Dreaming of an island getaway but don’t have time to get away? If you’re looking for ways to beat the heat in the comfort of your home, let’s take a trip to the tropics by taking Piña Coladas to a whole new level. We’re talking fresh pineapple, not juice from a can. Coconut cream for extra [and healthier!] decadence. And not a single mix in sight!
This homemade Piña Colada is so easy to whip up and tastes so much better than the bar version – and at a fraction of the price.
Our version contains fresh organic pineapple. The texture and flavor are worth the effort. Pineapple season peaks from March to July. Picking at peak piña guarantees a sweeter pineapple. If out of season, look for organic canned pineapple chunks.
Coconut cream is a very thick cream made from coconut milk. The coconut milk is chilled, and the cream that floats to the top is skimmed off. Coconut cream tastes like coconut but does not have a sweet flavor. You can find coconut cream in cans next to the coconut milk. [PS: it also makes a tasty dairy-free whipped cream!]
Why We Love These Ingredients
Pineapple is low in calories and high in Vitamin C, B vitamins, Manganese, and an array of trace minerals your body needs to function. Pineapple is also packed with fiber. One cup of pineapple provides 10% of your daily fiber needs.
We also love pineapple thanks to its elevated levels of bromelain, a digestive enzyme that helps break down proteins and improve nutrient absorption. Bromelain also reduces inflammation, helps wounds heal faster and relieves nasal swelling.
Want to lose weight? Then you need to eat coconuts! Coconut contains a medium-chain fatty acid that promotes weight loss and boosts metabolism at the same time. It helps your body burn fat as energy rather than sticking to your belly.
Coconuts also contain lauric acid, which turns into a compound called monolaurin in the body. Monolaurin fights off fungi, viruses and bacteria that drag down your health.
Looking for a healthier alternative to white sugar? Try Coconut sugar! Produced from the sap of the coconut palm, coconut sugar has a lower glycemic index than table sugar and includes such essential nutrients as zinc, iron, calcium, potassium, and vitamin C.
Coconut sugar also measures exactly like table sugar. No math involved!
Some Pro Tips To Get You Started
Which rum is best—white rum or dark rum? It’s really up to you. White rum is smooth and sweet with a light body, while dark rum is richer and has a more complex flavor. White rum is often used in mixed drinks, but if you want more rum flavor go for the dark.
Also note that coconut cream, which we use in this recipe, is very different from cream of coconut. Cream of coconut is sweetened coconut cream that has the consistency of a thick syrup – similar to condensed milk.
OK—let’s get drinking!
Fresh Pineapple Pina Colada
Prep Time: 10 mins
Servings: 6
This homemade version of the classic drink is made with fresh pineapple chunks rather than processed pineapple juice and contains only 5 ingredients. Make a batch, sit back and think of the tropics!
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice [from the pineapple]
- 13.5 ounces full fat coconut milk
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar or agave syrup
- 2 cups ice
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons white or dark rum
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the pineapple, coconut milk, coconut sugar, ice and rum in a blender. Process until smooth. Taste and add more sweetener or rum as desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recipe source:
Leave a comment