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Channel your inner beach vacation with this easy piña colada recipe – frosty, tropical, perfectly creamy, and made with just 3 ingredients! NO added sugar, no pineapple juice from concentrate, no complicated steps required. Just frozen pineapple, coconut milk, and rum blended together into the most refreshing frozen cocktail you’ll make all summer. It’s healthier than any other piña colada recipe out there, and somehow still tastes just as good (if not better) than the version you’d order on vacation!

If you love an easy frozen cocktail, this one belongs right alongside my Mango Margaritas and Watermelon Margaritas in your summer entertaining rotation. This recipe makes a whole pitcher, which means it’s perfect for backyard parties, pool days, or just a Friday night when you want to feel like you’re on a tropical vacation without leaving your kitchen. 🙂

Why You’ll Love This Easy Piña Colada Recipe

  • Just 3 ingredients. Frozen pineapple, coconut milk, and rum. That’s it – no cream of coconut, no pineapple juice, no extra steps. This is the simplest piña colada recipe you’ll find anywhere.
  • No added sugar. Most piña colada recipes rely on cream of coconut, which is loaded with added sugar. This version uses frozen pineapple and full-fat coconut milk instead, which means all the sweetness here is naturally occurring – no refined sugar needed.
  • Healthier than any other piña colada. Without the added sugar from cream of coconut, this version is significantly lighter while still delivering that classic rich, creamy, tropical flavor you’re craving.
  • Just as delicious. Don’t let the simplicity fool you – this tastes exactly like the piña colada you’d order on vacation. Sweet, creamy, tropical, and perfectly balanced.
  • Makes a whole batch. This recipe makes plenty to share, making it perfect for summer parties, barbecues, and pool days. It also scales up easily if you’re hosting a crowd!
  • Super refreshing. Cold, frosty, and packed with tropical pineapple-coconut flavor – there’s nothing better on a hot summer day.
overhead close up image of a easy 3 ingredient pina colada in a glass.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use fresh pineapple?

You can, but I highly recommend sticking with frozen pineapple for this recipe. Frozen pineapple is what gives this piña colada its thick, frosty, slushy texture without needing any extra ice, which would water down the flavor. If you only have fresh pineapple, you can freeze your own: cut into 1-inch chunks and freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet for at least 2 hours before blending. You could also use fresh pineapple plus a cup of ice, but the texture will be slightly different – less thick and creamy, more like a slushy.

What can I use instead of rum?

If you’d like to make this alcohol-free, simply leave the rum out entirely or replace it with an extra splash of coconut milk or pineapple juice to maintain the liquid ratio. For a different flavor profile, coconut rum is a fun swap that doubles down on the tropical coconut flavor. White rum is the traditional choice, but if you prefer a richer, more caramel-forward flavor, you can use a small amount of dark or spiced rum – just know it will change the classic piña colada taste.

How do I make this a non-alcoholic piña colada?

Simply omit the rum! Replace it with an additional ¼–½ cup of coconut milk or pineapple juice to keep the same creamy, blended consistency. The frozen pineapple and coconut milk alone create such a rich, satisfying drink that you genuinely won’t feel like you’re missing anything. This is a great option for kids, pregnant friends, or anyone who prefers to skip the alcohol – and it’s just as refreshing!

3 ingredient pina colada in a glass with a cherry and umbrella on top.
5 from 1 vote

3-Ingredient Easy Piña Colada Recipe

This easy piña colada recipe is made with just 3 ingredients – frozen pineapple, coconut milk, and light rum – blended into the most refreshing, tropical frozen cocktail with NO added sugar! It comes together in just 5 minutes, makes a whole pitcher, and tastes exactly like the piña colada you'd order on a beach vacation. If you're looking for an easy, healthier piña colada recipe that's perfect for summer parties, this is the one to make this weekend!
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Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Equipment

  • 1 blender

Ingredients

  • 4 cups frozen pineapple
  • 1 cup coconut milk (from a can for the best flavor!)
  • 1/2 cup light rum

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until no chunks of pineapple remain.

Notes

  • Use canned, full-fat coconut milk for the richest, creamiest flavor — avoid the carton kind found in the dairy aisle.
  • Frozen pineapple gives the best thick, frosty texture without watering down the flavor.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and add an extra splash of coconut milk or pineapple juice.
  • Best enjoyed immediately — this drink will separate and thin out if left to sit too long.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 220kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g

Here are the 5 smoothie recipes I make every week! They’re SUPER healthy, incredibly delicious, and come together in only a few minutes. These healthy smoothies are the perfect quick, easy, and portable breakfast or snack!

all 5 smoothies lined up in glasses with toppings on each

How to Make a (Delicious) Smoothie

  • Pick your frozen fruits. Every smoothie recipe starts with a curated selection of frozen fruit. The frozen fruit is what you’ll taste the most of in your smoothie, so make sure it’s a combination you’ll love!
  • Add in some healthy fats. Now that you have your fruit, it’s time to round the nutrition out with a bit of healthy fats. Healthy fats will slow the digestion of the naturally occurring sugar in fruit, which will stabilize your blood sugar and provide you with a long-term source of energy to get you through the morning! My favorite healthy fats for smoothies are unsweetened almond butter, avocado, or hemp seeds.
  • Consider adding fresh or frozen vegetables. Depending on which vegetable you choose to add to your smoothie, you most likely won’t be able to taste it at all! Spinach is always a great addition, yielding very little flavor yet TONS of nutrients. Or, steamed then frozen cauliflower is a perfect way to not only add nutrients to a smoothie, but helps to thicken it up as well.
  • Give it a boost with protein and/or powdered superfoods. I prefer unsweetened, unflavored, and plant-based protein in my smoothie recipes. However, feel free to use whichever protein powder is your favorite! Though in my chocolate peanut butter protein smoothie recipe, I highly recommend the Aloha Chocolate Protein Powder – it’s so darn good.
  • Select a liquid to blend. Any liquid will work! Water or milk will yield the least flavor, allowing the fruit to shine. Or, you can use juice for an even sweeter and fruitier smoothie if you’d like.
all 5 smoothies in cups with ice, blueberries, and almond milk on the side

Blenders 101

I’ve owned many blenders in my day, though these two have stood out the most:

  • Vitamix: I know …she’s expensive, but boy is she incredible! I purchase a refurbished Vitamix a few years ago after saving up for one. And let me tell ya, it was worth EVERY penny. There’s nothing the Vitamix can’t blend, it’s truly the most powerful blender on the market. So if you’re looking to splurge, the Vitamix is definitely the blender for you!
  • Nutribullet: The nutribullet is great for everyday use! It takes up very little counter space, and is super easy to clean. I had my first nutribullet for almost 10 years before it eventually died on me. And that was after daily use in a four-person household! Also, the larger cup is enough to blend up to two serving sizes. I really can’t recommend the nutribullet enough, it’s fairly priced and comes with a one year warranty.

Turn Any Smoothie Into a Smoothie Bowl

Turn any of the below smoothie recipes into a smoothie bowl! It’s seriously so easy, all you’ll need to do is start with half the amount of liquid listed in the recipe. Then, continue to add more liquid as needed or until it’s perfectly thick and smooth. Once smooth, transfer your smoothie to a bowl and top with some fresh fruit, a handful of granola, and maybe even a scoop of almond or peanut butter!

Can I Add Protein Powder To These Smoothie Recipes?

Yes! Feel free to add a scoop of your favorite vanilla or unflavored protein powder to any of these smoothie recipes. I almost always throw in a scoop of either Aloha vanilla protein powder and/or Further Foods unflavored collagen to boost the protein and overall nutrients in my smoothies!

close-up overhead image of all 5 smoothie recipes
5 from 2 votes

5 Healthy and DELICIOUS Smoothie Recipes

Here are the 5 smoothie recipes I make constantly! They’re SUPER healthy, incredibly delicious, and come together in only a few minutes. These healthy smoothies are the perfect quick, easy, and portable breakfast or snack!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • blender

Ingredients

Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Smoothie

  • 1 1/2 frozen bananas
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder or 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 1 cup almond milk, or regular milk

Strawberry Banana Smoothie

  • 1 frozen banana
  • 1/2 cup frozen strawberries
  • 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter, optional
  • 1 cup milk, I used almond milk

Glowing Green Smoothie

  • 1 cup frozen mango
  • 1/2 cup frozen peaches
  • 1 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/2 avocado
  • 1 cup water or milk

Tropical Smoothie

  • 1 cup frozen mango
  • 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt, unsweetened
  • 1 cup coconut milk

Very Berry Smoothie

  • 1/2 cup frozen cherries
  • 1 cup frozen mixed berries
  • 1/2 cup plain yogurt, unsweetened
  • 1 cup water or milk

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.

Cutting a pineapple is easy, when you follow these simple steps! A sharp knife, cutting board, and whole pineapple is all you’ll need. I even provide helpful tips on picking out a perfectly ripe pineapple, and what to do with it once it’s cut!

cut pineapple in a bowl with limes on the side

How To Select The Perfect Pineapple

  • Color: Every pineapple starts off green, and turns yellow as it ripens. Therefore, a pineapple with a more yellow skin will be sweeter, and more ripe!
  • Smell: I never buy a pineapple before smelling it! There’s so much to learn about how ripe a pineapple is based on its scent. So pick up that pineapple and give it a big ole’ whiff. If the pineapple smells sweet and like ..well, pineapple… then it’s perfectly ripe! Though if the pineapple has no smell at all, then it’s not yet ripe.
  • Leaves: The last step to ensuring your pineapple is ripe and ready to be cut, is by checking the leaves. Give those long, tough leaves at the top of the pineapple a gentle tug, and if they come away easily, then your pineapple is definitely ripe. If the leaves are a challenge to pull, then the pineapple likely isn’t yet ripe.

Is Pineapple Healthy?

Sure is! Pineapple is pretty much bursting with nutrients. Just one cup of cut pineapple will fill you with fiber, antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, potassium, etc. Fresh pineapple is loaded with health benefits, including, but not limited to:

  • aids digestion (thank you, fiber!)
  • fights diseases (hello antioxidants!)
  • reduces inflammation
  • increases immunity
  • and may even reduce your risk of cancer!

How To Store Cut Pineapple

Freshly cut pineapple should be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Pineapple will stay fresh for up to five days. If you don’t anticipate eating your cut pineapple within that timeframe, then I recommend freezing it instead. Similarly, store it in an airtight container in the freezer, where it will stay good for up to three months.

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How to Cut a Pineapple

Cutting a pineapple is easy, when you follow these simple steps! A sharp knife, cutting board, and whole pineapple is all you’ll need. I even provide helpful tips on picking out a perfectly ripe pineapple, and what to do with it once it’s cut!
Print Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 whole pineapple

Instructions

  • Lay the pineapple on its side on a cutting board, then use a sharp knife to slice off both the top and bottom ends.
  • Next, stand the pineapple back up and slice off the skin, sliding your knife from top to bottom, following the shape of the pineapple.
  • Once skin is removed, keep the pineapple standing up and cut it into four quarters – one slice lengthwise and the other crosswise.
  • Lay each quarter of the pineapple down on the cutting board, with one of the cut side on the board. Angle your knife inwards to slice and remove the core from the pineapple, then repeat for other three pieces.
  • Last, slice each quarter in half lengthwise before making crosswise cuts to create bite-sized pineapple chunks.

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal

Use Your Cut Pineapple In One Of These Recipes