Malibu Piña Colada

The Recipe’s Story

Do you like pina coladas? If so, you’re in the right place, because we’ve got one of the best recipes lined up for you! And, if by some crazy chance you don’t like pina coladas, then this recipe may just have the power to change your mind.

While the precise origin of the pina colada is surrounded by much debate (with some claiming that it was created as early as the 1800s!), it’s generally believed that the modern recipe was invented in San Juan, Puerto Rico in the mid-20th century. This delicious cocktail was an instant hit in the island nation, and the people there adored the drink so much that it was declared as their national drink in 1978!

But, the pina colada isn’t just a cocktail. It’s a vacation in a glass, and our Malibu^® pina colada recipe captures this spirit perfectly! This drink is designed for those of all skill levels to make and enjoy, whether you’re dipping your toes into mixology for the first time, or you’re an expert with years of cocktail crafting under your belt. Plus, making this recipe is as stress-free as sipping on one – you won’t even need a blender! All you have to do is add 2 parts Malibu Rum, 1 part DOLE^® Pineapple Juice, and 1 part coconut cream to your shaker, then strain into your highball, hurricane, or poco grande glass . To enhance the vacation vibes of your drink, garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry, and a cocktail umbrella.

If you’re wondering to yourself, “What makes this pina colada recipe the best?” Here’s the answer for you: high-quality ingredients. The smooth, coconutty flavor of Malibu Rum combined with a burst of sunshine and sweet tanginess from DOLE^® Pineapple Juice create a harmonious fusion that’s as peaceful as relaxing on a Caribbean beach. As for the coconut cream, we recommend choosing one that’s made of coconut meat and water; nothing more, as any extra ingredients like guar gum can disrupt the perfect balance of this tropical flavor duo.

Looking for a pina colada mocktail recipe to serve to little ones or alcohol-free friends? We have a fun Nada Colada recipe that incorporates a few fun twists with the addition of lime and mango! But if you’re not feeling the extra ingredients and you want to stick to the classic pina colada flavor, you can always swap out the Malibu Rum for a non alcoholic coconut rum in the recipe we’ve provided below.

The measurements for this recipe are in parts, not ounces, to make it easier to make any amount of drink that you’d like, because the only thing better than sipping on a pina colada is enjoying one alongside others! And, if you’re making this recipe for a summer party or barbeque, we’ve got a few ideas for dishes to serve alongside it. As an appetizer, we suggest making some pineapple salsa to echo the fruity flavors of the cocktail. Then, for the main dish, try grilling up some tropical salmon or chipotle shrimp kabobs for a rich and smoky taste that creates a mouth-watering contrast. Finally, you can blend up some pina colada sorbet to double the pineapple-coconut flavors through a delicious float for dessert. If you give any of these dishes a try, or if you create a unique pairing of your own, let us know how it turned out in a review below!

Are you ready to bring some sunshine into your life and taste the tropics from the comfort of your own home? Let’s mix up this classic cocktail, and wherever you may be, raise a glass of Malibu pina colada to toast to the sun, the sand, and the surf!