Description
Sip on paradise with Frozen Cherry Piña Coladas! This vibrant, creamy twist on the classic tropical drink is your new summer favorite!
Ingredients
For the Classic Piña Colada Base:
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1 cup (8 oz) White Rum: Use a light, smooth rum like Bacardi Superior, Don Q, or Cruzan. A golden rum can also be used for a slightly richer, more caramel-forward note.
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1 (15-ounce) can Coco López Cream of Coconut: This is the essential, non-negotiable ingredient for an authentic, creamy texture and flavor. It is a sweetened, thick product, different from coconut milk or cream. Do not substitute.
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2 cups (10 oz) Fresh or Frozen Pineapple Chunks: Frozen pineapple is highly recommended as it creates a thicker, colder slush without diluting the drink with extra ice.
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1/2 cup (4 oz) Unsweetened Coconut Milk or Pineapple Juice: This helps achieve a pourable consistency. Coconut milk enhances the flavor, while pineapple juice adds extra tropical sweetness.
For the Cherry Swirl Component:
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2 cups (10 oz) Frozen Dark Sweet Cherries (pitted)
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1/4 cup (2 oz) Water or Cherry Juice
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2 tablespoons Granulated Sugar or Simple Syrup (adjust based on the sweetness of your cherries)
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1 tablespoon Fresh Lime Juice (to brighten the cherry flavor)
For the Garnish & Presentation:
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Maraschino Cherries
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Fresh Pineapple Wedges or Spears
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Toasted Coconut Flakes
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Lime Wheels
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Whipped Cream (optional, for ultimate decadence)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cherry Swirl
In a small saucepan, combine the frozen cherries, water (or cherry juice), and sugar. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries have softened and released their juices, about 8-10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to gently break down the cherries. Remove from heat and stir in the fresh lime juice. Let the mixture cool completely, then transfer it to a sealed container and refrigerate until cold. For a smoother swirl, you can puree this mixture, but leaving it slightly chunky provides a wonderful texture.
Step 2: Blend the Piña Colada Base
In a high-powered blender, combine the 1 cup of white rum, the entire can of Coco López, the 2 cups of frozen pineapple chunks, and the 1/2 cup of coconut milk or pineapple juice.
Step 3: Achieve the Perfect Frozen Consistency
Secure the lid on your blender tightly. Start blending on a low speed to initially combine the ingredients, then gradually increase to the highest speed. Blend for 45-60 seconds, using the tamper if your blender has one to press the mixture down into the blades, until it is completely smooth, thick, and has a slushy consistency.
Step 4: The Art of Assembly – Part 1
You have two options for a beautiful presentation:
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Layered Look: Divide half of the piña colada base among your serving glasses (tall hurricane glasses are perfect). Then, carefully spoon a layer of the chilled cherry mixture over the top. Repeat with the remaining piña colada base and another layer of cherry.
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Swirled Look: Pour all of the piña colada base into the glasses. Then, using a spoon, gently dollop the cherry mixture on top. Take a chopstick or a long skewer and gently swirl it through the drink a few times to create a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 5: The Grand Finale Garnish
This is where the drink becomes a masterpiece. For each glass, spear a maraschino cherry and a small wedge of fresh pineapple on a cocktail pick or a long toothpick and rest it across the rim. Sprinkle a generous pinch of toasted coconut flakes over the top of the drink. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, add a tall, graceful dollop of whipped cream.
Step 6: Serve Immediately with the Right Tools
Frozen drinks wait for no one! Serve the coladas immediately, providing both a wide straw for sipping and a long spoon for tackling the frozen goodness
Notes
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High-Powered Blender (like a Vitamix or Blendtec)
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Small Saucepan
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Measuring Cups and Spoons
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Tall Glasses (Hurricane glasses are ideal)
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Cocktail Picks or Skewers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Drinks
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 55g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g