Pina Colada Milkshakes

Bring the flavor of your favorite island cocktail to your blender with these Pina Colada Milkshakes! They’re a frosty, creamy fusion of vanilla ice cream, crushed pineapple, and coconut, finished with a whipped cream topping and optional cherry for garnish. Whether you enjoy them spiked with rum or as a virgin treat, these shakes are a tropical escape in a glass.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tropical Flavors at Home: Pineapple, coconut, and cream—need we say more?
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 10 minutes with simple blender prep.
• Kid-Friendly or Cocktail-Ready: Easily made with or without rum.
• Beautiful Presentation: Coconut-rimmed glasses and cherries make it extra special.
• Perfect for Summer: Ideal for poolside sipping or backyard entertaining.

Ingredients

• 2 ½ cups vanilla ice cream
• 8 ounces crushed pineapple in pineapple juice (undrained)
• ¼ cup coconut milk
• ¼ cup Cream of Coconut, plus two additional tablespoons for rimming glasses
• ¼ cup rum (See note below for virgin recipe)
• Shredded sweetened coconut flakes
• Whipped cream and maraschino cherries for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Glasses

1. Pour 2 tablespoons of Cream of Coconut into a small shallow plate.
2. In a separate shallow bowl, add shredded sweetened coconut flakes.
3. Dip the rims of your serving glasses into the cream of coconut, coating them evenly.
4. Immediately press the wet rims into the coconut flakes to coat. Set glasses aside.

Blend the Milkshake

1. In a blender, add:
   • 2 ½ cups vanilla ice cream
   • 8 oz crushed pineapple with juice
   • ¼ cup coconut milk
   • ¼ cup cream of coconut
   • ¼ cup rum (optional)
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Serve

1. Gently pour the milkshake into the prepared glasses.
2. Top each with a dollop of whipped cream and a maraschino cherry.
3. Serve immediately with a straw and enjoy!

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make it Virgin: Replace the rum with ¼ cup whole milk for a family-friendly version.
• Use High-Quality Cream of Coconut: Coco Real is recommended for both flavor and sticking to the rim.
• Chill Your Glasses: Freeze the serving glasses beforehand to keep the shakes cold longer.
• Go Extra Fancy: Add a pineapple wedge or cocktail umbrella for fun presentation.
• Double It: This recipe serves 2—scale up if your blender allows.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with toasted coconut cookies, pineapple chunks, or alongside a tropical dinner.
• Great for summer BBQs, brunch drinks, or poolside treats.
• Pair with light appetizers like shrimp skewers or fruit salad.

Storage/Reheating

• Not Ideal for Storage: Best enjoyed immediately after blending.
• Freeze Leftovers: Pour into ice cube trays and re-blend later with extra coconut milk to refresh.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can freeze the blended mix and re-blend before serving.

What kind of rum works best?
White or gold rum works well. Avoid flavored or spiced unless you know you like the combo.

Is cream of coconut the same as coconut cream?
No—cream of coconut is sweetened and used in drinks; coconut cream is thicker and unsweetened.

Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just ensure it’s crushed and in 100% juice, not syrup.

Conclusion

Whether you’re cooling down on a hot summer afternoon or hosting a backyard luau, these Pina Colada Milkshakes are your ticket to tropical bliss. They come together in minutes and are just as satisfying without the rum. Blended with real pineapple and coconut flavors, this creamy delight is a vacation in a glass!

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