This drink is a wild little mashup of summer and fall—and it works. Imagine your favorite pumpkin spice latte…
but make it chilled, creamy, and spiked with rum. It’s cold, comforting, and full of coconut and spice.
Perfect for those in-between weather days when you’re wearing a sweater but still craving something icy.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1/3 cup pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk (full-fat, well stirred)
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1 1/2 oz spiced rum
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp maple syrup (or to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups ice
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, cinnamon stick, ground cinnamon for dusting
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
Okay, this one started as an experiment—fall was creeping in, but I still wanted something frosty and fun. One sip, and I was hooked. Now it’s my go-to for cool autumn evenings when I want something festive but a little different.
- Pumpkin + coconut = creamy heaven
- Pineapple juice keeps it bright and tropical
- It’s spiced but not too sweet
- You don’t need any fancy tools—just a blender
Servings: 2
Total Time: 5 minutes
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Pumpkin adds body and a smooth, velvety texture.
- Coconut milk emulsifies everything and brings creamy richness.
- Spiced rum and cinnamon play up those warm, fall notes while pineapple gives it that island zing.
- Blending ice into thick purée and milk creates a slushy, milkshake-like consistency without melting too fast.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Using pumpkin pie filling: It’s sweetened and spiced already, and can throw off the balance.
- Using low-fat coconut milk: It’ll turn out watery instead of creamy.
- Not blending long enough: You want that ice fully crushed—no chunks!
- Too much spice: A little nutmeg goes a long way, so don’t overdo it.
🔧 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cocktail glasses
- Spoon or spatula for scooping pumpkin
- Optional: fine mesh strainer if you want a smoother texture
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- No rum? Use extra pineapple juice or coconut water for a mocktail.
- Try bourbon instead of spiced rum for a warmer, richer flavor.
- Add a dash of vanilla extract for more fall flavor.
- Make it dairy-free whipped cream to keep it plant-based.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
You can blend everything except the ice ahead of time. Just store it in the fridge, then add ice and re-blend when ready to serve.
👩🍳 How to Make Pumpkin Spice Piña Colada
Step 1: Add Pumpkin Purée to Blender
Scoop 1/3 cup pumpkin purée into your blender. Make sure it’s smooth and unsweetened (not pie filling). This gives the drink its color and cozy texture.
Step 2: Add Coconut Milk
Pour in 1/2 cup of full-fat, well-stirred coconut milk. This adds creaminess and that tropical touch.
Step 3: Add Pineapple Juice and Rum
Add 1/4 cup of pineapple juice and 1 1/2 oz spiced rum. These add the fruity and boozy elements that balance the pumpkin.
Step 4: Add Spices and Maple Syrup
Sprinkle in 1/4 tsp cinnamon, 1/8 tsp nutmeg, and drizzle in 1 tbsp maple syrup. These give it that warm fall spice vibe and just the right sweetness.
Step 5: Add Ice and Blend
Add 1 1/2 cups of ice and blend until smooth. It should be thick, frosty, and completely blended—like a frozen pumpkin smoothie with attitude.
Step 6: Pour, Garnish, and Serve
Pour the blended drink into a cocktail glass. Top with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick if you like. Serve right away!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
This one doesn’t keep super well since it’s ice-based, but:
- Store the blended mixture (without ice) in the fridge for up to 1 day.
- Re-blend with fresh ice before serving.
- Or freeze into popsicle molds for a fun fall treat!
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Cinnamon sugar donuts
- Pumpkin bread or muffins
- Toasted coconut cookies
- Spiced roasted nuts
- A cozy sweater and a good playlist
❓ FAQ
Can I use pumpkin pie filling?
Nope. It’s too sweet and already spiced. Go with plain purée.
Can I make it hot instead?
This one’s made for ice, but you could warm it gently and skip the ice for a hot spiced coconut drink—just reduce the pineapple juice.
What kind of rum works best?
Spiced rum is perfect here. Dark rum would work too, but skip white rum—it’s too neutral.
Can I use another milk?
Coconut milk is best for flavor, but full-fat oat milk could work if you need to.
🎃 Final Thoughts
This pumpkin spice piña colada is such a fun surprise. It’s tropical, it’s cozy, and it’s creamy without being too heavy. Great for autumn evenings, holiday parties, or just treating yourself after a long day. Give it a try and let me know in the comments how it turned out—or if you made it your own! 🍂🥂
