy fats can help you feel full and satisfied, which is why coconut is often used in keto and paleo diets. MCTs have also been linked to improved cognitive performance. Additionally, coconut contains antioxidants, particularly polyphenols which help fight free radicals. Specifically, look for organic, unsweetened coconut cream with no added preservatives for the healthiest options.
Organic Pineapple Juice
Organic pineapple juice offers a range of health benefits that make it a smart and delicious addition to your refreshing piña-colada. It’s rich in vitamin C, which plays a key role in boosting immune function and supporting healthy, glowing skin. One of its standout compounds is bromelain, a natural enzyme that aids digestion and helps reduce inflammation in the body. Because pineapple juice is made up mostly of water, it also contributes to hydration—especially refreshing on hot summer days. Its natural sweetness means that when you’re using high-quality, organic juice, you don’t need to add any extra sugar to your cocktails. When prepared with nutrient-rich coconut cream, pineapple juice helps create a drink that’s not only indulgent but also surprisingly beneficial to your overall well-being—especially when enjoyed in moderation.
You don’t have to travel to a resort to enjoy a Piña Colada. Here’s our go-to version that’s simple, naturally sweetened, and loaded with tropical flavor.
Healthier Piña Colada Recipe
Ingredients:
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White Rum
- Malibu
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Organic pineapple juice
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Organic coconut cream
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Ice (crushed or cubed)
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Pineapple wedge for garnish
Instructions:
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Add the pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice to a blender.
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Add rum/ malibu (or skip for a mocktail version).
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Blend until smooth and creamy.
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Pour into a chilled glass.
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Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
Piña Coladas & Quality Time: A Weekend Ritual
In reality, one of the best things about Piña Coladas in our home isn’t just the taste—it’s what they represent. Often times in the summer, my husband and I make Piña Coladas together, turn on some music, and play a few rounds of cribbage. It’s our mini vacation in a glass and a reminder that joy doesn’t always require a plane ticket.
The act of preparing the drink together, laughing in the kitchen, and then relaxing outside with our drinks has become a tradition that we look forward to every summer. Sometimes we talk about our trips together, sometimes we talk about nothing at all. But that drink always brings us back to a place of peace, fun, and connection. And every time is a reminder of our first few days of marriage.
Why Piña Coladas Will Always Be My Favorite Cocktail
The Piña Colada isn’t just a cocktail—it’s a celebration of flavor, memory, and health in one glass. Whether you’re drinking one on a beach or mixing one up in your kitchen, it brings with it the essence of summer and the comfort of ritual.
If you’ve never tried making your own with coconut cream and organic pineapple juice, I highly recommend it. Not only will you love the flavor, but your body will thank you for the better ingredients. And who knows? Maybe it’ll become part of your own love story, too.
More Fun Cocktail Recipes
Brandy Slush
Fresh Squeezed Margaritas
Cherry Brandy Old Fashioned
Tiki Punch
Pina Colada
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 oz White Rum
- 6 oz Malibu
- 8 oz Coconut cream
- 20 oz Pineapple juice
- ice
Instructions
- In a 64 oz blender, fill to the 6 oz line with white rum.
- Add 6 oz of malibu, 8oz of coconut cream, and 20 oz of pineapple juice.
- Fill to the top with ice and blend until smooth.
- Pour drinks and store in the freezer if needed between servings.
Nutrition
A cleaner recipe for pina colada! So good!!