Imagine the tropical flavors of your favorite vacation cocktail—now turn them into a creamy, dreamy treat you can sip with a straw. That’s exactly what you get with these Pina Colada Milkshakes! Bursting with pineapple, coconut, and vanilla, this milkshake is sunshine in a glass, whether you make it boozy or keep it family-friendly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Tropical Vibes All Year: Every sip of these Pina Colada Milkshakes transports you right to the beach, even if it’s snowing outside.
- Quick & Easy: With just a handful of ingredients and ten minutes, you can whip up a frosty treat that feels restaurant-worthy.
- Customizable for Everyone: Fancy a boozy shake? Add rum. Want it kid-friendly? Leave it out—the flavor is still pure paradise.
- Show-Off Presentation: The coconut-rimmed glasses and pretty garnishes make these milkshakes a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at any party.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a few fun, easy-to-find ingredients work magic in this recipe. Each one is key—from the pineapple’s tangy burst to the rich creaminess of coconut—and they all blend together to create the signature flavor and texture of these Pina Colada Milkshakes.
- Vanilla ice cream: Provides the perfectly creamy base and all the chill you want in a milkshake.
- Crushed pineapple in juice: Adds natural sweetness and those juicy, tangy tropical notes—don’t drain the juice!
- Coconut milk: Brings gentle coconut flavor and smoothness that pairs beautifully with the pineapple.
- Cream of Coconut: For rich, fragrant coconut intensity and a touch more sweetness—plus it makes the perfect rim for your glass!
- White rum: The classic Pina Colada spirit, but totally optional if you want a non-alcoholic version.
- Shredded sweetened coconut flakes: For rimming your glasses and creating that irresistible crunchy-sweet finish.
- Whipped cream & maraschino cherries: The ultimate garnish, turning every glass into an over-the-top treat.
Variations
One of the best things about Pina Colada Milkshakes is that you can tailor them to suit your cravings, guests, or whatever you’ve got in your kitchen. Play around with the options below to create your own signature treat, whether you need it dairy-free, lighter, or even more indulgent!
- Virgin Pina Colada Milkshakes: Simply skip the rum for a boozy-free, family-friendly milkshake everyone can enjoy.
- Dairy-Free: Use your favorite vanilla non-dairy ice cream and swap in a rich coconut-based whipped topping.
- Extra Fruity: Toss in a handful of frozen mango or banana slices for a twist on the classic flavor profile.
- Chocolate Twist: Drizzle chocolate syrup inside the glass or blend in cocoa powder for a decadent spin.
How to Make Pina Colada Milkshakes
Step 1: Prepare the Garnished Glasses
Start by pouring a couple of tablespoons of cream of coconut onto a shallow plate and spreading coconut flakes in a separate shallow bowl. Dip the rim of each serving glass first into the cream of coconut so it coats the entire edge, then press it into the coconut flakes until you’ve got a thick, sweet, tropical border that looks as fabulous as it tastes.
Step 2: Make the Milkshake Base
Add the vanilla ice cream, crushed pineapple with its juice, coconut milk, 1/4 cup cream of coconut, and rum (if using) to your blender. Blend until everything is silky-smooth and the pineapple is evenly distributed—don’t over-blend, or you’ll lose that perfect milkshake texture!
Step 3: Pour and Garnish
Carefully pour that luscious, frosty mixture into your prepped glasses, letting it settle beautifully behind your coconut rim. Top each milkshake with a generous swirl of whipped cream and a bright maraschino cherry, and maybe an extra sprinkle of coconut flakes if you’re feeling festive.
Pro Tips for Making Pina Colada Milkshakes
- Best Ice Cream Consistency: Let your ice cream sit out for just a few minutes to soften—it’ll blend more easily and create that luxuriously smooth texture you want in your milkshake.
- Choose the Right Pineapple: Use crushed pineapple packed in juice (not syrup) for the freshest, most vibrant flavor and natural sweetness.
- Amp Up the Coconut Rim: Lightly toast the coconut flakes before rimming for extra crunch and deep, nutty flavor that takes your milkshake over the top.
- Serve Immediately: Pina Colada Milkshakes are best enjoyed straight from the blender for that frosty, creamy perfection—don’t let them sit too long!
How to Serve Pina Colada Milkshakes
Garnishes
Go all-out with garnishes—the classic whipped cream and maraschino cherry are always crowd-pleasers, but consider adding a wedge of fresh pineapple or a fun cocktail umbrella for vacation vibes. And don’t forget: that coconut rim isn’t just for looks, it adds wonderful texture with every sip.
Side Dishes
Pair your Pina Colada Milkshakes with light snacks like toasted coconut macaroons, sweet tropical fruit skewers, or even salty plantain chips. The creamy shake balances sweet and savory nibbles beautifully, whether you’re serving at brunch, happy hour, or a backyard barbecue.
Creative Ways to Present
For an unforgettable presentation, serve these milkshakes in hurricane glasses or Mason jars with brightly colored straws. Try sprinkling edible flowers or a tiny paper umbrella on top—guests of all ages will adore the tropical flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Pina Colada Milkshake, pour it into an airtight container and store it in the freezer. It’ll firm up, so let it soften on the counter or give it a quick blitz in the blender with a splash of coconut milk to revive the texture before serving again.
Freezing
For a make-ahead treat, pour the milkshake base into freezer-safe popsicle molds and enjoy homemade Pina Colada Milkshake pops! They’re a hit on hot days and save you time for big gatherings—just remember to freeze without the whipped cream or cherry garnish.
Reheating
Unlike soup or coffee, these milkshakes shouldn’t be reheated. If your milkshake has frozen solid, simply let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, then stir or re-blend until smooth and creamy once again.
FAQs
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Can I make Pina Colada Milkshakes without alcohol?
Absolutely! Just leave out the rum for a delicious, family-friendly version that still has all the tropical flavor and creamy texture you love.
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What’s the difference between coconut milk and cream of coconut in this recipe?
Coconut milk is lighter and less sweet, adding creamy richness, while cream of coconut is much thicker and sweeter—it’s essential for that iconic dessert-like flavor and the sticky rim.
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Is it possible to make these milkshakes ahead for a party?
You can blend the milkshake base ahead and freeze it, but it’s best to pour and garnish just before serving for the perfect consistency and prettiest presentation.
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Can I use frozen pineapple instead of canned?
Yes! Frozen pineapple works wonderfully. If using it, add a splash of pineapple juice to ensure you get that classic sweet-tart flavor and a drinkable consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a mini-vacation in a glass, Pina Colada Milkshakes are just what you need. Try them tonight, and let the creamy coconut-pineapple bliss whisk you away—no plane ticket required. Cheers to sweet moments and tropical treats at home!
Print
Pina Colada Milkshakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage, Dessert
- Method: Blend
- Cuisine: Caribbean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the tropical flavors of a Pina Colada Milkshake – a creamy, coconutty, and fruity treat that’s perfect for a sunny day or anytime you want a taste of the islands.
Ingredients
For the Milkshake:
- 2 1/2 cups vanilla ice cream
- 8 ounces crushed pineapple in pineapple juice undrained
- 1/4 cup coconut milk
- 1/4 cup Cream of Coconut
- 1/4 cup rum *See note for virgin recipe
For Garnish:
- Shredded sweetened coconut flakes
- whipped cream
- maraschino cherries
Instructions
- Prepare the Glasses: Coat rims of serving glasses with cream of coconut and dip in coconut flakes to rim.
- Blend Ingredients: Combine ice cream, pineapple, coconut milk, cream of coconut, and rum in a blender until smooth.
- Serve: Pour into prepared glasses, top with whipped cream, a cherry, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness by adding more Cream of Coconut if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 milkshake
- Calories: Approx. 450
- Sugar: Approx. 35g
- Sodium: Approx. 120mg
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 55g
- Fiber: Approx. 2g
- Protein: Approx. 5g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 45mg
