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Take a sip and you’ll swear you’re hanging out on a bright, breezy shore. These Pina Colada milkshakes are all about that lively burst—pineapple, coconut, and creamy vanilla ice cream. They’re the happiest, quickest way I know to bring a little sunshine into any day (and always get everyone grinning).
On a wicked hot afternoon my buddies were stunned at how something this tasty was so darn easy. If anyone needs cheering up this is exactly what I make—works every time!
Dreamy Ingredients
- Honey: Not required but it smooths everything out and dials up the richness. Choose pure honey for extra depth.
- Vanilla ice cream: The secret to a smooth, thick blend. Make sure to pick one made with real vanilla for the best flavor.
- Fresh pineapple chunks: Add big juicy flavor and natural sweet zing. Go for ones that are bright yellow and feel heavy in your hand.
- Pineapple juice: Turns up those fruity vibes. 100% juice or fresh pressed is the way to go.
- Whipped cream and maraschino cherries: These make it classic and party-ready. Homemade or the tub from the store works as long as you crown it with a cherry on top.
- Coconut milk: Delivers that smooth, tropical flavor. Full fat is best—give the can a good shake before opening.
Simple Step-By-Step
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Get that milkshake into glasses and sip while it’s thick and icy. It’s pure paradise in a cup.
- Add the Fun Stuff:
- Swirl plenty of whipped cream on top and perch a cherry right in the middle. It looks and tastes like a fancy treat.
- Tweak the Taste:
- If you want a thicker texture drop in more ice cream. For bigger sweetness add a bit more honey then blend again to pull it all together.
- Power Up the Blender:
- Toss in your pineapple, coconut milk, ice cream, pineapple juice and honey. Start it slow so it all comes together then crank it up. Blend one or two minutes till it’s totally smooth and there’s not a pineapple piece in sight.
- Grab Your Ingredients:
- Get everything out and measured before switching on the blender. It makes the whole thing go much faster and keeps your balance on point.
- Chop Up the Pineapple:
- Slice fresh pineapple and ditch the tough core. That way every bit is juicy and there’s none of those stringy textures.
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The taste of truly ripe pineapple is unbeatable—you know it’s legit when everyone’s trying to snag a piece while you’re still chopping! Getting to make this with my kids always turns snack time into a chaotic, fun little party.
Chill Like a Pro
Honestly these are at their best straight out of the blender. If you wanna prep ahead, just pop your coconut milk and pineapple in the fridge overnight. Once blended the shakes melt in a hurry, so plan to drink right away. If you do stash leftovers in the freezer, cover and use within the hour – just know they’ll be more icy than soft.
Swaps That Work
No fresh pineapple? Frozen chunks work—and keep things frostier too. If you’re all out of pineapple juice, orange or mango juice both make for a fun spin. Coconut ice cream also works in place of vanilla for even more coconut punch.
How to Serve
Try serving mini shakes at brunch in tiny cups with a stripey straw and a wedge of pineapple. If it’s grownups only, splash in a little rum to give it that cocktail touch. Sprinkle on toasted coconut for crunch and a little extra something.
A Little Island Backstory
Puerto Rico came up with the iconic pina colada, and it’s been a happy hour favorite forever. Here you get all those summery flavors in a booze-free way so everyone can join the fun. It’s vacation-in-place right from your own blender.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → Could I just use canned pineapple?
Sure thing! Canned pineapple works fine, just be sure to drain it and tweak the sweetness if needed.
- → What makes this shake thicker?
Add more vanilla ice cream or pop in a few ice cubes before you blend. That’ll make it extra thick.
- → Any way to leave out the dairy?
Definitely! Swap the dairy ice cream with coconut ice cream and you’re all set for a plant-based treat.
- → Do I have to put in honey?
Nope, that’s up to you. The shake’s already sweet from fruit and all that ice cream.
- → Which toppings are best here?
Try whipped cream and a cherry on top. Or go for toasted coconut or pineapple bits for something tropical.