Bright, creamy, and seriously refreshing
Let’s talk about this dreamy drink…
Okay—if you love piña coladas, this citrus twist is about to become your go-to summer sipper.
It’s still got that tropical pineapple + coconut combo, but we’re dialing it up with lime juice and a splash of orange liqueur for that sunshiney kick.
This Caribbean Citrus Piña Colada is cool, creamy, and has just enough tartness to keep it from being too sweet.
I made this for a BBQ last summer, and it disappeared faster than the grilled jerk chicken. People were obsessed—even my friend who “doesn’t like sweet drinks” was asking for a second. 🍹
🍹 What You’ll Need
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple juice (cold)
- ½ cup cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)
- ½ cup white rum
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or triple sec)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 cups ice (crushed)
- Garnish: pineapple wedge, lime wheel, cocktail umbrella (optional)
📝 Why I Love This Recipe
This one hits every island-inspired craving, and here’s why I keep making it over and over:
- Tropical flavor bomb – pineapple + coconut + citrus? Yes please.
- It’s blended – gives you that frozen, slushy texture that’s perfect for hot days.
- Balanced – the lime and orange liqueur brighten it up so it’s not overly sweet.
- Party-perfect – takes 5 minutes to blend and looks amazing in a fancy glass.
🍹 Servings & Time
Serves: 2 generous drinks
Time: 5 minutes
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The acid in the lime juice and orange liqueur balances the sweetness of the coconut cream and pineapple juice. Blending with ice aerates the drink, giving it a frothy, smooth texture while chilling it all the way through.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using too much coconut cream – it can overpower and make the drink too thick.
- Not using crushed ice – cubed ice won’t blend as smooth and leaves chunks.
- Skipping the citrus – the lime and orange liqueur make the flavor pop.
- Using shelf-stable juice – fresh pineapple juice gives a way brighter taste.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Jerk chicken or shrimp
- Plantain chips + mango salsa
- Coconut rice
- Grilled pineapple skewers
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Citrus juicer
- Chilled glasses
- Knife and cutting board (for garnish)
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- No rum? Use coconut water or pineapple juice for a mocktail.
- No orange liqueur? Try a splash of orange juice + a dash of sugar.
- Want it creamier? Add a splash of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk.
⏱️ Make Ahead Tips
You can pre-mix everything except the ice in a pitcher and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just blend with ice right before serving.
👩🍳 How to Make It
Step 1: Add pineapple juice and lime juice to blender
Details: Pour 1 ½ cups of fresh pineapple juice and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice into the blender. This citrusy base adds brightness and tartness to balance the creamy coconut.
Step 2: Add cream of coconut
Details: Scoop ½ cup of thick cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) into the blender. It adds that dreamy tropical creaminess.
Step 3: Pour in the white rum and orange liqueur
Details: Add ½ cup white rum and ¼ cup orange liqueur. These bring warmth and zesty citrus flavor that elevates the drink.
Step 4: Add the ice
Details: Dump in 2 cups of crushed ice. This gives the drink its classic frozen texture.
Step 5: Blend until smooth and frothy
Details: Blend everything on high for 30-45 seconds until the mixture is thick, smooth, and creamy with no ice chunks.
Step 6: Pour into chilled glasses and garnish
Details: Pour the frozen mixture into two chilled hurricane glasses. Garnish with a pineapple wedge, lime wheel, and maybe a fun umbrella!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage Tips
- You can freeze leftover piña colada in a zip-top bag. Blend again later with a splash of juice to bring it back to life.
- Or pour leftovers into popsicle molds and make frozen piña colada pops!
💬 Conclusion
You’re gonna love this citrusy twist on the classic piña colada. It’s tangy, tropical, creamy, and totally feels like vacation in a glass. If you try it out, leave a comment below and let me know what you thought—or if you added your own spin!
Cheers! 🍍🍹💛
