Name: A Healthier Piña Colada
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 1
Ingredients: 1 jigger white rum (1.5 oz./3 tbsp.); 1 tbsp. cream of coconut; 1/2 cup pineapple chunks , frozen; 2 tbsp. pineapple juice; 1/4 cup ice

A Healthier Piña Colada

Team Verywell Fit

Updated on January 28, 2022

Medically reviewed by

Kristy Del Coro, MS, RDN, LDN

(59 ratings)

Total Time: 5 min

Prep Time: 5 min

Cook Time: 0 min

Servings: 1

Nutrition Highlights (per serving)

221 calories

3g fat

25g carbs

1g protein

Show Nutrition Label

Nutrition Facts
Servings: 1
Amount per serving
Calories	221
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 3g	4%
Saturated Fat 3g	15%
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 25g	9%
Dietary Fiber 1g	4%
Total Sugars 21g
Includes 8g Added Sugars	16%
Protein 1g
Vitamin D 0mcg	0%
Calcium 16mg	1%
Iron 0mg	0%
Potassium 150mg	3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calorie a day is used for general nutrition advice.

We've all heard the saying, "a piña colada is like a tropical vacation in a glass." It makes us feel like we're on a beach somewhere with steel drums in the background. But a typical piña colada is loaded with sugar thanks to the cream of coconut and pineapple juice.

This recipe minimizes the sugar by reducing the amount of cream of coconut. It also replaces the canned pineapple juice with fresh, frozen pineapple. Fresh pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which may provide health benefits such as relief from muscle soreness and injury after exercise. But studies have yielded mixed results, so more research is needed to know if it is effective.

Ingredients

1 jigger white rum (1.5 oz./3 tbsp.)
1 tbsp. cream of coconut
1/2 cup pineapple chunks, frozen
2 tbsp. pineapple juice
1/4 cup ice

Preparation

Put all ingredients in a blender and blend until slushy.

Variations and Substitutions

Using frozen pineapple allows you to cut back on the ice and create a thicker, richer cocktail. But you can also use fresh (not frozen) pineapple. You will just need to increase the ice according to your preference. If you want a non-frozen version, put ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake, and strain out the ice.

When it comes to coconut in liquid form, there are three different products: coconut milk (coconut pulp mixed with water and strained), coconut cream (a richer form of coconut milk made with less water), and cream of coconut (a product containing coconut milk and sugar). Cream of coconut is the choice for cocktails, but if you would like something with a little less sugar, use coconut cream—it just may not taste as sweet.

Usually, piña coladas are made with white rum, but this lighter version works well with a combination of white and dark rum. You can also make an alcohol-free version of this drink by omitting the rum.

Cooking and Serving Tips

This recipe is easy to double or triple. Just be sure to use a large blender (rather than a small single-serve style blender).
Serve this drink in chilled glasses and garnish with a triangle of fresh pineapple or top with a cherry.

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