Serves: 2 | Time: 5 minutes | No cooking required
Let’s Spice It Up
If you love a classic piña colada but want something with a little more oomph, this Spiced Piña Colada is your drink.
It’s creamy and tropical like the original, but with a cozy twist thanks to spiced rum and a pinch of cinnamon.
That warm spice cuts through the sweetness in the best way and makes every sip feel bold, rich, and smooth.
Perfect for a beach day—or a chilly night when you want a tropical escape with a little fire.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 2 oz spiced rum
- 1/2 cup canned coconut cream
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice (cold)
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup ice cubes
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- Optional garnish: pineapple wedge, extra sprinkle of cinnamon, cinnamon stick
💛 Why I Love This Recipe
This version was born out of curiosity—I’d made the classic a hundred times, but one day I swapped in spiced rum and added cinnamon on a whim. It was magic. The spices make it feel deeper and cozier while still keeping that creamy, tropical vibe.
Here’s why it’s one of my go-tos:
- That warm spice twist hits just right
- It’s easy and fast—just one blender, no fuss
- Feels fancy but takes 5 minutes
- Amazing for cool nights or holiday get-togethers
- The cinnamon brings a whole new level of flavor
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Spiced rum adds vanilla, clove, and caramel notes—perfect with pineapple and coconut
- Coconut cream gives rich, silky body
- Frozen pineapple chills the drink and adds sweetness
- Cinnamon plays off the spices in the rum and makes it cozy
- Ice lightens up the texture so it’s not too thick
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using coconut milk instead of coconut cream – Coconut milk is way too thin for this creamy drink
- Too much cinnamon – It can take over; just a little goes a long way
- Warm juice or rum – Make sure everything is cold so your drink stays thick and icy
- Skipping the frozen fruit – Don’t! It helps with both flavor and texture
🍴 What to Serve With
- Grilled jerk chicken or tofu
- Sweet potato fries with spicy aioli
- Coconut rice
- Tropical fruit skewers
- Cinnamon sugar plantain chips
❓ FAQ
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yep! Just skip the rum and use a splash of vanilla or spiced simple syrup.
What’s the best brand of spiced rum?
Captain Morgan is a classic, but Kraken or Sailor Jerry are great too for a bolder spice kick.
Can I use fresh pineapple?
Sure! Just freeze it first so the texture stays nice and cold.
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
Blend everything except the ice and keep it chilled for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to serve, blend again with ice for that frosty finish.
🧰 Tools You’ll Need
- Blender
- Measuring cups
- Shot glass or jigger
- Small spoon (for cinnamon)
- Knife (for garnishes)
- Glasses for serving
🔄 Substitutions & Variations
- Want it sweeter? Add a bit of honey or maple syrup
- Make it dairy-free? It already is—just check your rum label to be sure
- Switch up the spice? Try nutmeg or clove instead of cinnamon
- Add depth? Splash in a little vanilla extract or a squeeze of lime
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Add Frozen Pineapple to Blender
Instructions:
Add 1/2 cup frozen pineapple chunks to your blender. These help thicken and chill the drink without needing extra ice.
Step 2: Add Coconut Cream and Pineapple Juice
Instructions:
Scoop in 1/2 cup of thick canned coconut cream and pour in 1/2 cup cold pineapple juice.
Step 3: Add Spiced Rum
Instructions:
Pour in 2 oz of spiced rum. The warm spice flavor really sets this drink apart from the classic.
Step 4: Add Cinnamon and Ice
Instructions:
Sprinkle in 1/4 tsp of ground cinnamon, then add 1/2 cup of ice cubes.
Step 5: Blend Until Smooth
Instructions:
Blend everything on high for 30–45 seconds, until it’s smooth and creamy with no chunks.
Step 6: Pour and Garnish
Instructions:
Pour into two glasses. Top with a pineapple wedge, sprinkle of cinnamon, and a cinnamon stick if you’re feeling fancy.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 24 hours. Stir or shake before serving. You can also freeze it into ice cube trays and re-blend later for a quick refresh.
✨ Wrap-Up
This Spiced Piña Colada is tropical comfort in a glass—bold, creamy, and a little cozy thanks to the cinnamon and spiced rum. It’s a fun twist on a classic that’s perfect for sipping slow. Give it a try and let me know what you think! Got a secret spice you love to toss in? Drop a comment—I’m always down to hear new ideas! 🍍🥥✨
