The Green Tea Piña Colada is a fun, refreshing twist on the classic tropical cocktail. It blends the creamy sweetness of coconut and pineapple with the light, earthy notes of green tea, creating a drink that’s both indulgent and refreshing. I’ve made this countless times, and it’s one of my favorite ways to cool down on a hot afternoon. Let’s get into how to make it perfectly at home!
Green Tea Pina Colada
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 2 oz (60ml) white rum (or dark rum for a richer flavor)
- 3 oz (90ml) pineapple juice (fresh is best, but canned works too!)
- 1 oz (30ml) coconut cream (for a lighter version, use coconut milk)
- 1 oz (30ml) brewed green tea, cooled (matcha or jasmine tea work well too)
- 1 cup ice
Optional Garnishes
- Pineapple slice
- Maraschino cherry
- Fresh mint leaves
How to Make It
- Brew a strong cup of green tea and let it cool completely. If you’re short on time, pop it in the fridge for a few minutes.
- In a blender, combine white rum, pineapple juice, coconut cream, and the cooled green tea.
- Add ice and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a chilled hurricane glass (or any tall glass you have on hand).
- Garnish with a slice of pineapple or a cherry, and enjoy!
Tip: Chilling your glass beforehand helps keep the drink icy-cold longer.
Make-Ahead & Storage
- You can brew the green tea in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- If you’re making a large batch, blend everything except the ice, store it in the fridge, and blend with ice just before serving.
Ways to Customize Your Green Tea Piña Colada
Ingredient Swaps
- Rum: Swap white rum for dark rum for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
- Coconut Cream: Use coconut milk for a lighter, less creamy version.
- Pineapple Juice: Try fresh pineapple puree for an even more vibrant taste.
Fun Variations
Matcha Piña Colada: Use matcha powder instead of brewed green tea for a bolder, slightly creamy flavor.
Jasmine Green Tea Piña Colada: Brew jasmine green tea for a floral touch.
Mint Green Tea Piña Colada: Add fresh mint leaves while blending for an extra refreshing kick.
For a non-alcoholic version, just leave out the rum and add a little extra green tea for more flavor.
What to Serve with It
The tropical flavors of this cocktail pair beautifully with:
- Grilled shrimp or fish tacos – the citrusy notes in seafood balance the creamy sweetness of the drink.
- Grilled chicken with a hint of spice – the coconut and pineapple flavors cool down the heat.
- Tropical fruit salad with mango, kiwi, and more pineapple – a fresh, juicy side that enhances the drink’s flavors.
Bartender Tips
- Use fresh pineapple juice if possible—it makes a huge difference in taste!
- Don’t skip chilling the tea—warm tea will melt the ice too quickly and water down your drink.
- Try different types of green tea—matcha, jasmine, or even mint green tea can add fun flavor twists.
FAQs
Can I use a different alcohol?
Yes! Vodka or gin work well if you want a different base.
How do I make a big batch for a party?
Just scale up the ingredients and blend in batches. Keep it chilled until serving.
How can I make it less sweet?
Use unsweetened coconut cream or reduce the pineapple juice slightly.
What’s the best way to brew green tea for this?
Brew it with hot water for about 3 minutes, then let it cool completely before using.
This Green Tea Piña Colada is a fun, easy cocktail that brings a little tropical escape to your glass. Whether you stick with the classic recipe or try one of the variations, I hope you love it as much as I do! Cheers! 🍹
