This pina colada smoothie is the perfect poolside treat for all ages. It's made with simple whole food ingredients and it's dairy free!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Silk. The opinions and text are all mine.
This post was originally published on July 23, 2017.
I love me a good cocktail, especially one that reminds me of summer! But first thing in the morning, when my craving hits, I figure it's probably a better choice to turn to a healthier version of my favorite beachy treat.
Piña coladas are one of our favorite vacation drinks (hence these Piña Colada Popsicles). While I can usually only have one, since they are so rich and sweet, I savor every sip. So I decided I needed to make a less sweet, more healthy version!
Ingredients
The simple ingredients you need to make this piña colada smoothie are:
- Frozen pineapple chunks
- Coconut milk
- Fresh lime juice
- Almond extract
When it comes to the coconut milk, the more fat the milk, the creamier your end result will be. So if you want an uber creamy smoothie, use full fat coconut milk from a can. If you want something lighter and refreshing use regular coconut milk.
There are many coconut milk type products out there. While they all sound similar, they are actually very different. Here are the main explanations of each:
- Cream of coconut: This is a condensed version of coconut cream that has added sugar to it. It's kind of like condensed milk but with coconut milk. This is used when you want a rich flavor added to things like cocktails, ice cream, desserts, etc
- Coconut cream: This is the top fatty layer in a can of full fat coconut milk. If you put the can in the fridge or freezer, the fatty layer rises to the top and thickens. You can scoop it out to get coconut cream. I use it in many recipes like my vegan whipped cream, vegan chocolate frosting, vegan cream cheese frosting, strawberry cheesecake smoothie, hot chocolate oat smoothie, chocolate cannoli, and many more.
- Coconut milk: This is simply the liquid form of the milk you get by mixing coconut and water in a blender and straining it much like you do to make almond or cashew milk.
Many brands make all of these types of coconut ingredients. Silk brand is one example of a store bought coconut milk you can use in place of your regular dairy milk.
If you are looking for a nut free milk option, Silk Unsweetened Coconut milk, is a good creamy, sugar free choice.
How to Make a Piña Colada Smoothie
- Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Enjoy!
Flavor and serving suggestions
This simple recipe can be made even more amazing with the following tips and tricks:
- You want to make sure to serve this right away to keep it from melting. Once it starts to melt it won't be as thick and frothy.
- Serve in a frosted glass or with coconut milk ice cubes to keep it colder longer.
- Make it boozy for the grownups! Simply sub 2-3 ounces of of coconut milk with your favorite rum. Light and dark are typical but use the combination that you prefer!
- Top with some Vegan Whipped Cream or dairy free ice cream.
- Switch up the flavors a bit. Subbing some of the frozen pineapple for other frozen fruit or frozen veggies is easy. Just make sure to keep the total amount the same so you get the right texture.
- Add some greens like spinach to up the nutritional value, it will change the color but not the taste!
- If you don't have frozen pineapple, make ice cubes out of your coconut milk, and use pineapple juice to get a similar consistency.
Common Questions
Traditionally, a piña colada is made with cream and sugar filled ingredients mixed with alcohol. While I wouldn't consider them super nutritious, I do think having one is healthy for the mind and soul! This smoothie recipe gives a healthy twist on the classic flavors.
Usually, a combination of light and dark rum is the center of a piña colada. I have seen versions adding things like a shot of grand marnier on the side.
There are a few different ways to make piña coladas. Most include blending together some form of coconut, pineapple, and rum into a frozen beverage. This recipe uses frozen pineapple and coconut milk.
You can, although the fattier the milk the creamier your texture will be.
More Vegan Smoothie Recipes
Whether it's for a healthy breakfast, a refreshing lunch, or a healthy dessert, smoothies are the way to go! Check out these other plant based recipes:
- Spinach Banana Smoothie
- Apple Pie Smoothie
- Healthy Chocolate Strawberry Smoothie
- Peanut Butter and Jelly Smoothie
- Healthy Protein Coffee Smoothie
- Salted Caramel Pretzel Oatmeal Smoothie
Healthy Pina Colada Smoothie Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen pineapple chunks
- 2 cups coconut milk , the more fat it has the creamier it will be
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- ⅛ teaspoon almond extract , optional for added flavor
- 2-3 ounces rum , optional for boozy twist (use any kind you prefer or a mix)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender and blend until smooth.
- Serve in glasses, frosted will keep it frozen longer.
Notes
- You can sub any frozen fruit you love to switch it up.
- Using a higher fat coconut milk will lead to a creamer result.
- Nutrition facts use an average amount of fat coconut milk option.
Recipe by Veggies Don’t Bite, visit our site for more great plant-based recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition and metric information should be considered an estimate.
Sarah
Summer perfection in a glass! These were so incredibly refreshing and delicious, a new go-to!
Robyn Pooldaily
This smoothie sure would make my morning a bit brighter!
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! Hope you enjoy!
JD
I can’t wait until summer so I can enjoy these by my pool! They look so refreshing. Love the flavor of coconut with fruit. Yum!
Sabina
What a pity that coconut milk was suggested! It is actually not very healthy because it contains a lot of saturated fat. It is quite bad effects on the arteries. I'm going to try substitute it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6sjhF_HlFxs
veggiesdontbite
Hi Sabina, I don't actually think it's a pity at all. I enjoy coconut milk, like I enjoy every thing else out there, in moderation. My body is happy with it and it causes me no harm. I personally do not get my medical advice from You Tube, I listen to my actual doctor who is in fact plant based herself and very knowledgeable. Each person needs to eat how is best for their own body, and it's links like these that lead to the fear mongering society we are surrounded with. Coconut milk, and other saturated fat, is not unhealthy in moderation for the average healthy individual. Also, before you rate a recipe as 2 stars, please make sure you actually try it first. Ratings are supposed to be for how a recipe tastes not on information one finds online about an ingredient they believe is unhealthy. Feel free to substitute with anything you prefer, as many of my readers do to accommodate their specific preferences.
The Vegan 8
Man, you are on a drink posting frenzy! Must be that new pool you got, hahaha! 😉 THese look like they would be the most fun at a party...so delicious! I would totally do strawberry....mmm, that sounds so good right now. And omg, totally getting those popsicle bags, what an amazing idea!
veggiesdontbite
Ha! It must be the pool! You must get the bags, they are so awesome!!!
Alisa Fleming
What a fun and simple idea Sophia! Way healthier and more refreshing than traditional coladas, that's for sure!
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Alisa!!
Juli
These look so refreshing. Love the simple/quick recipe. My kids will love these frozen (love the diy popsicle bags).
veggiesdontbite
Mine love the popsicles!! I got the bags on amazon. You can put anything in them!
Jenn
The pictures of your boys are so cute!!! Love it! I bet they are just loving your new pool and sipping on these awesome cocktails.
veggiesdontbite
Thanks Jenn! They are LOVING it!
Sarah McMinn
Yum! These looks so good and simple. Thanks for the recipe.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you!
Linda from Veganosity
I certainly would be adding rum to these sweet treats! Love the pics of the boys and the great hacks.
veggiesdontbite
You and me both. LOL!!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
O yea, easy peasy! Pina colada (flavored things) are my go-to year-round to make me feel like I live in a tropical climate 😛
veggiesdontbite
Thanks! I love them too!
Trinity Bourne
Oh my goodness that is soooo easy and sounds divine. Really adored all your photos here - so adorable. My little one is now 18 years old - but he'd love these all the same.
veggiesdontbite
Thank you! They are quite cute if I do say so myself!
Dianne
These drinks look so refreshing and so easy to make! I can't wait to give them a try.
veggiesdontbite
That they are! The kiddos slurp them up and mom may have added a little extra in hers 😉