If you’ve ever dreamed of sipping a tropical getaway in a glass, then this Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe is your new best friend. It’s that creamy, sweet blend of frozen pineapple and light coconut milk that instantly transports you to sunny island vibes.

Three glasses of thick light yellow smoothie stand on a white marbled surface. The middle glass is short and filled with smoothie, topped with a small white cream dollop, a bright red cherry, a green mint leaf, and a wedge of pineapple with rough brown and yellow skin placed behind it. To the left is a tall glass with the same yellow smoothie, and to the right, another short glass with the same toppings of cream, cherry, and mint. In front of them is a white plate holding two bright yellow pineapple chunks and two red cherries. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, I can’t get enough of this smoothie. Whether it’s a hot afternoon or a casual get-together, the tropical flavors feel like a mini celebration—no plane ticket needed!

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s perfect for busy days or spontaneous cravings.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust with honey or maple syrup depending on your pineapple’s natural sweetness.
Optional Boozy Twist: Add white rum for a festive cocktail vibe or keep it kid-friendly.
Healthy and Refreshing: Uses light coconut milk to keep it creamy but lighter on calories.

Ingredients & Why They Work

For a smoothie this simple, every ingredient plays a pivotal role. Picking ripe pineapple is the key to that fresh, bright sweetness, and using light coconut milk keeps the texture silky without feeling too heavy. Here’s what you’ll want to gather:

Flat lay of a small pile of fresh, golden pineapple chunks with leafy green edges, a small white ceramic bowl filled with creamy light coconut milk, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth golden honey, a small mound of fine vanilla protein powder on a white ceramic dish, a few bright red cherries with stems, a small cluster of fresh green mint sprigs, and a small dollop of fluffy white coconut whipped cream on a simple white ceramic plate, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Chopped frozen pineapple: Using frozen pineapple gives the smoothie that icy, creamy texture and ripe fruit ensures sweetness.
Light coconut milk: It adds tropical creaminess without the richness of full-fat coconut milk, making it perfect for lighter sipping.
Honey or maple syrup: Optional, for those times your pineapple might need a little extra sweetness to shine.
Protein powder: A scoop of plain or vanilla adds a healthy boost, great if you want a smoothie that doubles as a snack.
White rum: Optional, if you’re in the mood to turn this smoothie into a laid-back island cocktail.
Coconut whipped cream, cherries, fresh pineapple slices, fresh mint leaves: Gorgeous garnishes that bring a festive touch and extra flavor.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

The beauty of this Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe is how adaptable it is—feel free to make tweaks that match your mood, dietary preferences, or the ingredients you have on hand. Whether you're aiming for a protein-packed breakfast or a boozy island treat, there’s a way to make it uniquely yours.

Vegan Variation: Swap out honey for maple syrup to keep this smoothie entirely plant-based. The natural sweetness of ripe pineapple usually shines on its own, but a little extra syrup can brighten it up on cooler days.
Protein Boost: I love adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder when I need a filling snack after a workout. It turns this tropical treat into a satisfying meal replacement without sacrificing any of the creamy, dreamy texture.
Boozy Treat: For warmer evenings or a festive vibe, adding 1-2 ounces of white rum gives it that classic cocktail feel. Remember, if you include rum, the smoothies won’t freeze solid if you want to save leftovers as popsicles.
Fresh Twist: On occasion, I like to add fresh mint or swap frozen pineapple with frozen mango chunks for a subtly different tropical flavor. It adds a burst of freshness and keeps things interesting.
Lighten Up: Using light coconut milk keeps the smoothie creamy but with fewer calories than full-fat versions. It’s perfect for staying indulgent yet a bit more mindful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe

There are three glasses filled with a creamy yellow drink on a white marbled surface. Two short glasses in front have a layer of whipped cream on top, decorated with a dark red cherry and a wedge of pineapple with brown edges, along with a sprig of fresh green mint. Behind them is a taller glass with the same yellow drink, holding a white straw with gold dots. Around the glasses, there are fresh pineapple pieces, dark red cherries, and green mint leaves scattered. A coral-colored cloth is placed near one of the short glasses. The background is a light grey with a soft texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Start by grabbing 3 cups of chopped frozen ripe pineapple and ¾ cup of light coconut milk. Having your frozen pineapple ready ensures the smoothie is perfectly chilled and thick without needing to add ice, which can water it down. I also like to have my protein powder, honey or maple syrup, and rum close at hand if I'm using any of those optional additions.

Step 2: Blend It Up

Place the frozen pineapple and light coconut milk into your high-speed blender. If your blender has a tamper, use it to gently push the ingredients down as you blend on high. This helps avoid any stuck chunks and results in a smooth, creamy consistency. Blend for about 30 seconds or until creamy and dreamy. If it’s too thick and stubborn, add a splash more coconut milk one tablespoon at a time until it reaches your perfect creaminess.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your smoothie a quick taste test. If it needs to be thinner, pour in a bit more coconut milk. If you'd like it thicker and sweeter, toss in a little more pineapple. For extra sweetness, especially if your pineapple isn't quite ripe, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup and blend briefly to incorporate.

Step 4: Add Your Extras

If you're using protein powder, add your scoop now and give it another quick blend until fully mixed. For a fun cocktail twist, pour in 1-2 ounces of white rum and blend again until combined. This turns your smoothie into a refreshing tropical drink perfect for warm afternoons or celebrations.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Pour your luscious Piña Colada Smoothie into glasses. For a festive flair, top with a dollop of coconut whipped cream, a bright cherry, fresh pineapple slice, and a sprig of mint. Not only does it add color and texture, but it also enhances those coconut-pineapple vibes.

Step 6: Save and Savor Later

If you have leftovers, pour the smoothie into popsicle molds or ice cube trays so you can enjoy bite-sized frozen treats later. Keep in mind that if you added rum, the texture won’t freeze completely solid due to the alcohol. When ready to enjoy again, blend the frozen cubes with a bit more rum or coconut milk for a quick remake of this tropical delight.

Top Tip

These tips will help you make the perfect Piña Colada Smoothie every time, whether you prefer it as a refreshing smoothie or a boozy cocktail. Small adjustments can really elevate this tropical treat!

Use Ripe Pineapple: Choosing ripe pineapple is key for that natural sweetness and vibrant flavor—trust me, it makes all the difference.
Blend Gradually: I learned that starting with frozen pineapple and just enough light coconut milk helps the blender work smoothly without overloading it.
Customize Sweetness: Always taste and adjust by adding a little honey or maple syrup if your pineapple isn’t as sweet as you’d like.
Freeze Leftovers Creatively: Never waste leftover smoothie—freeze it in popsicle molds for a cool treat or in ice cube trays to blend later into fresh smoothies.

How to Serve Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe

A clear blender jar filled with about a dozen frozen pineapple chunks. The chunks are pale yellow with frosty white edges showing they are frozen. The blender is placed on a white marbled surface. The view is from the top looking straight down into the blender. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Dress up your Piña Colada Smoothie with a dollop of coconut whipped cream for extra indulgence, a bright red cherry on top, fresh pineapple slices for that tropical touch, and some fresh mint leaves to add a refreshing aroma. These simple garnishes elevate the presentation and provide a lovely contrast to the creamy smoothie.

Side Dishes

This smoothie pairs wonderfully with light, tropical-inspired snacks like coconut shrimp, grilled pineapple skewers, or a fresh mango salsa with tortilla chips. For a more filling option, try alongside a crisp salad with citrus vinaigrette or a delicate seafood ceviche — the flavors all complement that sweet and creamy tropical vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Piña Colada Smoothie, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Because of the coconut milk and pineapple, it typically lasts for up to 1–2 weeks without losing its delicious flavor or texture.

Freezing

Freeze any leftover smoothie in popsicle molds to create refreshing frozen treats, or pour into ice cube trays to make smoothie cubes. If you’ve added white rum, know that these won’t fully solidify but will still freeze enough for blending later on.

Reheating

This smoothie is best enjoyed cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. To revive frozen cubes or popsicles, simply blend them with a splash of rum or additional light coconut milk until smooth and creamy again — perfect for a quick tropical refresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this Piña Colada Smoothie recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! The white rum is completely optional and can be omitted for a family-friendly, refreshing tropical smoothie that still packs rich flavor.

What if I don’t have protein powder?

No worries at all! Protein powder is optional. You can substitute with whole food sources like hemp seeds or simply skip it and still enjoy a delicious smoothie.

Can I use fresh pineapple instead of frozen?

Fresh pineapple works, but to get that thick and creamy smoothie texture, use ice cubes along with fresh pineapple or chill the smoothie after blending.

How long does this smoothie last in the fridge?

Because of the fresh ingredients, it’s best enjoyed immediately. If you must store it, keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours and give it a quick stir or reblend before serving.

Final Thoughts

Making this Piña Colada Smoothie Recipe is like capturing a little tropical paradise in your blender. Whether you’re cooling off on a warm day, hosting a fun gathering, or simply craving something creamy and sweet, this smoothie delivers every time. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with the garnishes and extras that make it uniquely yours. Here’s to many refreshing sips and sunny moments ahead!