The classic tropical Pina Colada made sweeter with fresh coconut and fresh pineapple.
This recipe was originally published in 2014 – and has become one of our most popular posts. I’ve updated it with new photos and new Healthy Kitchen Hacks >> Like: freeze the pineapple first for a super thick drink.
When I stay with my sister and her four kids in Montana, things can get a little crazy. Her four, plus my four…well, tropical pina colada are a tasty cure-all.
Making these naturally sweet, icy refreshers with fresh young coconut meat (instead of the typical coconut cream) makes them soooo much more sweet-coconutty – and entertains the kids for a good 30 minutes.
To crack open a young or mature coconut, check out Deanna’s post and 1-minute video: How To Open a Coconut at Home.
By the end of coconut cracking, we’d brought out a hammer and nail to assist in following the YouTube steps. The kids thought it was a BIG deal; because of course, what other occurrence involves a hammer with food? It wasn’t hard at all. In fact my 7 year-old son did all the hammering.
And a few more tools you’ll need: lots of straws for sipping the soooo delicious coconut water! Fresh young coconuts are cheap (less than $3) and super healthy. And the thrill of slurping fresh coconut water never dies.
By using fresh pineapple and fresh coconut, I was able to Re-Dux the classic syrupy-sweet pina colada for this month’s Recipe ReDux theme of “A Spirited ReDux“. Follow these super easy ‘How to Cut a Pineapple‘ instructions by Karman at Nutrition Adventures.
Here’s what I did to make my healthier version of Homemade Pina Coladas:
Pureed the coconut and pineapple to retain all the nutrient-rich solids. Many of the recipes I found strained the coconut and the pineapple out of the final mix. Keeping the solids maintains fiber and antioxidants and vitamins found in the whole fruit.
Cut out most of the added sugar. Most versions had tablespoons of sugar per drink. Mine has just 1 teaspoon. The sweet fresh pineapple adds plenty of sweetness. If you need to add more, add by 1/2 teaspoon.
Be sure to make an extra batch of these and leave out the rum for the kids, but don’t forget the cocktail umbrellas. They will be pleased as punch! Have you ever cracked open a fresh coconut? Try it! Then make these: Fresh Coconut Pina Coladas via @TspCurry Click To Tweet Print
Fresh Coconut Pina Coladas
Classic tropical Pina Coladas made sweeter with the addition of fresh pineapple and fresh coconut. Only 1 teaspoons of sugar in each drink. Rum is optional.
Ingredients
2/3 cup chopped fresh young coconut meat or 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut meat
1 cup chopped fresh pineapple (or canned) frozen for 1-2 hours
1 1/2 cups coconut water (from fresh coconut if your kids don’t drink it all or I used Vita Coco brand)
2–3 teaspoons sugar
2 ounces rum
ice
Instructions
In a blender place coconut, frozen pineapple, coconut water and puree for 3-4 minutes until coconut is thoroughly pureed.
Add sugar and taste after a quick blend.
Add rum and ice to taste.
Garnish with fresh pineapple and a cocktail umbrella.
Notes
Freeze pineapple on a parchment-covered tray at least 1-2 hours before making the drink for a thicker, frostier drink.
Follow these super easy instructions for ‘How to Cut a Pineapple‘ by Nutrition Adventures.
I followed this YouTube video on how open a coconut, but my coconut was trickier to open. I needed a hammer and a nail too.
Have you ever cracked open a fresh coconut? What’s your favorite tropical drink?
Please check out all the other sippable Spirited ReDuxes below from our Recipe ReDux friends:
jill conyers says
July 21, 2014 at 8:15 amI’ve never cracked open a coconut. I need to add it to my bucket list.
Serena Ball says
July 21, 2014 at 5:37 pmHey and then you can cross something off your bucket list that was only 3 bucks! Can’t beat that, right Jill?!
Jenny Shea Rawn says
July 21, 2014 at 9:30 amWe have a coconut sitting on our window sill… now I know how we’ll use it! This looks like the perfect fresh and delightful weekend treat. Perhaps on the beach for cocktail hour?
Jenny Shea Rawn recently posted..Lobster Sliders
Serena Ball says
July 21, 2014 at 5:38 pmOh…now you’ve one-upped me. I drank mine looking out over the cornfield in my country backyard! Beach would be more fitting Jenny!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating says
July 21, 2014 at 10:12 amOne of my favorite drinks! I love that everything is fresh in this version!
Kelly // The Pretty Bee: Cooking & Creating recently posted..Vegan Coconut Rum Hot Fudge Sundaes with Sugared Pecans.
Serena Ball says
July 21, 2014 at 5:36 pmThanks Kelly. It just says summer, doesn’t it? Or in the winter…sunshine! (:
Carolina Jantac, MS,RD,LD says
July 21, 2014 at 12:49 pmI can’t wait to try it!!
Serena Ball says
July 21, 2014 at 5:35 pmThanks Carolina! Let us know when you relaxingly sipping one! (:
Steph @NutrishusRD says
July 21, 2014 at 2:47 pmSounds delicious – I don’t do enough with fresh coconut!
Serena Ball says
July 21, 2014 at 5:35 pmI know, and toasted coconut to just eat straight! And so many more Steph!
Karielyn@TheHealthyFamilyandHome says
July 21, 2014 at 3:42 pmLove your recipe and mostly, your two coconut testers lol! I’ve always been too scared to attempt to crack open a fresh coconut but I may have to give it a try now 😉
Serena Ball says
July 21, 2014 at 5:34 pmOh, it’s the PERFECT summertime activity for kids Karielyn: Fresh coconut + hammer + straws + a sidewalk = Fun for at least 15-20 whole minutes! (:
Bridget @ The Road Not Processed says
July 21, 2014 at 6:32 pmLove the healthier cocktail ideas. They can be so high in sugar! I can now enjoy my pina colada, thanks 🙂
Bridget @ The Road Not Processed recently posted..Caramelized Peach + Rosemary Bourbon Sorbet w/ Salted Honey + Herb Roasted Pecans
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:36 amYes, please enjoy one on me Bridget!
Sarah Grace says
July 21, 2014 at 7:01 pmAh I LOVE pina colada flavored recipes of any form. I’ve been using so much coconut rum lately in drink recipes, that I bet that would be great used in this! I love how natural this pina colada is compared to your typical pina colada frozen drink.
xoxo Sarah Grace, Fresh Fit N Healthy.
Sarah Grace recently posted..Raw Coconut Rum Balls {recipe redux}
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:37 amLet me know how it turns out Sarah Grace…and please share your other rum recipes besides the Rum Balls which I’m off to check out now!
Meme says
July 21, 2014 at 11:27 pmI looooove fresh coconut! When I was in Hawaii a few years ago, I’m pretty sure I had at least one a day, but I’ve never cracked one open myself. And even though I saw that recipe and really wanted to try it, I didn’t because I was still scared. But I think you might have persuaded me to try it! Maybe I’ll have to add it to my list of fun food related activities I do with my niece and nephew – they’re always expecting me to do something fun with them in the kitchen 🙂
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:52 amBelieve me! It’s EASY! Try it outside the first time to boost your confidence that even if disaster happens – which the worst I can think of is the meat doesn’t separate very well from the shell – in which case just warm them in the oven at about 400 degrees for about 10 min and they should pop apart!
Alison - Balanced with Allie says
July 22, 2014 at 12:52 amI’m crazy for coconut these days! I will try this.
Alison – Balanced with Allie recently posted..Recipe Redux: Amarula Chocolate Coconut Truffles
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 10:03 amYes, your Coconut Truffles look amazing. So many coconut recipes to try! (:
Dana says
July 22, 2014 at 1:01 amI’m not sure why I’ve never thought to buy/eat/drink a fresh coconut, but it’s definitely on my immediate to-do list. Yum!
Dana recently posted..Bourbon Old Fashioned Reduction Over Bruleed Stone Fruits {Recipe ReDux}
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 10:04 amThere’s so many recipes that are great with fresh coconut: Asian stir frys, broth-based soups, banana smoothies. Even muffins! Enjoy Dana!
Heidi@bodyofeve.com says
July 22, 2014 at 1:04 amI love fresh Thai coconuts. Not sure the pulp would make it to the blender. Great idea!
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:35 amOh, now is there a difference between ‘regular’ coconuts and Thai coconuts, Heidi?
Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen says
July 22, 2014 at 7:58 amMuch healthier version then the pre-made pina colada mix! I want to be on the beach drinking one right now! (btw.. writing this comment at 8 am haha!!)
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:34 amNever too early for a coconut/pineapple ummm, ‘smoothie’!
Christie - Food Done Light says
July 22, 2014 at 10:54 amLove how you lightened this cocktail. I have to add it to my Friday night cocktail list.
Christie – Food Done Light recently posted..Watermelon Dark Chocolate Sorbet #reciperedux
Jessie says
July 22, 2014 at 12:32 pmI never knew it was so easy to crack a coconut! Although, I suppose when you combine any food with a hammer, you’re dealing with a tough nut to crack 😉 As an appreciator of a good pina colada, I love this lighter version!
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:33 amLet me know if you try it Jessie. It’s fun and not hard at all. The screw driver could be replace with a long nail or long knife sharpener…and the hammer replaced with a rock or a heavy knick-knack you don’t really like. (:
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
July 22, 2014 at 12:36 pmI love this version of pina colada. It’s my favorite summertime indulgence and I don’t treat myself much because of the calories. Looks like I won’t have to save them as a treat anymore! Thanks!
Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox recently posted..Comment on Boozy Strawberry Sweet Tart Slushie by Ginny McMeans
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:30 amKellie – I was surprised by how little sugar/sweetener was needed to make this drink truly taste really sweet (like the original syrupy one!)
Alex Caspero MA,RD (@delishknowledge) says
July 22, 2014 at 12:40 pmI love pina coladas! Need to try this with a fresh coconut- yum!!!
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:29 amThe great thing is the coconut lasts in the fridge for days, so you can make several ‘healthy’ drinks a few days in a row. (:
Danielle Omar - Food Confidence RD says
July 22, 2014 at 3:13 pmI make pina colada smoothies all the time and never considered adding rum…what’s wrong with me? And fresh coconut, too — delightful! 🙂
Danielle Omar – Food Confidence RD recently posted..{healthy cocktail} Citrus, Mint & Kiwi Bubbly
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:28 amI was surprised to see how well the pineapple blended up…even with just my regular (not super powered) blender – not stringy at all. But you are already an expert in that!
Alex Oppenheimer, MS, RD says
July 22, 2014 at 4:55 pmMy mind instantly goes to… “yes I like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain…” but, I am into health food. 🙂 There is nothing like like combination of pineapple and coconut – I love the idea of skipping the straining for a heartier frozen drink! Will definitely try!
Alex Oppenheimer, MS, RD recently posted..Spiced Rum Summer Fruit Parfait ~ Recipe ReDux
Serena Ball says
July 23, 2014 at 9:27 amHahaha! Totally forgot about that song! A great one…and yet 1 more reason to make this drink again! (:
Joanne says
July 24, 2014 at 8:08 amI can’t stand those syrupy premade pina colada mixes…but fresh fruit and fresh juice?! I am so in.
Joanne recently posted..Zucchini and Goat Cheese Breakfast Crostini
Mary D. says
February 4, 2016 at 1:21 pmThank you for your article. I like it very much. But I prefer the coconut water named cocozia. Yumm! Here it is http://www.amazon.com/cocozia?channel=posts
You should try it! It is organic, non-gmo and very refreshing.
Serena Ball says
February 6, 2016 at 9:33 amThanks for stopping by Mary. I love hearing about new products! So thanks for the scoop on the coconut water!
Mary says
March 28, 2016 at 3:25 pmthis pina colada is perfect! luv it so much! thank you.
i tried to add coconut water there and was surprized (i added cocozia). found it on amazon here: http://goo.gl/jERxEA
Rachel says
July 6, 2017 at 8:27 pmI’ve been wanting to replicate a pina colada that I enjoyed in Costa Rica and this sounds perfect. How many servings does your recipe make? I’d like to make a batch of 8. How many coconuts would you recommend purchasing?
Serena Ball says
July 8, 2017 at 11:24 pmSorry for the delay Rachel! I’ve been traveling on vacation. This recipe makes about 2 large or 3 smaller cocktails. If you buy the young coconut, they have about 1 cup of coconut water in them. If you buy the mature coconut, they have less water. One (of either type) of coconut has plenty of coconut meat for this recipe. For 8 cocktails, I would get about 3-4 coconuts and then make sure you have extra (packaged) coconut water and extra unsweetened dried coconut on hand. Have fun!! (And if you feel like 4 coconuts is too many to open, you could even get away with 2 coconuts and throw in the packaged coconut water and dried coconut!)
Alcoline says
August 2, 2017 at 11:37 pmHaven’t tried pina colada using a fresh coconut. Definitely trying them out when given a chance. Thanks for sharing this wonderful recipe of yours!
Alcoline recently posted..It’s a Match! The Best Food Paired with Wine
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Serena Ball says
August 3, 2017 at 10:23 amThanks Kathleen. Hope you get a chance to try it!
Sheila says
September 8, 2017 at 12:26 pmI love your healthier version. It was a big hit last weekend as the kids surely enjoyed the cocktail umbrellas.
Serena Ball says
September 8, 2017 at 3:01 pmOh GREAT! Thanks so much for taking the time to let me know. Now that you mention it, my kids would love it if I pick up more cocktail umbrellas too!
CAFFAHOLIC says
December 11, 2017 at 1:38 pmthis turned out to be super delicious…i tried this and my hubby loves it a lot…Thanks for sharing 🙂
★★★★★
Fay says
July 9, 2018 at 1:11 amThis was perfectly lovely!
★★★★★
Serena Ball says
July 9, 2018 at 11:05 amThanks Fay! Cheers to Fresh Coconut Pina Coladas!