The Perfect Pina Colada Mocktail

Made with fresh pineapple and coconut cream, this Pina Colada Mocktail is refreshing, delicious and hydrating, too! The perfect drink to beat the summer heat.

Even though it is just barely July here in Montreal, somehow we’ve already experienced our first – and most certainly not our last – heatwave. And while I’m definitely not laying on a beach, some days it certainly feels like it, making me crave a fun, fruity drink, like a Pina Colada Mocktail!

And let’s not forget how important it is to stay hydrated in hot weather. This refreshing pina colada mocktail provides fluid and electrolytes to help you stay hydrated, as well as some nutrients from fresh blended pineapple to keep you nourished. Being a mocktail, this drink is perfect for anytime, kid-friendly and vegan, too!

Pina Colada Mocktail Ingredients

The national drink of Puerto Rico, a traditional pina colada is made with pineapple, coconut cream and rum. In this mocktail version, we’re skipping the pre-made mixers, too, and using real, fresh ingredients. Not only will our mocktail be more nutritious, but so much more delicious than any bottled mix. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Pineapple. This recipe calls for freshly chopped but frozen pineapple can work too. To use frozen, reduce the amount of ice and add a splash of water or juice to get the blender moving.
• Coconut cream. Different from coconut milk, coconut cream is thicker and creamier. Find it in a can near the coconut milk at the grocery store. “Light” coconut cream can also be used.
• Fresh lime juice.
• Vanilla extract. Just a splash is used to mimic the flavor notes of rum, the liquor traditionally used in a pina colada, without adding alcohol.
• Salt. To balance flavors and bring out the natural sweetness of the pineapple.
• Ice.

How To Make A Pina Colada Mocktail

In Spanish, the name “pina colada” translates to “strained pineapple”, referring to the traditional method of preparing the beverage by pressing and straining fresh pineapple into juice. The juice was then frozen and blended with other cocktail ingredients to create the icy blended beverage we all know and love.

In this recipe, we are skipping the straining and retaining some of the added fiber from our fresh pineapple. And no need to freeze (although you can use frozen pineapple), we’re going to save ourselves a step and blend with ice to achieve our refreshing frozen mocktail.

So just to recap, here’s how we’re making this recipe:

1. Add all ingredients to a blender except for the ice and blend until free of chunks.
2. Add ice and blend again until you achieve a smooth blended beverage, adding more ice if needed to ensure a frozen consistency.
3. Pour into glasses and garnish with a lime wedge.

Make a “Shaken” Pineapple Mocktail

If you’re not a fan of frozen drinks, don’t let that stop you from experiencing this tasty tropical treat. Try a “shaken” version of this Pina Colada Mocktail instead!

For Pina Colada Mocktails “On The Rocks”:

• Either use 100% fruit juice, or blend the pineapple into juice beforehand
• Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker, then shake with ice until chilled and thoroughly combined. Pour over glasses with fresh ice.
• Note: If you ARE blending pineapple into juice first, skip the cocktail shaker, add the remaining ingredients, blend until combined and then pour over glasses of ice.

More Summer Recipes To Try!

• Chipotle Turkey Smash Burgers With Avocado
• Caprese Tortellini Salad With Pesto
• Summer Beet Salad with Simple Citrus Dressing

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