Serves: 2 | Time: 5 minutes | No cooking required
Hey there!
If you love piña coladas and creamy cocktails, you’re gonna flip for this one.
The Baileys Colada is like dessert and a drink in one. It’s rich, smooth, coconutty, and has that signature Baileys Irish Cream flavor that makes everything feel a little extra indulgent.
It’s the kind of drink you want to sip slowly on a warm night—or honestly, any time you want to treat yourself.
🛒 What You’ll Need:
- 3 oz Baileys Irish Cream
- 1/2 cup canned coconut cream
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (cold)
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- Optional garnish: toasted shredded coconut, pineapple wedge, cocktail umbrella
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
I first had something like this at a beachside bar on vacation. One sip and I was hooked. So I recreated it at home—and dare I say, I like this version better. It’s everything you love about a piña colada, but with the velvety richness of Baileys. Totally dreamy.
Why it hits the spot:
- Creamy, cool, and tropical all at once
- Super fast—just throw it all in the blender
- Tastes like a fancy cocktail without being complicated
- Easy to make ahead for parties
- That Baileys + coconut combo is next-level
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Coconut cream brings thickness and rich tropical flavor.
- Baileys adds depth with its smooth, sweet Irish cream base.
- Frozen pineapple gives natural sweetness and keeps it cold and thick.
- Pineapple juice lifts the richness with some bright acidity.
- Ice balances the texture so it’s sippable, not too thick.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using coconut milk instead of cream – It’s way thinner and won’t give that creamy texture.
- Too much ice – It can water down the flavors. Stick to the recipe.
- Warm juice or Baileys – If it’s not cold, it throws off the chill of the drink.
- Over-blending – Go just until smooth. Too much blending = watery drink.
🍤 What to Serve With
- Coconut shrimp
- Fresh mango slices
- Light grilled fish or chicken skewers
- Plantain chips with pineapple salsa
- Cheesecake bites (if you wanna go real indulgent)
❓ FAQ
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
You can skip the Baileys and use a splash of coffee creamer or coconut milk, but it won’t be quite the same.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Sure, just make sure to freeze it first so the drink stays thick and cold.
Is it too sweet?
Not at all! The coconut and pineapple balance each other, and the Baileys adds richness, not overwhelming sugar.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
You can blend everything except the ice, then keep the mixture chilled in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Blend with ice right before serving for the best texture.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- High-speed blender
- Measuring cups
- Shot glass or jigger
- Knife (for garnishes)
- Tall glasses for serving
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No Baileys? Try RumChata or Kahlúa for a different spin.
- Add spice? A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg adds warmth.
- Make it extra rich? Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Want it vegan? Use Baileys Almande (the dairy-free version).
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Add Frozen Pineapple to Blender
Instructions:
Add 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple chunks to the blender. Make sure they’re solid—this helps keep the drink icy and thick.
Step 2: Add Coconut Cream and Pineapple Juice
Instructions:
Spoon in 1/2 cup of thick canned coconut cream and pour in 1/2 cup of chilled pineapple juice.
Step 3: Pour in the Baileys
Instructions:
Add 3 oz of Baileys Irish Cream. That’s about two shots. The creamy liqueur gives this drink its signature richness.
Step 4: Add Ice and Blend
Instructions:
Add 1/2 cup of ice cubes and blend everything on high until smooth and creamy. About 30–45 seconds.
Step 5: Pour and Garnish
Instructions:
Pour into two glasses. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, a sprinkle of toasted coconut, and maybe a paper umbrella—just for fun.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Got extra? Pour it into a mason jar or sealed glass and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Shake or stir before drinking. You can also freeze it into cubes and re-blend later!
💬 Wrap Up
The Baileys Colada is one of those drinks that makes any day feel like a mini celebration. It’s tropical, creamy, and just boozy enough to feel special. Try it out and let me know how you liked it—or if you put your own twist on it! Drop a comment with your thoughts or questions—I’d love to hear from you! 🥥🍍🍹
