I’m obsessed with this pina colada smoothie. Seriously. Made it 3 times last week and can’t stop. It’s got that perfect balance of creamy coconut and sweet pineapple that transports me straight to vacation mode – without the alcohol! The texture is smooth but thick enough to feel substantial, and the flavor combo is honestly addictive. If you’ve been searching for an easy, refreshing treat that feels indulgent but won’t wreck your diet, keep reading because this is it.
More refreshing drink ideas
Why You’ll Love This Pina Colada Smoothie
First off, this solves the eternal problem of wanting something that tastes like dessert but doesn’t come with the sugar crash. I started making these when my kids wanted milkshakes every day last summer, and I needed something healthier I could feel good about.
What makes this recipe special is how versatile it is. Need it dairy-free? No problem. Want extra protein? Easy fix. Trying to cut calories? I’ve got you covered with simple swaps.
The best part? It takes like 5 minutes to throw together with ingredients you probably already have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks – using frozen gives better texture and chill without watering it down
- 1/2 cup coconut milk – full-fat works best for creaminess, but light works too if watching calories
- 1/4 cup coconut cream – this is what gives that luxurious texture, but can skip if needed
- 1 banana – adds natural sweetness and creaminess; use frozen for thicker texture
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup – adjust to taste, can omit if your pineapple is super sweet
- Ice cubes – amount depends on how thick you want it
Optional Add-ins
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt – adds protein and tanginess
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder – turns it into a meal replacement
- 1 tbsp chia seeds – for extra nutrition and thickness
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract – enhances the tropical flavors
How to Make the Perfect Pina Colada Smoothie
- Prep your ingredients. If using fresh pineapple instead of frozen, make sure to add extra ice. If your banana isn’t frozen, that’s fine but your smoothie will be less thick.
- Add coconut milk and coconut cream to blender first. This helps the blender work more efficiently and prevents ingredients getting stuck.
- Add pineapple, banana, sweetener and any optional add-ins.
- Blend on low speed first, then increase to high. You’ll know it’s done when everything looks smooth and no chunks remain – usually takes about 30-45 seconds.
- Check thickness and adjust. Too thick? Add a splash more coconut milk. Too thin? Add ice or more frozen fruit.
- Pour into glasses. If you’re feeling fancy, garnish with a pineapple wedge or sprinkle of toasted coconut.
Tasty Variations to Try
Protein-Packed Version
Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder and 2 tbsp Greek yogurt. Great post-workout option.
Super Low-Cal Pina Colada Smoothie
Use light coconut milk, skip the coconut cream, use stevia instead of honey, and add extra ice for volume.
Berry Pina Colada Fusion
Add 1/2 cup strawberries or mixed berries for color and extra antioxidants.
Green Pina Colada Smoothie
Sneak in a handful of spinach – you won’t taste it but you’ll get the nutrients.
Tropical Superfood Blend
Add 1 tsp spirulina, 1 tbsp chia seeds, and 1/4 avocado for healthy fats and nutrients.
Pina Colada Smoothie
Equipment
- Blender
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Knife (for chopping fresh ingredients)
Ingredients
- Base Ingredients:
- 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup coconut milk full-fat or light
- 1/4 cup coconut cream optional, for extra creaminess
- 1 banana frozen for a thicker texture
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- Ice cubes optional, for desired thickness
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt adds protein and tanginess
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
- 1 tbsp chia seeds for extra nutrition
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract enhances tropical flavor
Instructions
- Gather all ingredients. If using fresh pineapple, add extra ice to compensate.
- Pour coconut milk and coconut cream into the blender first.
- Add frozen pineapple, banana, sweetener, and any optional add-ins.
- Blend on low speed first, then increase to high until smooth (about 30-45 seconds).
- Check consistency. Add more coconut milk if too thick or more ice if too thin.
- Pour into a glass and optionally garnish with a pineapple wedge or toasted coconut.
Notes
To make it lower in calories, use light coconut milk and skip coconut cream.
For extra nutrients, blend in a handful of spinach or 1/4 avocado.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 12 hours. Shake before drinking.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s in a pina colada smoothie?
A classic pina colada smoothie contains pineapple, coconut milk, banana, and sometimes a sweetener like honey. Unlike the cocktail version, it doesn’t contain rum and often uses frozen fruit instead of ice for a creamier texture. Some recipes add yogurt or protein powder for extra nutrition.
What is in a 7 brew pina colada smoothie?
The 7 Brew coffee shop chain makes their pina colada smoothie with pineapple puree, cream of coconut, coconut syrup, and their proprietary smoothie base. My homemade version is similar but healthier, using natural ingredients and less sugar.
What fruit goes in piña colada?
The essential fruit in any piña colada is pineapple – it’s literally in the name (piña means pineapple in Spanish). Banana is often added for creaminess. Some variations include mango or papaya for extra tropical flavor, but traditional piña coladas stick to pineapple.
Can I mix coconut milk with pineapple juice?
Absolutely! Coconut milk and pineapple juice are perfect partners. The creamy richness of coconut milk balances the sweet-tart flavor of pineapple juice. For smoothies, I prefer using frozen pineapple chunks instead of juice to avoid too much liquid, but both work great together.
How much coconut milk do you put in a pina colada?
For a balanced pina colada smoothie, I recommend using 1/2 cup coconut milk per serving. You can adjust based on your preference – more for a creamier, richer smoothie or less if you want a lighter version. Using a combination of coconut milk and coconut cream gives the best texture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can prep all ingredients and store them in freezer bags ready to blend. Once blended, the smoothie is best consumed immediately, but can be kept in the fridge for up to 12 hours in a sealed container. It might separate a bit – just shake or stir before drinking.
Is this pina colada smoothie healthy?
This homemade version is much healthier than store-bought or restaurant versions. It contains natural sugars from fruit, healthy fats from coconut, and no artificial ingredients. The basic recipe is around 250-300 calories per serving, but can be adjusted lower by using light coconut milk.
Make This Recipe Your Own
I first made this pina colada smoothie after returning from a trip to Hawaii, trying to hold onto that vacation feeling. My partner, who usually hates “healthy versions” of things, couldn’t tell the difference between this and the sugar-laden ones we had at the resort.
What I love most is watching friends take their first sip – there’s always that moment of surprise when they realize something this good doesn’t need ice cream or alcohol.
Give this recipe a try – play with the ingredients, adjust to your taste, and find your perfect balance. Whether you’re sipping it for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a dessert alternative, this pina colada smoothie brings a little tropical escape to your everyday routine.
