Paula Deen Pina Colada

Paula Deen Pina Colada turns rum, coconut cream and fresh pineapple into a thick, frosty blended drink in 10 minutes. Save this easy frozen cocktail recipe for a backyard cookout, a summer party, a beach day or a holiday table, because it's just a blender and five minutes of work.

Fill the blender about halfway with ice before you start, since that is what turns the mix from a thin sip into a thick, spoonable slush. Too little ice leaves you with a watery rum and coconut drink that melts the minute it hits the glass.

Paula uses both coconut milk and coconut cream, and that pairing gives the drink a richer body than the usual canned mix. Fresh pineapple chunks stand in for juice, so the sweetness stays bright and the texture stays thick.

Paula Deen Pina Colada

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Course: BeverageCuisine: American, SouthernDifficulty: Easy

Servings

5

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Cooking time

5

minutes

Calories

230

kcal

Rum, coconut and pineapple blend with ice into a thick, creamy slush that you can sip or spoon. The cherry and pineapple slice on top are optional, though they make it look like the real thing.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup rum
  

• 1/4 cup coconut milk
  

• 1/4 cup pineapple chunks
  

• 1/2 cup coconut cream
  

• enough for half of a blender Ice
  

• slice optional, for garnish pineapple
  

• optional, for garnish maraschino cherries
  

Directions

• Add the ingredients: Pour 1/2 cup rum, 1/4 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup coconut cream into a blender, then add 1/4 cup pineapple chunks. Fill the blender about halfway with ice.
• Blend until smooth: Blend until the ice breaks down and the drink looks thick and creamy, with no chunks left. Then pour it right away into tall glasses, since it thins out as it sits.
• Garnish and serve: Top each glass with a slice of pineapple or a maraschino cherry if you like. Then add a straw and serve it while it's still frosty.

Tools for this recipe

• Vitamix E310 blender, Bormioli Rocco glass pitcher with lid. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

FAQs

Can I make a pina colada without rum?

Yes, just leave the rum out and add a little extra pineapple or a splash of pineapple juice to keep the volume up. You will still get a creamy, tropical drink, and it works well for kids or anyone skipping alcohol.

Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?

Canned pineapple chunks work fine, so use them if that is what you have on hand. Drain them first, because the heavy syrup can make the drink sweeter and thinner than the recipe intends.

What is the difference between coconut milk and coconut cream?

Coconut cream is thicker and richer, while coconut milk is lighter and more pourable. This recipe uses both so the drink gets a creamy body without turning heavy.

Can I make a batch ahead of time?

A blended pina colada is best right away, because the ice melts and the drink separates as it sits. If you need to get ahead, measure the ingredients into the blender and keep it chilled, then add the ice and blend when guests arrive.

Why is my pina colada watery?

Too little ice is the usual reason, so fill the blender about halfway before you blend. Using cold coconut milk and cold pineapple helps too, since warm ingredients melt the ice faster.