Virgin Piña Colada

Virgin Piña Colada Recipe

Escape to a sunny beach with every sip of this classic, non-alcoholic Piña Colada. Bursting with sweet pineapple and rich coconut flavours, it's a perfect mocktail for a hot day or when you simply crave a taste of the tropics without the booze. Easy to make and incredibly satisfying, this Virgin Piña Colada is a crowd-pleaser for all ages.

Ingredients

• 120 ml (4 fl oz) Pineapple Juice (chilled)
• 60 ml (2 fl oz) Cream of Coconut (not coconut milk, it's sweeter and thicker)
• 30 ml (1 fl oz) Coconut Milk (optional, for a slightly lighter texture)
• 1 cup Crushed Ice
• Garnish: Fresh pineapple wedge, Maraschino cherry, or a small umbrella

Instructions

1. Prepare Your Blender: Ensure your blender is clean and ready.
2. Combine Ingredients: Pour the chilled pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and optional coconut milk into the blender.
3. Add Ice: Add the crushed ice to the blender with the liquid ingredients.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Secure the lid and blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and has a slushy-like consistency. Make sure there are no ice chunks remaining.
5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the mixture. If you prefer it sweeter, add a tiny bit more cream of coconut or a splash of simple syrup. If it's too thick, add a touch more pineapple juice.
6. Pour and Garnish: Pour the blended Virgin Piña Colada into a chilled hurricane glass, highball glass, or a large tumbler.
7. Serve Immediately: Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry, and perhaps a fun cocktail umbrella. Serve immediately and enjoy the tropical bliss!

Tips for the Perfect Virgin Piña Colada

• Chill Your Ingredients: Using chilled pineapple juice and cream of coconut will help achieve a colder, more refreshing drink without over-diluting it with ice.
• Frozen Pineapple: For an even thicker and colder drink, consider using 1/2 cup of frozen pineapple chunks instead of some of the ice. This intensifies the pineapple flavour.
• Cream of Coconut vs. Coconut Milk: Cream of Coconut is a sweetened, thicker product often found in a can or squeeze bottle, specifically designed for cocktails. Coconut milk is thinner and unsweetened, typically used for cooking. Make sure to use cream of coconut for that authentic Piña Colada creaminess and sweetness.
• Glassware: Chill your serving glasses in the freezer for a few minutes before pouring to keep your drink colder for longer.
• Blender Power: A good quality blender will ensure a perfectly smooth, lump-free consistency. If your blender struggles, blend in short bursts, stirring occasionally.

Variations

• Berry Piña Colada: Add a handful of fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, or mixed berries to the blender for a colourful and fruity twist.
• Mango Piña Colada: Incorporate 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen mango chunks for an exotic, sweet flavour.
• Ginger Kick: Add a small piece of fresh ginger (peeled) to the blender for a subtle, warming spice note.
• Minty Fresh: Muddle a few fresh mint leaves at the bottom of your serving glass before pouring, or blend a couple of leaves into the mix for a refreshing herbal aroma.