Yes, we know that Pina Colada Day is really supposed to be for adults dreaming of tropical beaches. It’s also a good excuse for Morning Zoo deejays to play “The Piña Colada Song” and make some stupid jokes about Rupert Holmes’ biggest hit. Well, the joke’s on them. Rupert Holmes went on to become an important figure on Broadway. Anyway, we know a few kids who love the taste of a Piña Colada–and that comes in handy when we take them to our favorite old-fashioned Tiki restaurant deep in the heart of New Jersey. We’re not really sure how they mix the alcohol-free Piña Coladas there, but here’s a homemade recipe that passes muster with our own kids (and can really appeal to grown-ups, too). But don’t forget to buy the little umbrellas… [photo via eatingwell.com]
You’ll need:
An electric blender
A glass measuring cup
A gigger
And a tall glass
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup ice (more or less depending on thickness desired)
- 2 ounces cream of coconut
- 1-1/2 ounces crushed pineapple
- 1 ounce pineapple juice
Pour the ingredients into a blender. Blend all ingredients at a high setting for about thirty seconds, or until smooth. Strain the results, if desired, then pour into a tall glass, and garnish using a wedge of fresh pineapple.
You can make this drink extra special by serving it in a hollowed out coconut half–and we’ve also been known to garnish the drink with marascino cherries and orange slices on a toothpick. This Piña Colada doesn’t have to be fattening, either. Making a few changes can reduce the caloric intake and improve the nutritional value. Fresh fruits can always be added instead of canned or frozen. Substitute a light coconut milk for the cream of coconut for sixty percent fewer calories than its creamy counterpart.
While the most identifying flavors of a Piña Colada are always coconut and pineapple, whether with or without alcohol, the basic recipe is open to changes. This non-alcoholic Piña Colada can have an entirely different taste, but just as tasty as the original, by using some additions or substitutions. And consider these other options…
On the rocks instead of frozen
Substituting evaporated milk for the cream of coconut
Blending in equal parts of a Virgin Nonalcoholic Strawberry Daquiri
Substituting passion fruit for pineapple
Substituting banana for pineapple
