Spiced Pina Coladas

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Spiced Pina Coladas can send you on an instant mini-vacation to a tropical paradise. Spiced rum takes this cocktail to a delicious new level.

You can’t help thinking about (or singing) Escape – The Piña Colada song at the mere mention of the frozen concoction. You’re singing it now, aren’t you?

Just the mere thought of a piña colada invokes the notion of faraway places, island breezes, warm tropical waters, blue skies, and sunshine.

Pin Spiced Pina Coladas to make later.

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Can You Use Spiced Rum In a Pina Colada?

The short answer is an emphatic YES! While a piña colada can be made with any type of rum, my choice is a spiced rum, preferably Captain Morgan. To me, other spiced rums have that sharp bite. Captain Morgan is smooth.

Spiced rum adds more flavor to the drink without overpowering it and sometimes white rums can have that bite, or harshness, to them.

By that I mean the drink goes down rough, not smooth. 

Remember, the better the ingredients, the better the drink. I preach this in my other cocktail posts.

Ingredients for the Spiced Rum Pina Colada

Just a few ingredients are needed to make this tropical spiced pina colada cocktail. If you have a well-stocked bar and pantry, you most likely have all of the ingredients. This is a pina colada with spiced rum as opposed to white rum. You can certainly use other spiced rums, but this one really is top-notch.

• Spiced Rum – I recommend Captain Morgan.
• Cream of Coconut – I use Coco Lopez. Just make sure it’s not coconut cream.
• Pineapple Juice – I like to buy small cans so there’s no waste.
• Ice – The amount may need to be increased.

Spiced pina coladas are probably my favorite frozen tropical drink. The perfect marriage of pineapple, coconut, and rum blended with ice for a summertime drink. It’s cold and refreshing on a hot day.

But it’s not only a summer drink because this version is popular all year long. This spiced piña colada recipe is one of the most popular on the site year-round. 

I guess folks are looking for an Escape… there’s that song again!

If you’re a rum drinker, try this Malibu Punch at your next backyard gathering. The flavors are fruity and tropical.

Is Cream of Coconut or Coconut Milk Better for a Piña Colada?

Cream of coconut is really the only choice. It’s thicker and contributes to the texture of the frozen drink. Coconut milk is thinner and will not thicken the cocktail. The cream of coconut will also give a richer flavor to the drink.

Coconut milk is less sweet and has a much less intense flavor. A piña colada must have a rich coconut flavor. 

Cream of coconut is what you want to use when making spiced piña coladas.

Are Spiced Piña Coladas Easy to Make?

Very easy, especially if you’ve made frozen blender drinks in the past. It’s really about the balance between ingredients and the amount of ice you use in making the drink. The ratio of the amount of ingredients to the amount of ice is crucial. You don’t want a gritty drink. More about that in a minute.

Remember, you can always add more ice if necessary, or more liquid. Take it slow when making these spiced piña coladas. You’ll be able to tell when the ratio is spot on. 

When making your cocktails, use the smallest ice cubes possible. If you can, crush your ice before adding it to the blender. This will help avoid a gritty, small ice ball texture in the drink. An extra step, I know, but well worth it for a smooth beverage. 

I hope you enjoy this Captain Morgan spiced rum pina colada as much as we do! We think this is the best piña colada recipe we’ve ever made.

More Frozen Drink Recipes

If you enjoy frozen drinks, here are a few more to try:

• Frozen Peach Margaritas
• Frozen Mango Margaritas
• Cantaloupe Wine Slushie
• Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

These can be made with either fresh or frozen fruit. Frozen fruit makes the drink colder and more refreshing. Plus, you can sometimes use less ice.

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Spiced Piña Coladas

Spiced piña coladas can send you on an instant mini-vacation to a tropical paradise. Spiced rum takes this cocktail to a delicious level.

4.72 from 28 votes

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Total Time10 minutes mins

Course: Beverages and Cocktails

Cuisine: American

Keyword: cocktails, cream of coconut, pina colada, pineapple, rum, spiced rum

Servings: 4 servings

Author: Ellen Folkman and Family Around the Table

Equipment

• Blender

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• 4 ounces Spiced Rum Captain Morgan preferred
• 8 ounces Cream of Coconut
• 6 ounces pineapple juice
• 3 cups of ice more if necessary

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in blender. Process until frothy. Pour into 4 cocktail glasses and garnish with pineapple slice.