How To Make A Pina Colada Mocktail & Cocktail

This post is about a pina colada mocktail & cocktail recipe.

This post may contain affiliate links, please see our disclaimer for details.

Is there anything more "summer" than a cold & creamy piña colada? Something about it just hits so much harder in the warmer months. Batch cocktails/mocktails can feel a little overwhelming at times, but this easy piña colada recipe is only 5 ingredients & so simple to make!

Whether you're looking for a pina colada mocktail recipe or a regular piña colada recipe with a little rum, we've got you covered!

This post is about a pina colada mocktail.

What Makes A Good Piña Colada?

Making a delicious piña colada is quite simple actually! Whether you're making one with rum or making a non alcoholic piña colada recipe, the steps are incredibly easy!

First and foremost, if you're making an alcoholic version, select a good rum. You don't need to break the bank since it's blended with other ingredients vs being a spirit-forward drink. Go for something that you're okay using a good portion of.

(Blended drinks tend to go down quickly with a crowd, so don't bring out your most cherished/saved bottle for this recipe!)

Looking for something else?

Piña Colada Ingredients:

1. Rum

I suggest light rum for this recipe, but whatever you have on hand will work.

2. Cream of Coconut

This one is VERY important. Cream of coconut is NOT coconut cream or coconut milk. You can typically find cream of coconut in the international foods aisle at the grocery store.

3. Pineapple Juice

Fresh pineapple juice is superior. If you already have pineapple cut up from a day or two prior, I suggest using as much of that juice as possible. If you have none, canned or boxed juice works!

4. Fresh Lime Juice

Lime juice will help cut the sweetness and balance the drink. I always suggest fresh lime juice when making a cocktail/mocktail - it makes all the difference.

5. Pineapple Chunks (Optional)

Pineapple chunks aren't going to make or break your piña colada, but it certainly adds something delicious. I always like to add some for flavor (plus you'll want to have some for garnishing!)

Pina Colada Mocktail Recipe:

1. Add pineapple juice, cream of coconut, pineapple chunks, and lime juice to a blender (skip the rum), fill with ice, and blend until smooth. Over-blending will cause a watery texture.

2. Adjust your consistency if needed. If the drink is too thin, add more ice and blend. If the drink is too thick, add more pineapple juice and blend.

3. Pour your piña colada mocktail into a hurricane or tiki glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, pineapple leaf, cocktail umbrella, or cherry! (Or a combination of those!)

Piña Colada Cocktail Recipe:

(If you've just make the piña colada mocktail recipe, you can add the rum now and re-blend. If you've served 1/2 of the piña colada mixture, reduce the rum by half. Adjust based on your situation.)

1. Add pineapple juice, cream of coconut, pineapple chunks, lime juice, and rum to a blender. Fill with ice, and blend until smooth. Over-blending will cause a watery texture.

2. Adjust your consistency if needed. If the drink is too thin, add more ice and blend. If the drink is too thick, add more pineapple juice and blend.

3. Pour your piña colada into a hurricane or tiki glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, pineapple leaf, cocktail umbrella, or cherry! (Or a combination of those!)

Optional: If you like a more boozy/spirit-forward drink, you can add a "floater" on top of your piña colada. Gently pour a 1/2 oz pour of rum on the top of the drink.

Piña Colada FAQs:

Can you make a piña colada with coconut cream or milk?

You can, but I'll be honest in saying it won't taste as good. If you're in a pinch, you can sub it out, but I don't recommend it. You'll need to compensate for the loss of sweetness. My recommendation is to add simple syrup or agave. Start with adding a half ounce at a time, and adjust based on your taste preferences.

What does a pina colada mocktail taste like?

It's a delicious combination of coconut and pineapple flavor in a creamy texture! It's light and not too sweet.

Why is my piña colada watery?

Your piña colada can get watery if you're adding too much ice. I don't recommend adding more ice for a second blend unless you have to. If you do, use a small amount at a time.

Is making a pina colada mocktail easy?

It may be the easy mocktail to make! It's as simple as measuring and blending. One of my favorite things is that the mocktail and cocktail versions look the same, so if it's served to an N/A adult no one is singled out.

Can you sub another liquor in place of rum in a piña colada?

Not really. The rum adds a significant flavor profile to the drink. I wouldn't reccomend subbing it out. If you needed to, I'd go for a more neutral flavored spirit like vodka.

Can you make a piña colada lower calorie?

You can use "light" pineapple juice for a lower calorie piña colada.

What do you serve a piña colada in?

You serve a piña colada in a traditional hurricane glass or in a tiki glass if you want something more unique! We served ours in a highball glass this time. I also think these pineapple inspired glasses would be SO fun for a summer mocktail or cocktail!

What do you garnish a pina colada mocktail or cocktail with?

Lots of options here! You can garnish a piña colada with a pineapple wedge (skin on or off!), pineapple leaf, a fresh coconut rim, lime wedge, cherry, or even a cocktail umbrella. I like a dramatic garnish, so we went with a coconut rim, pineapple wedge, and a pineapple leaf.

This post was about a pina colada mocktail.

Might we suggest...