Servings: 2 | Total Time: 10 minutes
Piña Colada + Mojito = Summer in a Glass 🌿🥥
This drink is the best of both worlds—it’s creamy like a piña colada but fizzy and fresh like a mojito.
It’s light, coconutty, minty, and just the right amount of sweet.
I threw it together one summer when I couldn’t decide between the two, and now I make it all the time.
It’s super easy and makes you feel like you’re on a beach, even if you’re just sitting in your backyard.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)
- Juice of 1 lime
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Ice (crushed or cubed)
- Soda water (to top)
- Garnish: extra mint, lime wedges, pineapple slice (optional)
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This drink came from one of those “what if I just mixed both?” moments—and it turned out amazing.
- It’s light but still creamy, thanks to the coconut
- You get the brightness of lime and mint
- Super refreshing and not too sweet
- It’s quick—no blender or shaker needed
- Always a hit at happy hour
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Cream of coconut brings creamy sweetness that pairs perfectly with rum
- Lime juice + mint = a classic mojito base for freshness and zing
- Soda water gives it that fizzy, light texture
- Rum is the base for both drinks, so they naturally mix well
🚫 Common Mistakes
- Using coconut milk instead of cream of coconut – not the same! Coconut milk isn’t sweet or thick enough
- Not muddling the mint properly – you need to gently press, not shred it
- Overfilling with soda water – it waters down the flavor
- Skipping ice – the drink needs to be cold and diluted just right
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Tall glasses
- Muddler (or back of a spoon)
- Small knife and citrus juicer
- Stirring spoon
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Use coconut water instead of cream of coconut for a super light version
- Swap rum with coconut rum for extra coconut flavor
- Add a splash of pineapple juice for a more tropical twist
- Use sparkling lime water instead of plain soda water
⏲️ Make-Ahead Tips
- Pre-juice your limes and store the juice in the fridge for a couple days
- Make a batch of simple syrup and keep it in the fridge (lasts 2–3 weeks)
👩🍳 How to Make Piña Colada Mojito
Step 1: Muddle the Mint and Lime Juice
In the bottom of a tall glass, add:
- 6–8 fresh mint leaves
- Juice of 1 fresh lime
Use a muddler (or the back of a spoon) to press the mint gently—just enough to release the oils. Don’t shred it up.
Step 2: Add Rum and Coconut
Add to the same glass:
- 2 oz white rum
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 1/2 oz simple syrup (optional, if you like it sweeter)
Give it a gentle stir to mix everything together.
Step 3: Add Ice
Fill the glass almost to the top with ice (crushed or cubed).
Step 4: Top with Soda Water
Pour soda water over the ice until the glass is full. Stir gently just once or twice to combine.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with:
- Fresh mint sprig
- Lime wedge
- Optional: pineapple slice on the rim
Serve right away with a straw.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
This drink is best fresh. But if you need to prep:
- Mix rum, coconut cream, lime juice, and syrup ahead of time
- Store that base in the fridge and add ice and soda water right before serving
🍽 What to Serve With It
- Shrimp tacos
- Grilled jerk chicken
- Mango salsa and chips
- Coconut rice
- Spicy roasted nuts
❓ FAQ
Can I make it without rum?
Sure! It’s still tasty without alcohol—just add a bit more soda water and maybe pineapple juice for extra flavor.
Is cream of coconut the same as coconut milk?
Nope! Cream of coconut is sweet and thick—think dessert-style. Coconut milk is thin and not sweet.
Can I make a big batch?
You can! Multiply the rum, lime, coconut, mint, and syrup, mix in a pitcher (without ice or soda), and top with ice and soda per glass when serving.
What if I don’t like it too sweet?
Just skip the simple syrup. The cream of coconut is sweet enough for most people.
🌴 Wrap-Up
This piña colada mojito is such a fun twist—you get the best of both drinks in one glass. It’s smooth, minty, bubbly, and tropical. Give it a try, then come back and let me know how you liked it! Got a question or a fun variation? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you!
