Inspired by the tropical, rum-based cocktail, a pina colada smoothie, or piña colada, is made from ingredients, such as coconut, banana, and pineapple, which are then combined with either milk to create a creamy smoothie, or ice as well as juice from the coconut and pineapple to make a cool, light smoothie. Using these fresh ingredients will not only make a delicious beverage, it will also provide an individual with beneficial vitamins and minerals that are essential in maintaining good health. There are many variations in recipes, and a quick and easy alternative is to add drink mixers to replicate the tropical taste of the piña colada cocktail. Whichever version of the recipe that an individual uses, the pina colada smoothie is sure to be a treat that can be enjoyed first thing in the morning, or as an energy booster throughout the day.
To make this fruit shake, the skins first need to be removed and the fruits should be diced into smaller chunks. In a blender, the meat of the coconut as well as the banana and pineapple pieces should be added along with either milk, or ice, and juice. All ingredients should then be blended until the mixture is smooth in consistency. By altering the amount of milk, ice, or juice that is added to the mixture, the thickness of the pina colada smoothie can also be varied. Using fresh fruit is a healthy and nutritional choice; however, it does require getting the right balance of flavors.
A quick and easy alternative of using fruit to achieve the tropical taste is to make a pina colada smoothie using drink mixers. These mixers are sometimes used in the cocktail and are readily available at most stores. By adding the coconut meat, banana, and pineapple pieces for added texture and taste, as well as the piña colada drink mixer, it is easy to achieve a flavorsome piña colada beverage. The texture of the smoothie can also be adjusted by adding different amounts of milk, ice, or juice.
The piña colada cocktail, that inspired the smoothie, has been Puerto Rico’s national drink since 1978. The original recipe consisted of cream, coconut cream, and rum, as well as pineapple juice and ice, which was then mixed and garnished with either a cherry or fresh piece of pineapple. First created by Ramon “Monchito” Marrero in 1954, the recipe has since been popular on cocktail menus around the world.
