There’s something instantly cheerful about a Pina Colada Mocktail. It’s creamy, fruity, and tastes like a sunny vacation in a glass. With sweet pineapple and silky coconut milk, it’s the kind of drink that cools you down and lifts your mood-no alcohol required. I’ve made this drink countless times, and it never fails to get a smile, especially on warm afternoons or during weekend brunches with friends.
Pina Colada Mocktail
Ingredients
Serves: 2
Prep time: 5 minutes
Equipment: Blender, measuring cups, knife, cutting board, spoon
- Pineapple juice: 4 oz (120 ml), preferably fresh or 100% juice
- Coconut milk: 2 oz (60 ml), full-fat for creaminess (shake well before using)
- Ice cubes: About 1 to 1½ cups (enough to give you a frozen, slushy texture)
- Garnish (optional): Pineapple wedge, maraschino cherry, or a sprig of mint
Method
- Add the ingredients to a blender: Pour in 4 oz (120 ml) of pineapple juice and 2 oz (60 ml) of coconut milk. Add about 1 to 1½ cups of ice cubes.
- Blend until smooth: Blend on high until the mixture is creamy and frosty. It should be thick enough to sip slowly, but not so thick that it won’t pour easily. If it’s too runny, toss in a few more ice cubes and blend again.
- Serve: Pour into a chilled hurricane glass or highball glass. Garnish with a pineapple wedge or cherry if you like. I sometimes add a tiny paper umbrella just for fun-it’s a drink that deserves it.
Tips & Substitutions
- Fresh pineapple juice makes a big difference. If you’ve got ripe pineapple, toss chunks into the blender and strain the juice first-it’ll give you a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
- Canned coconut milk works great. Just make sure to shake the can well before using to mix the thick cream with the liquid.
- No coconut milk? Try coconut cream for a richer drink, or use almond or oat milk for a lighter version with a nutty twist.
- Want it creamier? Add a scoop of coconut ice cream or frozen banana to the blender for a smoothie-like texture.
Make-Ahead Notes
You can prep the juice and coconut milk mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge (up to 24 hours). Just don’t add the ice until you’re ready to blend and serve. Once blended, it’s best enjoyed fresh-otherwise, the ice melts and waters it down.
Storage
If you have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store the blended mocktail in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Give it a good stir before drinking, or re-blend with a few ice cubes to freshen it up.
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Pina Colada Mocktail with:
- Grilled shrimp or fish tacos: The smoky, savory flavors go beautifully with the tropical sweetness.
- Tropical fruit salad: Think mango, kiwi, and lime for a refreshing side.
- Spicy dishes: The creamy coconut cools the heat from jerk chicken or spicy curry.
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights on the porch, especially when I want something fun and festive without the alcohol.
Variations to Try
Mango Pina Colada Mocktail
- What to add: 2 oz (60 ml) mango juice or ½ cup fresh mango chunks
- How to make: Blend with the base ingredients for a fruity twist
Berry Pina Colada Mocktail
- What to add: ½ cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen)
- How to make: Blend with the other ingredients for a gorgeous pink color and a tangy flavor
Green Pina Colada Mocktail
- What to add: A handful of baby spinach or kale
- How to make: Blend with the standard ingredients-surprisingly tasty and a great way to sneak in greens
Common Questions
Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes! Use unsweetened coconut milk and reduce the pineapple juice to 3 oz (90 ml). You can also add a splash of lime juice to balance the sweetness.
Can I use frozen pineapple instead of juice?
Absolutely. Blend ½ cup of frozen pineapple chunks with a bit of water or coconut water to replace the juice. It’ll also make your mocktail extra frosty.
What’s the best coconut milk to use?
Full-fat canned coconut milk gives the richest, creamiest result. If you’re looking for something lighter, coconut beverage (from the carton) works too, but the flavor will be milder.
Can I turn this into a traditional Pina Colada?
Sure! Just add 1 to 1½ oz (30-45 ml) of white rum to the blender with the other ingredients.
How do I make it look extra fancy?
Use a tall glass, add a colorful straw, and garnish with pineapple, cherry, or even a mint sprig. A quick sugar rim on the glass adds sparkle too.
Final Notes
Whether you’re making this for a backyard BBQ, a sunny brunch, or just a midweek treat, this Pina Colada Mocktail brings a little island happiness to your day. It’s simple, refreshing, and easy to customize. Try one of the variations above next time you make it-or invent your own twist!
