Piña Colada Smoothie

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

All the creamy goodness of the iconic Caribbean drink in a smoothie that will turn your breakfast into a tropical vacation.

What’s not to love about a frosty, creamy, tropically-tinged Piña Colada? Just the thought of it will evoke a sunny beach lined with palms swaying in a gentle ocean breeze. But if you’re stuck at home on your way to work instead of seaside in Puerto Rico, I’ll tell you how you can turn your breakfast into an instant vacation for your brain that will benefit your body.

This Piña Colada smoothie has all the deliciously sweet flavors of coconut and pineapple, and the slushy texture of a smoothie in a dairy-free, gluten-free treat that packs a nutritious punch. Coconut milk is loaded with antioxidants and minerals, and contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Pineapple is rich in vitamin C and manganese, aids digestion, and helps in the production of collagen. Bananas are a potassium and fiber powerhouse, contributing to gut health.

All of those benefits, wrapped in an easy-to-make, delicious drink which you can enjoy early in the morning to get you going, to recover after a run or workout, or simply as a tasty treat after a long workday.

How to make the best Piña Colada smoothie

The best thing about this smoothie is that you can customize how sweet and how slushy you want it by adding more or less sweetener and ice. Peel and cut the pineapple ahead of time to expedite the process, but don’t do it too far ahead, as the fruit will oxidize and lose its yummy flavor and properties. To make your smoothie extra creamy, you can cut the pineapple and banana and store them in the freezer overnight and blend directly out of the freezer.

For the sweetener, you can use honey, agave syrup, or plain old sugar if you like. Somehow, I’m thinking pure maple syrup would add an extra special taste. For the coconut milk, you can use any brand that you like, whether tinned or tetra-packed. You can even make your own if you are entrepreneurial in the kitchen.

What glassware and garnish to use?

A traditional Piña Colada glass would make the smoothie look sexy, but you can also use a pint glass, or your favorite to-go thermos if you’re on the run.

Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh?

Absolutely! Buy frozen pineapple chunks and use them straight from the freezer for an extra-creamy texture.

Piña Colada smoothie variations

So you’ve tried out our Piña Colada smoothie and have now got a taste for those delicious tropical flavors. Well, don’t stop there! Test some more of our delicious, summertime drinks, both of the mocktail and alcoholic variety, right here at Twist & Toast.

• Virgin Piña Colada – Closer to the actual cocktail, but without the booze.
• Classic Piña Colada – The ultimate tropical cocktail, frozen or on the rocks.
• Chocolate Piña Colada – With or without rum, this is a delicious alternative.
• Bushwacker Cocktail – A frozen concotion of coconut cream, Kahlúa, Baileys Irish Cream, crème de cacao, and amaretto.