This easy piña colada smoothie tastes like a healthy virgin piña colada! Cool & creamy, with all the tropical flavor you love, they’re PERFECT on a hot day! Plus, they’re naturally sweetened, paleo, and vegan-friendly)

pina colada smoothie in a tall glass with pineapple wedge and pineapple leaf

It officially feels like summer!

We’re allllmost out of school for the season, and both kids are itching for pool days and sunny afternoons full of free time, and honestly, I’m right there with them!

One of our favorite things on a hot summer day is a refreshing little something to drink after hours splashing in the pool or out in the sun. While you can certainly go out for a fun soda or something like an Iced Matcha Latte, we often gravitate toward something like a Watermelon Refresher, Frozen Hot Chocolate, or this healthy piña colada smoothie.

We’ve been making this pineapple coconut smoothie every summer for the last few years, and just can’t get enough! They’ve got the tropical flavor and creamy texture of a virgin piña colada, made with nourishing ingredients. (Who doesn’t love a fun drink with some lil’ health benefits!?)

Best of all, the ingredients are simple & straightforward. Grab your blender, and let’s dive in!

Simple Ingredients To Start

Frozen Pineapple. Our healthy pina colada recipe is made without pineapple juice. Instead, a base of frozen pineapple chunks gives our pina colada smoothie its signature pineapple flavor. I like frozen pineapple for a frosty finish (so nice on a hot day!) but check out the FAQ below if you’re using fresh pineapple instead.
Coconut Milk. Yep! This is a dairy-free pina colada smoothie recipe! Coconut milk adds a lovely subtle coconut flavor and keeps this pineapple coconut smoothie feeling light and fresh. Feel free to use full fat coconut milk for a creamier texture, or light coconut milk for a lower-fat option.
Pineapple Juice or Water. Then, to help things blend well, you’ll add a little pineapple juice or water to help things along. (I love using pineapple juice the most!)
Honey Or Pure Maple Syrup. Depending on how sweet your pineapple is (and your personal taste), you may want to add a touch of honey, agave syrup, or pure maple syrup to sweeten these a touch.
A Little Coconut Extract (If You Want). Most piña colada recipes use a sweetened coconut mixer (like cream of coconut) that’s often augmented with artificial coconut flavor. I channel some of that coconut flavor (without the added sugar) by adding just a few drops of coconut extract. You can totally skip it if you prefer.
Maybe Some Lime Juice? If you want an extra touch of brightness, you can add 1 Tablespoon of fresh lime juice to the mix.

Bonus Mix-Ins To Try

As written, this is more of a fruit smoothie, but if you want to round out the macros a bit, try adding extras, like:

Collagen – A scoop of collagen protein blends right in and adds some protein to the mix.
Yogurt – A little dollop of coconut yogurt or greek yogurt can add some protein!
A Handful of Spinach – Turn it into a tropical green smoothie with some greens and you can call it a Green-a Colada!
Chia Seeds – Plant powered protein, healthy fats, and fiber for the win!

making a pina colada smoothie step by step

How To Make A Piña Colada Smoothie, Step By Step

As always, you can find the full recipe with ingredient amounts, detailed instructions and tips in the recipe card below!

Combine. Add frozen pineapple, coconut milk, pineapple juice (or water), honey or agave, and coconut extract. (Add lime juice, if using.)
Blend. Puree until the smoothie is completely smooth, pausing to scrape down the sides, as needed.
Taste & Adjust. Then, taste the smoothie and add more coconut extract, sweetener, or lime juice, to taste.
Garnish & Enjoy! Pour the smoothie into glasses and top with your favorite garnishes.

Garnishes We Love

What’s a fun drink without a little garnish? Dress up your piña colada smoothie with:

Coconut Whipped Cream. A little whipped coconut cream definitely makes these healthy pina colada smoothies taste like a treat! You can buy pre-made coconut whipped cream or make your own using this tutorial!
Maraschino Cherries. A maraschino cherry or two is such a fun touch! The best maraschino cherries without dye are these ones from Tillen Farms. I love that they don’t use corn syrup or artificial colors. I get them at Whole Foods (from Amazon delivery!), but I’ve also seen them at other health-minded grocery stores and even some chain grocery stores. They’re worth keeping an eye out for!
Pineapple Wedges. A pineapple wedge mimics the flavors in the drink and can be a delightful touch if you’ve got a pineapple handy!
Coconut Flakes. Some toasted coconut flakes or shredded coconut is a great touch to this coconut pineapple smoothie!

pina colada smoothie in a tall glass with a red and white striped straw

FAQ + Tips And Tricks For The Best Piña Colada Smoothie

Let’s Talk Blenders! We’ve basically tried all the popular brands of high-speed blenders out there (Kitchen Aid, Vitamix, Blendtec, etc.). Lately, we love this inexpensive blender for price & easy clean up, but if you’re ready to invest, we love our Vitamix!

CAN I MAKE THESE ALCOHOLIC? I don’t drink, so I’ve never added rum to these, but a little rum is the classic pairing!

HAVE LEFTOVERS? MAKE POPSICLES! If you’ve got leftovers or simply want a different way to enjoy this pineapple coconut smoothie recipe, pour your piña colada smoothie into a popsicle mold and freeze for 3-4 hours or till completely solid. They’re DELICIOUS!

Recipe Card: Healthy Piña Colada Smoothie

⭐ Don’t forget to leave a star rating below when you make our Piña Colada Smoothie recipe. I can’t wait to hear how it goes!