Virgin Piña Colada

By Steve Kilcullen Jump to Recipe

You can still enjoy a creamy and tropical treat without the alcohol by whipping up a Virgin Piña Colada.

Everybody piled out of the old Woody, their surfboards piled up high on top of it. Hooting, hollering and excited to be partying all night, my friends all ran from the rusty car to the beachside bar, whose sign outside declared “Cocktails and Burgers—An Explosive Combination!” The burgers sounded mighty fine, but the cocktails? Today I wouldn’t be imbibing, for I am the designated driver. Which means I pulled the shortest straw and lost the best two-out-of-three in Rock, Paper, Scissors.

At first I was bummed, but it’s no big deal. I’m no rummy anyway, so taking one night off the sauce isn’t the tragedy some people take it as. And besides, there’s plenty to imbibe and enjoy without any hooch added to it.

Take the Virgin Piña Colada for example. You’ve got pineapple juice and cream of coconut, which keeps the tropical vibes in that cool-looking glass without any of the booze to impair you. That sounded perfect the more I thought about it, and as my pals yucked it up and went a little wild, I sat back and quietly sipped on this clean and creamy mocktail.

They woke up the next day too fried to catch some waves. But me? I had the whole beach to myself.

Gnarly.

What Is The Best Alcohol To Use In A Virgin Piña Colada?

Okay, you’re trying to trick me into spiking your virgin cocktail, aren’t you? You can’t fool me, because there’s zero booze that gets put into tonight’s recipe. All you need is some pineapple juice, cream of coconut and a dream. And also a blender and some ice. Now, dream and drink this hot afternoon away, preferably in a hammock.

What glassware and garnish are used?

What exactly is that cool-looking glass that a Piña Colada usually gets served in? It’s called a Poco Grande, and once your beverage is poured to the brim, garnish with a pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry and a cocktail parasol. And don’t forget to pop a straw or two in as well.

What is the best cream of coconut to use?

There are more than a few trustworthy brands you can pick up at your local grocery store. Lately, I’ve come to really enjoy using Coco López, and it is also a good friend to many a bartender.

Other Virgin Beverages Worth Trying

You don’t have to tell anyone why you’re not drinking alcohol. Maybe you’re taking a break, which is good for you. Maybe for health reasons, or you’re trying to set a good example, it doesn’t matter. Your business is exactly that, your own. And if you still feel like enjoying a mixed beverage or two, without the booze, check out some of these mocktail recipes from Twist & Toast.

• Non-Alcoholic Espresso Martini – Have this trendy and smooth mixture for breakfast this morning.
• Virgin Moscow Mule – No vodka is needed in this booze-free version of the classic cocktail.
• Disneyland Mint Julep – Here’s a pitcher recipe that’ll put a smile on everyone’s face.
• Jalapeño Paloma Mocktail – A spicy, hot and refreshing drink.