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Skinny Pina Colada

A lighter version of the classic tropical cocktail that strips away heavy cream and excess sugar while keeping all the creamy coconut and pineapple flavors you crave. This refreshing drink blends up in minutes and delivers restaurant-quality flavor with a fraction of the calories.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 2 drinks
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Tropical
Calories: 145
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1.5 cups fresh pineapple chunks or frozen, thawed
  • 1/2 cup light coconut milk the kind in cartons, not canned
  • 1/2 cup pineapple juice unsweetened if possible
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 tablespoon honey or agave nectar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract optional but adds depth
  • Pinch of sea salt

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Two tall glasses or serving cups
  • Ice cube tray
  • Knife and cutting board

Method
 

  1. Measure out 1.5 cups of fresh pineapple chunks and place them in your blender. Fresh pineapple gives you the best flavor, but frozen works beautifully too since you're blending everything anyway.
  2. Pour 1/2 cup of light coconut milk into the blender with your pineapple. Light coconut milk is the secret to keeping this drink creamy without excessive fat or calories.
  3. Add 1/2 cup of unsweetened pineapple juice to the mixture. This juice adds natural sweetness and creates the right liquid ratio for smooth blending.
  4. Measure 1 tablespoon of honey or agave nectar and add it to the blender. The honey dissolves easily into the cold mixture and provides natural sweetness without artificial ingredients.
  5. Add 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract if using. These extracts create depth and complexity that make the drink taste less light and more genuinely delicious.
  6. Add a pinch of sea salt and 1 cup of ice cubes to the blender. Salt enhances all the other flavors and makes the tropical notes pop without tasting salty.
  7. Blend on high speed for 45 to 60 seconds until completely smooth and creamy. If your blender struggles, add the ingredients in smaller batches or use a high-powered blender.
  8. Pour the mixture evenly into two tall glasses and serve right away. The drink is best enjoyed fresh when it's coldest and the flavors are brightest.

Notes

Freeze your glasses in the freezer for 15 minutes before serving to keep your drink cold longer. Use cold pineapple juice straight from the fridge for a more refreshing result. If your pineapple is very ripe and sweet, reduce the honey to just 1 teaspoon. For extra creaminess without calories, blend in a small handful of frozen banana chunks with the pineapple.