Refreshing, packed with whole foods, a little booze and a touch of sugar, this white rum cocktail is my best Pina Colada recipe! Have a taste of the tropics with this homemade Pina Colada! vegan + gluten free *this post was updated with new photos, text and added recipe notes.
How I Discovered The Best Pina Colada Recipe:
Before we get to my best homemade Pina Colada recipe, a little back story. Traveling has a way with vivid reminders of how we’re interconnected with people, land and the wild things. Whether it’s simply traveling 100 miles away from home or across the globe, I’m always interested in culture, food and ecology and how these things interact on a local and global scale. Food is interesting to me especially from the standpoint of farming practices.
While traveling in Costa Rica we passed miles and miles of monocultured pineapple. I’d never seen so many pineapples. While beautiful pineapple plants were perfectly planted in symmetrical rows, the land itself looked sterile. No more forests, not a weed in sight…
Our guide shared that Costa Rica is one of the top exporters of pineapples worldwide, currently. He also explained one pineapple plant takes over a year to produce one pineapple fruit when grown organically. However, multinational corporations conventionally grow a pineapple in six months by applying agrochemicals. These production practices allow for increased crop yields in a shorter period of time.
That made me think of the conventional pineapple BOGO I saw on special at the store last week. What price are we willing to pay in terms of human and environmental costs for cheap pineapple? (insert x for so many other crops)
There’re great things going for Costa Rica – a few examples I learned:
- an end to single use plastics by 2020 – the one souvenir I brought back from Costa Rica is in the cocktail images – bamboo straws! Native to Costa Rica, compostable and sustainable
- whose goal is to be a carbon-neutral country by 2021 (first in the world)
- no mass highway systems because it would devastate the ecosystem, home to rich biodiversity which fuels their ecotourism economy
- they just marked their 70th anniversary since abolishing their military to instead further invest in the education and healthcare of its people
- provides universal health care to its citizens and permanent residents
But as progressive as Costa Rica is, they struggle with issues as any nation does. I couldn’t help but think about how like the US, they too have people living in the margins. Workers, some immigrant, who endure harsh working conditions, low wages and exposure to toxic chemicals to put food on our tables. And as a consumer I have a choice every time I spend a dollar at the store, or opt to buy through community supported agriculture or at the farmers market.
Because every dollar I spend on food is a vote for farming practices, sustainable or not. Pineapple is simply one example.
So, I avoid the BOGO and enjoy the single succulent pineapple that tastes sweeter, is slightly more expensive and juicier anyway. If I can’t find a fresh organically grown pineapple, I go without and look for canned (organic) or opt for locally grown fruit when in season.
A Few Homemade Pina Colada Recipe Notes:
- For the best Pina Colada of your life, look for organic pineapple. Fresh when in season! The texture and flavor are worth the effort. If out of season, look for organic canned and juice pineapple. Only one of the three stores I shop at carry organic canned, so it can be hard to find unless purchased online. I like Native Forest for chunks and crushed and Lakewood for juice (simply use the juice in the canned pineapple if making one batch).
- If carving a fresh pineapple and you’re into smoothies, don’t throw out the core! It blitzes up beautifully in a high speed blender. Toss it in the freezer until ready to use.
- For an extra frosty homemade Pina Colada delight, freeze the pineapple chunks before blending.
- For the coconut creme, I use a can of full fat coconut milk (organic!), refrigerated, then I scoop out the solid coconut cream needed for the recipe.
- Because sweetness of pineapple varies, taste before adding sugar to your homemade Pina Colada, then adjust to taste.
- Fresh Pina Coladas are fabulous as mocktails. Simply leave the rum out and add more pineapple and/or coconut cream!
For information on how pineapples are grown in Costa Rica see Bitter Fruit; The Truth About Pineapple Production, and Global Issues; Pineapple .
More Refreshing White Rum Cocktail Recipes to Love:
- Watermelon Mojitos
- Blueberry Mojitos
- Watermelon Mojitos
- Blackberry Ginger Shrub Rum Cocktails – from The Floating Kitchen
- Strawberry Mojitos
- Virgin Gorda Style Pina Colada – from Foolproof Living
Fresh Pina Colada
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 C Whole Pineapple Chunks* 245g (if using canned chunks - from a whole pineapple see notes)
- 1/4 C Pineapple Juice 48g
- 2 Tbs Coconut Cream** from a can of full fat coconut milk - see note
- 3 oz White Rum 70g - for two servings (4 1/2 oz (105g) for three) see notes
- 1 Tbs Cane Sugar*** adjust to taste - See Note
- 3 C Ice 320 g
Garnish:
- Fresh Pineapple Wedges
Instructions
- In a high speed blender, add the pineapple chunks, juice, coconut creme, rum, sugar and ice. Blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth yet still icy cold. Taste for sugar adjustment if needed.
- Pour into serving glasses and garnish with fresh pineapple.
Always such a great message behind your posts, Traci. I feel the same way about supporting local and organic produce. There are so many aspects to consider and the workers are one of the most important!
I’m happy to hear Costa Rica is making so many strides to protect the environment. It’s a place I have wanted to visit for a long time and hope to be able to do so one day. Until then I will have to dream of it whilst drinking these gorgeous pina coladas! They look so refreshing and flavorful.
Thank you Sarah… I know these are important considerations for you as well and I appreciate your efforts! You must go to Costa Rica – you will absolutely love it. And there are plenty of fresh Pina Coladas to be had!
Great post. I could not agree more……..Costa Rica has been on my list of places to visit. I will get there one day.
The Pina Colada looks yummy…. I will have to try this when I see those dang pineapples at the coop! mmmm, mmmm
Keep those awesome recipes coming. They give me renewed inspiration and enthusiasm for cooking.
Sue
Thank you for your kind words, Sue. So appreciated :D And you WILL get to Costa Rica. Pure magic there and so much to take away from what they value in their culture. I hope you enjoy this refreshing sipper!
what a great post, and plethora of information on organic pineapples. I will be mindful as well now. who knew it takes one year to grow one pineapple. I hate the way the world is going with producing more of any food now a days. very disheartening.
This drink is wonderful, I have always loved your photos, and you are one of my fav food photographers! :) I can only imagine how good your vacation pictures must be :)
Oh my, Amisha! That’s the beauty of travel… to see the world with fresh eyes, how others do things differently and to learn!! So much to explore and learn! And thank you too for your kind words and encouragement. I SO appreciate it. xo
Love these new photos, Traci! We’re about to get a serious heat wave here in LA so this will need to be on the menu this weekend! Or it would make a great Fourth of July drink – I can enjoy it while I’m trapped at home trying to keep my dog calm from the fireworks!
This truly is one of my favorite drinks ever. Absolutely loving the new pictures and of course I adore your passion for food and it’s resources.
Loved reading the post.
xo
This looks like the most amazing grown-up smoothie! I went to Jamaica years ago and felt like I’d tasted pineapple (and rum!) for the first time. Such a perfect combo.
This is one gorgeous summer drink, Traci! I bet it tastes light and fresh unlike some of the ones I’ve tried at various places haha.
Love the new photos, Traci! Looks and sounds amazing. And thanks for all the information on pineapples. I never knew it took so long to grow just one! Wow!
As usual, I not only get a delicious recipe here at V&B, but I also learn something! Thanks for sharing this delicious, perfect for summer cocktail Traci and all the important info on Costa Rica! Hope you and Rob enjoy the 4th!
YUM! I LOVE pina coladas. :) We are going to the Bahamas starting next weekend and I’m so making these down there! Looks amazing!
Hooray! Have a great trip. I know you’ll love these, Lauren! :D
I love all the fresh ingredients in your pina colada – yum! I hope you enjoyed the rest of your summer and blogging break :)
We love it for that reason too, Sharon! The blogging break was great… Thank you! :D
This looks so delicious! I love pina coladas, but hate the mix!
Kari
http://www.sweetteasweetie.com
I’m with ya, Kari! They’re often too sweet! This one hits a nice balance and you control the sugar! :D
Traci, this is so beautiful! And yes, humming the pina colada song right now. I am all about holding onto summer as long as possible. Truly not ready for it to end. Enjoy your much deserved break! xo.
Thaaank you Tessa, hehe! :D
This recipe looks so refreshing and summery!
Thank you Nicole! Refreshing, it is! And we’ve a month to go before Summer is over! :D
Traci, I have never seen a more beautiful pina colada!
Awh, thank you, Meagan! :D
Oh wow… This looks so SO good. I can never have enough Pina Coladas… Luckily, they are in abundance here in the Caribbean. :P
Enjoy your time off. Cheers!
Thank you my dear! No doubt, plenty of pineapples to choose from, lucky! :D
Dom’s aunt makes an incredible frozen pina colada that looks so much like your gorgeous version. I haven’t had it in a while and now I’m missing it! Enjoy your break, my friend! We’ll see you when you get back! xo
Thank you my dear. It’s time to make a Pina Colada, Annie! :D
i will definitely be singing the pina colada song in my head all night now! :) this looks so fresh and tasty, a far cry from the pre-mixed versions they serve at bars that just don’t give this special drink justice. but you sure did. :) cheers to a few more warm summer nights!
Hehe. No doubt less sugar than premixed. Thank you Amanda – cheers to you my dear! :D
“This recipe is a bit of a push back to the encroachment of commercialism surrounding Fall’s holiday season.” Hahaha, I LOVE that line, Traci! You’re so right. Why should we care about Halloween right now? And more to the point, why are people stocking up on the candy when we all know that it will just melt in the summer heat.
I love sipping on pina coladas, but I’ve never tried making one at home before. Definitely will have to get on that soon.
Hope you enjoy your blogging break, my dear!
Melting, indeed. Make a Pina Colada, Lisa! You’ll love it! xx
How lovely and refreshing. I can certainly see how this drink would contribute to a fun and festive holiday feeling. I hope you’re having a great week Traci! Thinking of you.
So refreshing, Kelly and festive, why yes! Thank you my dear. xx
my favorite summer cocktail here with no crazy ingredients, love it, Pinning!
Thanks so much Katalina! :D
Traci, I am so with you on this commercialism nonsense. What the heck…it’s still August! Fall is my favorite season, but I like to enjoy it when it actually feeeeeels like fall, you know? Right now, we’re still in the summer season and should be drinking tasty refreshing beverages like this pina colada, which btw, LOOKS AMAZING!! Wow!! I love the way you styled the drink too with the pineapple wedge and cherry. You always do such a beautiful job with your food styling and the photography – it just makes you want to reach your hand into the screen and pluck the food/drink right from your hand! :p
Thank you Beeta, for your encouragement and sweet words! No doubt it still feels like Summer… but I can tell, the days are getting shorter and the nights a bit cooler (a welcome change!). Fall is my favorite too! But I’ll still be sippin on Pina Colada for many more weeks to come!
I support the prolonging of Summer with this drink. I’m fine that we deem it an all year round drink in fact. Because who can say no to a good ole pina colada? Especially yours :)
Thaaank you Meg! Cheers to you my dear! :D
I was totally singing the Pina Colada song when I saw this on instagram! I couldn’t help but giggle when I saw the first line of your post! You caught me! Pina coladas are one of my favorite drinks EVER and your looks absolutely fabulous. Of course! Everything you create is always so stunning! I hope you enjoy your break and drink lots of these beauties! Cheers to enjoying what remains of summer and not rushing into fall! Pinned! <3
Hehe! We’re singing together girl! Cheers to you too.. and all that Summer has to offer! :D
Here’s to a blogging break, Traci! Well deserved and I hope you get fully relaxed and recharged on your time off. It’s in the 90s here so I’m not thinking about fall at all. So in the spirit of summer I’m looking forward to trying this drink. Can’t wait – especially since I’m a big pineapple fan. Enjoy the rest of your summer, Traci!
Hooray for breaks and mini vaca! Recharged, indeed. It’s still a bit warm here too… so I’m still chuggin cold drinks and popsicles! I hope you get some relief soon, Geraldine!
I’m definitely making this pina colada for the weekend! Great idea Traci! Love it!
Woot!! Thank you Mira!! :D
I went to Hobby Lobby last week, and they already have CHRISTMAS STUFF OUT! Umm, hello? It’s August. I couldn’t believe it. I’m going to save the last of summer. Starting with this super tasty looking pina coladas. Love how fresh they are. And now that song is definitely stuck in my head, haha!
OMGeee NO Way!! That’s crazy! What is that?!?! Keep on singing girl… as long as we sing, we’ll have Summer for as long as we want, right? Cheers to you my dear! :D
Have a wonderful rest of summer break, Traci :) I will be right back when you decide to be back. We all need a little break here and there and I am glad you are going to enjoy yours now :)
Cheers to this refreshing Pina Colada, which I totally love :)
xoxo
Thank you Pang! Breaks are good, indeed! :D
That pineapple is a stunner! Enjoy your break! :)
Thank you Medha! :D
I’m singing! I’m singing!! These sound delish Traci and your photos are amazing! That pineapple! GORGEOUS! Enjoy your time off. RELAX!
I hear you Mary Ann!! :D I’m with ya!
I am over the moon about this post, Traci! Piña coladas are my absolute favourite drink, and this is such a great low sugar option. You’re amazing! Now to see if I can find a fresh pineapple that’s actually ripe ;)
I hope you’ll give these a go Alexandra! They’re really nice and the sugar… it’s really up to you. I’ve made these without added sugar before and they were good – but pineapples tend to vary. Now go find that ripe pineapple! :D
I am all about still enjoying summer. These are fantastic. I know I can definitely get my summer on with these!
I’m with ya my dear! :D
Yes, I AM singing it! Enjoy your blogging break, and can’t wait to see you back here in a few weeks for some killer fall recipes!
I hear you, Sarah! :D
I’ll sing the pina colada song with ‘ya, girl! These look SO perfect for soaking up these last days of summer. I’ll take two! ;)
Hehe! I’m still singing Sarah! I’ll whip up another batch for us! :D
I’m with you girl – I still want to enjoy the rest of summer! I’m making a no pumpkin rule until mid September haha.
I’ve never made my own pina colada at home, but this recipe makes me want to. Such a perfect drink for sipping while soaking up the rays.
Hope you’re enjoying your blogging break! :)
I like your no pumpkin rule… I may hold out till October, unless our pumpkins come in earlier here.
Make this, Chelsea! It’s fabulous! :D