This Skinny Piña Colada recipe is made with frozen pineapple, coconut water and coconut rum. Serve frozen or on the rocks for an even lighter version.
During our Grand Cayman babymoon last month I drank quite a few (virgin) piña coladas and was quickly reminded how delicious they are. The combo of creamy coconut with pineapple is hard to beat… especially when you’re sitting on a beach with your toes in the sand.
That said, piña coladas can be pretty high in calories (usually over 500 cals a pop) and the store-bought mixes are loaded with added sugar, artificial flavors and preservatives.
Knowing all this, I decided to create a skinny piña colada recipe made with frozen pineapple chunks and coconut water. With a little experimenting I came up with two versions — one that you can serve over ice (on the rocks) and another that is frozen like a traditional piña colada.
I’m a big fan of using coconut water as a base for cocktails because it’s refreshing, hydrating and has electrolytes, which can help prevent a hangover. It’s great as a sub for coconut cream in this skinny piña colada recipe because you’re still getting that coconut flavor and a little natural sweetness without a ton of extra calories.
For this recipe I’m sharing two different options based on how you like to serve your piña coladas. Both variations make 2 servings.
If you’re looking to keep the calories low and don’t mind drinking a piña colada on the rocks, this option is for you! Just blend the frozen pineapple with the coconut water and coconut rum and serve the mixture over ice with a splash of sparkling water for a little fizz.
Nutrition: 129 cals, 0 grams of fat, 20 grams of sugar, 21 grams of carbs
If smooth and creamy, blended piña coladas are your jam, I recommend making the frozen version. For this one, just blend together the frozen pineapple with coconut water, rum and a frozen banana. The frozen banana makes the mixture extra smooth and creamy and adds a little bit of extra sweetness. Plus, it adds to the tropical flavor profile.
Nutrition: 177 cals, 0 grams of fat, 26 grams of sugar, 31 grams of carbs, 2 grams of fiber
If you’re pregnant or just don’t want to have alcohol for whatever reason, you can easily make this a mocktail just by leaving out the rum. I made a non-alcoholic version the other week with just the frozen pineapple and coconut water. I served it over ice and it was just as delicious and refreshing!
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Amazing Cocktail… and also thank you for this recipe
This was delicious! So refreshing on a hot day, not sugary and sweet at all. Made my cocktail hour a little less guilty!
Woo-hoo! So glad you enjoyed this cocktail, Willow. Thanks for making it and for coming back to leave a comment + star rating. I appreciate it!
Yum! Also, so excited that you used Cruzan here, I’m from the Virgin Islands so it is obviously my favorite rum 🙂
Yes!! We went to St. Croix and St. John for our honeymoon and visited the factory. I seriously want to go back to the Virgin Islands soon!
I am a bartender and live in hawaii I make this drink all the time it is my all time favorite
oh my gosh- these look delicious! i love pina colada’s but avoid them at restaurants and bars because all that sugar makes me feel awful. can’t wait to try these! 🙂