Virgin PiƱa Colada Cocktail Drink

Virgin Pina Colada

A shot of Gavin Wrigley looking to the camera in a dimly lit room
Written by Gavin Wrigley
Andrea
Tested by
Andrea Ottaiano

This Virgin PiƱa Colada recipe provides all the ingredients for an outstanding drink. It’s simple to make and transforms classic cocktail vibes into a refreshing, non-alcoholic delight.

Virgin Pina Colada Recipe

Quench your thirst with this delightful Virgin PiƱa Colada recipe! Blended with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice, this tropical treat is a summer must-have.

Prep time:

1 minute

Mixing time:

1 minute

Servings:

1

Calories:

142 kl

Ingredients

  • 3 oz pineapple juice
  • Ā½ oz lime juice
  • 1 oz coconut cream
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry, for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Tall Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Ice up your tall glass with ice cubes to chill.
  • Combine Ingredients: In your shaker, combine Ā½ oz lime juice, 1 oz coconut cream, and 3 oz pineapple juice.
  • Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake: Seal the shaker and shake it hard for 20 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into your glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Top with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry if desired.
  • Enjoy: Sip your Virgin PiƱa Colada and imagine you're on a tropical beach!

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Pineapple Juice: Mango juice makes an excellent alternative if you're out of pineapple juice. It offers a different but still tropical flavor. I've even mixed the two for an extra fruity blend!
  • Coconut Cream: I've had situations where I didn't have coconut cream on hand. I've opted for coconut milk in those instances, but remember, it's a bit thinner. If you're using coconut milk, try adding a splash more for a creamier texture.

Making a Pitcher of Virgin PiƱa Colada:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 24 ozĀ of pineapple juice, 4 ozĀ of coconut cream, 4 oz of limeĀ juice.
  • Blend: Using a large blender or in batches, blend all the ingredients for 20 seconds.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual tall glasses with cubed ice, garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Good news! The Virgin PiƱa Colada is already a non-alcoholic version of the classic PiƱa Colada. So, you can enjoy this recipe without any alterations for a booze-free treat.

Making it Vegan:

The primary ingredient you'll want to be cautious of is coconut cream, as some brands may contain additives or preservatives that aren't vegan-friendly. To ensure your Virgin PiƱa Colada is vegan:
  • Coconut Cream: Opt for a vegan coconut cream brand or check the ingredients list to ensure no non-vegan additives. Alternatively, you can make your coconut cream home from fresh coconuts for a natural and vegan option.

Nutrition Facts

Calories
142
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
10
g
15
%
Saturated Fat
 
9
g
56
%
Sodium
 
9
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
 
14
g
5
%
Fiber
 
1
g
4
%
Sugar
 
9
g
10
%
Potassium
 
219
mg
6
%
Protein
 
1
g
2
%
Polyunsaturated Fat
 
0.1
g
Monounsaturated Fat
 
0.4
g
Vitamin A
 
11
IU
0
%
Vitamin C
 
14
mg
17
%
Calcium
 
20
mg
2
%
Iron
 
1
mg
6
%

 

Virgin PiƱa Colada Cocktail Drink

Virgin Pina Colada Recipe

Gavin Wrigley Written by Gavin Wrigley
Jump to Video
Quench your thirst with this delightful Virgin PiƱa Colada recipe! Blended with pineapple juice, coconut cream, and ice, this tropical treat is a summer must-have.
Prep time: 1 minute
Mixing time: 1 minute
Servings: 1
Calories: 142

Ingredients
 

  • 3 oz pineapple juice
  • Ā½ oz lime juice
  • 1 oz coconut cream
  • Ice cubes
  • Pineapple slice and maraschino cherry - for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Shaker
  • Measuring Jigger
  • Strainer
  • Tall Glass

Instructions

  • Prep Glass: Ice up your tall glass with ice cubes to chill.
  • Combine Ingredients: In your shaker, combine Ā½ oz lime juice, 1 oz coconut cream, and 3 oz pineapple juice.
  • Add Ice: Fill the shaker with ice cubes.
  • Shake: Seal the shaker and shake it hard for 20 seconds.
  • Strain: Strain the mixture into your glass over fresh ice.
  • Garnish: Top with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry if desired.
  • Enjoy: Sip your Virgin PiƱa Colada and imagine you're on a tropical beach!

Notes

Substitutes:

  • Pineapple Juice: Mango juice makes an excellent alternative if you're out of pineapple juice. It offers a different but still tropical flavor. I've even mixed the two for an extra fruity blend!
  • Coconut Cream: I've had situations where I didn't have coconut cream on hand. I've opted for coconut milk in those instances, but remember, it's a bit thinner. If you're using coconut milk, try adding a splash more for a creamier texture.

Making a Pitcher of Virgin PiƱa Colada:

  • Scale: To make a pitcher that serves 8, multiply all the ingredients by 8. That would be 24 ozĀ of pineapple juice, 4 ozĀ of coconut cream, 4 oz of limeĀ juice.
  • Blend: Using a large blender or in batches, blend all the ingredients for 20 seconds.
  • Serve: Pour the mixture into individual tall glasses with cubed ice, garnish with a pineapple slice and maraschino cherry, and serve immediately.

Making it Non-Alcoholic:

Good news! The Virgin PiƱa Colada is already a non-alcoholic version of the classic PiƱa Colada. So, you can enjoy this recipe without any alterations for a booze-free treat.

Making it Vegan:

The primary ingredient you'll want to be cautious of is coconut cream, as some brands may contain additives or preservatives that aren't vegan-friendly. To ensure your Virgin PiƱa Colada is vegan:
  • Coconut Cream: Opt for a vegan coconut cream brand or check the ingredients list to ensure no non-vegan additives. Alternatively, you can make your coconut cream home from fresh coconuts for a natural and vegan option.

What is a Virgin PiƱa Colada?

Virgin PiƱa Colada is a tropical blend free from spirits, capturing the essence of its boozy counterpart. Many consider this drink a modern twist on the traditional PiƱa Colada, offering a refreshing experience without the alcohol. The name signifies its pure, unaltered nature, staying true to the tropical vibes without the rum. You don’t need to be an expert bartender to appreciate a Virgin PiƱa Colada.

A side shot of Virgin PiƱa Colada Cocktail in highball glass on a beige table surrounded by three pineapple slices, some plant leaves, two books and a jigger, in front of a light green wall.

What is a Virgin PiƱa Colada made of – The ingredients

The ingredients list for a Virgin PiƱa Colada includes:

  • Pineapple Juice: Provides the signature tropical flavor, forming the primary liquid base of the cocktail.
  • Coconut Cream: Adds creaminess and depth, balancing the tang of the pineapple.
  • Lime Juice: adds a citrus note balancing the sweetness of the other ingredients.
  • Ice Cubes: Chills the drink, ensuring it’s refreshingly cold while adding a slight dilution for a smoother texture.
  • Pineapple Slice (optional for garnish): Enhances presentation and gives a hint of fresh pineapple aroma.
  • Maraschino Cherry (optional for garnish): Adds a touch of sweetness and vibrant color, elevating the drink’s visual appeal.

Pineapple juice, coconut cream, and two limes on a white bar table.

How do you make a Virgin PiƱa Colada?

Master the creation of a Virgin PiƱa Colada by following our step-by-step instructions:

1
<p>Fill your glass with ice cubes to chill it for the mixture.</p>

Fill your glass with ice cubes to chill it for the mixture.

2
<p>In the shaker, pour the lime juice.</p>

In the shaker, pour the lime juice.

3
<p>Add the coconut cream to the shaker.</p>

Add the coconut cream to the shaker.

4
<p>Add the pineapple juice to the mix.</p>

Add the pineapple juice to the mix.

5
<p>Add the ice cubes to the shaker, to chill the mixture.</p>

Add the ice cubes to the shaker, to chill the mixture.

6
<p>Shake everything for about 20 seconds until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.</p>

Shake everything for about 20 seconds until the mixture achieves a smooth, creamy consistency.

7
<p>Once shaken, strain your Virgin PiƱa Colada into your tall glass with fresh ice cubes.</p>

Once shaken, strain your Virgin PiƱa Colada into your tall glass with fresh ice cubes.

8
<p>Garnish your drink with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry on top if desired.</p>

Garnish your drink with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry on top if desired.

9
<p>Enjoy your Virgin PiƱa Colada!</p>

Enjoy your Virgin PiƱa Colada!

Variations

Desire to uncover more choices? We’re excited to present some of our favorite discoveries:

  • Green Machine: This blend combines refreshing cucumber, tangy lime juice, and mint leaves, creating a refreshing and invigorating experience. The cucumber provides a crisp, clean base, while the mint leaves introduce a cool, fresh twist. Lime juice brings a perfect balance of acidity, brightening the overall flavor profile. I love how the mint and cucumber work together; it’s incredibly refreshing and perfect for hot days.
  • Tropical Trio: A vibrant mix featuring pineapple juice, coconut rum, and a splash of grenadine for a hint of sweetness and color. The pineapple juice offers a juicy, tropical base, enhanced by the creamy, sweet flavor of coconut rum. Grenadine adds a beautiful layer of sweetness and a pop of color, making it visually appealing. The combination of pineapple and coconut transports me straight to the beach, making it a favorite for its vacation vibes.
  • Peachy Queen: This delightful blend is centered around peach nectar, vodka, and a touch of lemon juice, garnished with a slice of peach for an extra touch of elegance. Peach nectar gives it a sweet, fruity base, vodka adds a smooth, clean kick, and lemon juice cuts through with a refreshing acidity. This mix strikes a perfect balance between the sweetness of the peach and the tartness of the lemon, creating a harmonious and sophisticated sip. I appreciate the subtle tartness the lemon juice adds; it complements the peach beautifully, making it not just sweet, but intriguingly flavorful.

A Virgin PiƱa Colada Cocktail in highball glass on a black stone coaster placed on a beige table surrounded by three pineapple slices, a pineapple wheel, some plant leaves, and a strainer.

History and Origin

The Virgin PiƱa Colada traces its origins back to the classic PiƱa Colada, which has a rich history in Puerto Rico. “PiƱa Colada” means “strained pineapple” in Spanish, a nod to the drink’s primary ingredient. The original alcoholic version of the PiƱa Colada emerged in the early to mid-20th century, with several claims to its creation.

Three Puerto Rican bartenders, in particular, have staked claims to its invention between the 1940s and 1950s. RamĆ³n “Monchito” Marrero asserts he created the drink in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton Hotel’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Another bartender from the same hotel, Ricardo Gracia, claims he was the one who invented the drink. Then there’s RamĆ³n Portas Mingot, who claims he crafted the cocktail in 1963 at Barrachina, a restaurant in Old San Juan.

However, the alcohol-free version likely came into the spotlight with the increasing demand for non-alcoholic beverages, especially in settings where people sought the tropical flavor of a PiƱa Colada without the rum. This alcohol-free rendition maintains the essence of the original cocktail but caters to a broader audience, including those abstaining from alcohol, children, or individuals looking for a refreshing, tropical drink without the buzz. Over time, the Virgin PiƱa Colada has become a favorite non-alcoholic beverage, particularly in tropical resorts, beach destinations, and family-friendly settings.

A side shot of Virgin PiƱa Colada Cocktail in highball glass on a beige table surrounded by three pineapple slices, some plant leaves, two books, a shaker, and a jigger, in front of a light green wall.

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FAQ

How many calories are in a Virgin PiƱa Colada?
Typically, a standard serving contains between 200 and 450 calories, depending on the ingredients and serving size.
How strong is a Virgin PiƱa Colada in terms of ABV and proof?
The drink contains no alcohol, so its ABV (Alcohol By Volume) is 0%, and it has a proof of 0.
What alcohol is used in a Virgin PiƱa Colada?
This is a non-alcoholic version of the classic PiƱa Colada; thus, it doesn't contain any alcohol.
In which type of glass is a Virgin PiƱa Colada typically served?
This version is usually served in a tall glass, often referred to as a Collins or highball glass.
What does a Virgin PiƱa Colada taste like?
The drink offers a creamy and tropical flavor profile, combining the sweetness of pineapple with the rich, velvety taste of coconut.
What's the typical ratio of ingredients in a Virgin PiƱa Colada?
Generally, the ratio is about 3 parts pineapple juice to 1 part coconut cream, adjusted to personal preference.
How is the Virgin PiƱa Colada typically served in terms of ice?
The drink is typically shaken with cubed ice. For a more sophisticated version it can be made blended with crushed ice, giving it a slushy, smoothie-like consistency.

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