If you have ever wondered how to make a virgin pina colada or just need a non-alcoholic drink to sip on to feel like you are on a tropical island, you have come to the right place. This alcohol-free pina colada recipe has the same creamy, beachy vibes as this Pina Colada Smoothie but with a mocktail twist.
And if you are looking for more refreshing non-alcoholic drinks, make sure to check out our Strawberry Basil Limeade, Rosemary Mint Lemonade, Kale Pineapple Smoothie, and Ginger Iced Tea.
Virgin Pina Colada Ingredients
A frozen virgin pina colada recipe only requires a handful of key ingredients. It’s a short list of tropical flavors, including the following ingredients:
- Frozen Pineapple: Look for frozen pineapple chunks in the frozen fruit section of your local grocery store. If you cannot find frozen pineapple, flash freeze fresh pineapple. To do so, simply remove the outer skin and core, then cut the pineapple into bite-size pieces. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet and freeze for 30 minutes – 1 hour. You can also add more ice if frozen pineapple is unavailable.
- Coconut Milk: We used full-fat coconut milk to create a healthier (and mildly sweet) version. For a sweeter take, make a virgin pina colada with 3-ingredients by using 1 cup sweetened Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut (affiliate link) and omitting the coconut sugar – add more pineapple juice (or try coconut water) if you find the mixture to be a little too thick.
- Pineapple Juice: We think that unsweetened pineapple juice, usually found in a can, gives this Piña Colada mocktail an even more tropical flavor. Add more juice after blending based on your desired consistency. Swap it out for mango juice or orange juice for a different flavor.
- Ice Cubes: Ice adds a creamy, slushy, icy texture. You can also use about ½ cup crushed ice, which will blend more evenly.
- Coconut Sugar: Coconut sugar keeps it naturally sweetened with no refined sugar. Add more after blending if you would like it on the sweeter side.
- Garnish: Stick to the classic fresh pineapple wedge or pineapple slices and maraschino cherry. Or, give it a real warm beach vibe with fresh mint and a mini cocktail umbrella. Maple Whipped Cream or a dollop of Honey Ice Cream takes it that much more over the top.
Optional Add Ins / Variations
- Rum: Make a pina colada cocktail by adding a shot of rum per drink (about 4-6 ounces total for this recipe). This could be white rum, coconut, or dark rum.
- Extracts: If you would still like to enjoy a pina colada mocktail, but with rum flavor, add 1 – 2 tsp rum extract for extra flavor. A dash of vanilla extract never hurts, either.
- Lime Juice: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice to balance the sweetness of the pineapple and coconut flavor.
How to Make Pina Colada without Alcohol?
Non-alcoholic pina coladas are ready in less than 5 minutes after a quick whiz in the blender. It is so refreshing and creamy, you will never miss the alcohol. Here’s how I like to do it:
- Add ingredients to blender: In this order, place the frozen pineapple chunks, unsweetened coconut milk, pineapple juice, coconut sugar, and ice into a blender.
- Blend: Start off on low power, then increase to high power and blend until smooth, about 30 seconds. Taste for sweetness and add more if desired.
- Serve: Pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries.
How to Make Ahead and Store Leftovers
While this homemade non-alcoholic pina colada is best served the moment it is made, there are a few steps you can take to get ahead. You can:
- Make Ahead: Prep and measure out all the ingredients in advance. Keep stored in the freezer and fridge, respectively.
- Storage: Leftover virgin pina colada mix can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. The mixture will melt and split, so reblend with some ice before enjoying.
- Popsicles: Give it a creative spin and pour any leftovers into popsicle molds. Freeze until set, and enjoy!
Expert Tips
- Coconut milk vs coconut cream: This recipe is best made with canned coconut milk rather than coconut cream (which has a higher fat content). To make sure the can of coconut milk is well blended, vigorously shake before opening or blend in a high-speed blender.
- Use a hurricane glass: Stick to the curved hurricane glasses for classic pina coladas right at home.
- Chill cocktail glasses: Chilled cocktail glasses keep the drink super cold without diluting it with extra ice. Place the glasses in the fridge or freezer for at least 1 hour, or until ready to serve.
- Prep the garnishes: Make sure to have pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries at the ready so that your virgin colada cocktail doesn’t have time to melt. And don’t forget the paper umbrella for authentic Caribbean vibes.
FAQs
This healthy and mildly sweet pina colada without alcohol is made with frozen pineapple, coconut milk, pineapple juice, ice, and coconut sugar.
Deemed the official drink of Puerto Rico, the first accounts of a pina colada came from bartender Ramon “Monchito” Marrero at the Caribe Hilton in 1954 in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Pina Colada is Spanish for ‘strained pineapple’. Virgin pina colada denotes an alcohol-free version, which means the whole family can enjoy this fun drink on a hot summer’s day.
This virgin colada is quite healthy as it contains no refined sugar, no alcohol, and clean, fresh ingredients you can feel good about. As a bonus, it is also vegan and dairy-free.
Other Non-Alcoholic Recipes You Might Also Like:
If you enjoyed this non-alcoholic pina colada recipe, I am pretty sure you will also like a few of our other mocktails. Below are our favorite summer sips that are worth checking out:
If you try this Pina Colada recipe without alcohol, please take a minute to rate the recipe and leave a comment below. It helps others who are thinking of making the recipe. And if you took some pictures, be sure to share them on Instagram using #foolproofeats so I can share them on my stories.
Virgin Pina Colada Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups frozen pineapple chunks (8 ounces)
- 1 can unsweetened coconut milk (13.5 ounces) – Shake well
- ½ cup unsweetened pineapple juice
- 1 cup ice
- 2 tablespoons coconut sugar more if necessary
Garnishes
- 4 wedges pineapple
- 4 Maraschino cherries Optional
Instructions
- Place the frozen pineapple chunks, unsweetened coconut milk, pineapple juice, coconut sugar, and ice into a blender.
- Blend until smooth. Taste for sweetness and add more if necessary.
- If preferred, pour into a glass and garnish with pineapple wedges and Maraschino cherries (if preferred.)
Notes
- Yields: This recipe yields ~ 32 ounces of virgin colada. Each serving is about 8 ounces.
- Chill your glasses: Place your glasses in the freezer at least 30 minutes before making this drink to ensure that they are super cold.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days. The mixture will melt and split, so reblend with some ice before enjoying.
- Popsicles: Give it a creative spin and pour any leftovers into popsicle molds. Freeze until set, and enjoy!
- Rum: Turn this into a pina colada cocktail by adding a shot of rum per drink (about 4-6 ounces total for this recipe). This could be white rum, coconut, or dark rum.
Traci | Vanilla And Bean
I just made your pina colada for an evening gathering in the beautiful Pacific Northwest Sunshine and we absolutely loved it! It’s been on my list for a while, now and I finally gave it a go. It was smooth, creamy and sooo tropical. Thank you for sharing your recipe, Aysegul! It’s a keeper for sure!
Aysegul Sanford
Oh how wonderful Traci. We love Pina Coladas around here. It is kind of a guilty pleasure. 🙂
Thank you so much for letting me know. Cheers from the sunny Caribbean islands..
Nesh
I had such a fun time shooting with Ays and the Pina Coladas were delicious.
Aysegul Sanford
Thank you for helping me create amazing memories, my friend. 🙂
Chrissann
Lovely lady, lovely drink!! 🙂
Aysegul Sanford
1000% agreed. 😛