Skip the blending and serve this delicious cocktail on the rocks! Shaken until chilled, this creamy, tropical Piña Colada is perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. All you need is a few simple ingredients, and it's almost like you're on tropical vacation... almost!
Hello Summer Cocktails!
Summer means sitting in the sun and sipping on cold, fruity cocktails! Give me a pool or a lake, and I am one very happy girl! Living in Minnesota, I need all the sun and summer cocktails when I can get them!
Ever since we vacationed in Key West, Florida a couple months ago, I can't stop making Pina Coladas. The hotel we stayed at made an amazing Pina Colada, and I instantly knew I had to recreate it at home. To keep things simple, I prefer to make a Shaken Pina Colada, but when I'm feeling fancy, I'll add some frozen pineapple and ice and blend it up!
There's just something about a Pina Colada that makes you feel like you're on a tropical vacation, even if you're just sitting in the backyard watching your chickens 😂
Pina Colada on the Rocks.
Traditionally, a Pina Colada is blended and has a texture similar to a smoothie. But, you can skip the blending and serve a Pina Colada over ice, also known as a Shaken Pina Colada. Over ice, a Shaken Pina Colada is a thick, creamy and delicious cocktail!
The trick to a good Pina Colada on the rocks is to shake it, not stir. For this drink, you will either need a cocktail shaker or a mason jar with a lid - either one will work great. Coconut milk is rich and creamy, so shaking the Pina Colada with ice will simultaneously chill and dilute the drink - meaning the ice will break down and release water into the drink. This is a key to making a Pina Colada on the rocks.
How to Make a Shaken Pina Colada.
Shaken Pina Coladas only require a few simple ingredients and few minutes of time. Here is what you need to make the best Shaken Pineapple Coconut Pina Colada.
White rum. I prefer to use white rum vs dark rum because it's a touch sweeter and the flavor is more mild.
Pineapple juice. Pineapple juice from a can works great. I like to buy the Dole 6 pack/6 oz cans.
Unsweetened coconut milk.
Lime juice. Fresh squeezed or from a bottle.
Brown sugar. To add a touch of sweetness. You can substitute granulated sugar, honey or maple syrup.
Angostura bitters. This is optional, but I think it helps to balance out the flavors.
Tips & Substitutions.
Can I use vodka instead of rum? Yes, most certainly. Just keep in mind that vodka does have a different flavor than rum and lacks the hint of sweetness, so you may need to add more pineapple juice or brown sugar. You can also swap the white rum for coconut rum for a stronger coconut flavor!
Can I use light unsweetened coconut milk? I personally have not tried to make this drink with light coconut milk. You can certainly use it, the coconut flavor just may not be as strong.
Is separation normal? It is perfectly normal for the coconut milk to cause the drink to separate. Just give it a stir if this happens.
What are Angostura bitters? Angostura bitters is high-proof spirit infused with herbs and spices. The purpose of the bitters is to balance out the flavors in cocktail. Cocktails primarily contain sweet and sour flavors and adding bitters helps to balance and accentuate those flavors creating a more complete flavor profile.
Do I have to use bitters? No, you don't need bitters to make this cocktail. But, if you have bitters or have always wanted to try using them, then I encourage you to add a dash or two.
Can I use this recipe to make a blended Pina Colada? Yes! For one drink, add about ½ - ¾ cup of ice and ¼ cup of frozen pineapple to a blender with the cocktail ingredients and blend until smooth.
More Delicious Summer Cocktails!
Sparkling Pineapple Jalapeño Margarita
Sparkling Raspberry Champagne Float
Lemon Lime Beergaritas with Chili Lime Salt
If you make this recipe, I would love to hear from you! Please rate the recipe below using the stars or leave a comment. If you’re on Instagram, share a picture of the food you created and tag me at Modern Farmhouse Eats! I love seeing all the pictures! 😊
Shaken Pineapple Coconut Piña Colada
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker or mason jar with lid
Ingredients
- 3 ounces pineapple juice
- 3 ounces coconut milk
- 2 ounces white rum (or coconut rum for a stronger coconut flavor)
- ½ ounce lime juice
- 2 teaspoons brown sugar
- 1-2 dashes of Angostura bitters (optional)
- Pineapple leaf, lime wedge and cinnamon for garnish
Cinammon sugar rim
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt
- lime wedge for rimming the glass
Instructions
- Cinnamon sugar rim: In a small shallow bowl, mix together the cinnamon, sugar and salt. Run a lime wedge around the rim of a cocktail glass and dip into the cinnamon sugar.
- Add all of the cocktail ingredients to a cocktail shaker or mason jar with a lid. Top with ice and shake until chilled.
- Fill the cocktail glass with ice then strain the cocktail into the glass. If desired, garnish with a pineapple leaf, lime wedge, and sprinkle of cinnamon. Cheers!
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