Shaken Piña Colada

Have you ever had a Shaken Piña Colada? I know, I know, Piña Coladas are fancy frozen drinks, with tiki umbrellas and colorful straws. But through trial and lots of errors trying to make a frozen Piña Colada, I found that just by using 3 simple ingredients, ice and a cocktail shaker, this shaken version is just as delectable and refreshing.

This is one of the easiest cocktails to make at home. The hardest part might be finding the Cream of Coconut in the grocery store. After spending time testing recipes for a frozen Piña Colada and trying different types of coconut creams and forms of pineapple, I decided to go back to basics – rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice. And Wow! Even my family was impressed when they taste tested the cocktail. If you prefer the virgin variety, no rum included, my niece Stella was the official taste tester and she gave it 5 stars.

A little Piña Colada History

Did you know that the Piña Colada is the national drink of Puerto Rico? There is still a hot debate as to whom actually developed the cocktail, but it has moved from an island vacation drink to world wide fame. For the trivia buffs out there, here are a few fun facts.

What you need to make a Shaken Piña Colada

• Pineapple Juice – I usually buy the small 6 oz cans
• Coconut Creme – Use Coco Lopez if possible. Don’t confuse coconut creme with coconut milk – they are totally different. See my pro tips below.
• Rum – A white rum works best, dark rum has more of a spicy flavor, although I’ve seen recipes that will put a shot on top
• Ice – crushed or smaller cubes.
• Lime – (optional) Add a squeeze of lime to cut the sweetness if preferred
• Pineapple Wedges and Maraschino Cherries – makes a beautiful garnish
• Optional Garnishes – Pineapple leaf, cocktail umbrellas, lime slice, colorful straw

Step by Step Instructions

You will need a cocktail shaker for this recipe, but a mason jar or tall container with a tight fitting lid will work just as well.

1. In the bottom of a cocktail shaker pour in 1 1/2 ounces of white rum, 4 ounces of pineapple juice and 2 oz of Cream of Coconut.
2. Add 1 cup of crushed ice, place lid with cap back on the shaker and… shake, shake, shake.
3. Using the strainer, pour into a prepared glass with crushed ice.
4. Garnish the top with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry. Additional garnishes can include a pineapple leaf, coconut ribbon, lime slice with a colorful straw, or fancy cocktail umbrella.
5. Serve and Enjoy! Yum.

How to make a Virgin Piña Colada

Easy Peasy – just omit the rum. Virgin Piña Coladas are just as delicious as the spirited cocktail. Instead of the rum, squeeze in a some lime juice to give it a little zing.

Give it a Try

The next time you are in need of a tropical island getaway, whip up your own Shaken Piña Colada and instantly get transported to the warm sandy beaches of the Caribbean. Let me know what you think in the comments below and tell me what island adventure you might be dreaming of?