Do you love a Malibu Pina Coladas, but not all the sugar and calories that a classic cocktail contains? Try these delicious Skinny Pina Coladas! This low calorie pina colada is just 5 ingredients and 220 calories. Its less than half the calories and sugar of the traditional Malibu Pina Colada recipe.
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If you love ordering a restaurant pina colada, you probably know how much sugar and calories they contain. Good news! You can now enjoy those fantastic tropical flavors in a lighter drink at home.
This Skinny Malibu Pina Colada recipe cuts down on the refined sugar by using healthier options for ingredients. No sugary syrups or heavy ingredients needed here.
What do I need to make skinny Malibu pina coladas?
- Malibu Rum
- Light Coconut Milk
- Pineapple Juice
- Frozen Pineapple
- Unsweetened Flake Coconut
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the bottom of the post for the recipe. Thanks!
What makes this pina colada skinny – and how does the calorie count compare?
Most restaurant pina coladas are massive and often have upwards of 500-600 calories per drink. They tend to be well over 12 ounces and contain hefty amounts of simple syrup (refined sugar and water), and heavy cream of coconut which is often sweetened specifically for drinks. For example, TGI Friday’s Pina Colada comes in at 430 calories and 72 grams of sugar.
Our lightened up Pina Coada has about half of the calories, with 220 calories per drink. To reduce the calories and eliminate as much refined sugar as possible, I reduced the amount of pineapple juice, and replaced it with whole, frozen fruit instead. I also used light coconut milk instead of the heavily sweetened cream of coconut, which is used in most traditional pina coladas.
If you appreciate a skinny drink, be sure to check out my Classic Skinny Margaritas and my Spicy Jalapeno Margaritas.
What’s the difference between coconut cream and coconut milk – and which is better for a skinny pina colada?
Coconut cream is a thick, sweet 450+ calories per can and used in traditional pina coladas. Brands like Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut is a sweetened coconut cream made specifically for cocktails and is very high in sugar. Light coconut milk is a thinner unsweetened natural coconut milk that is around 100 calories/can. This light coconut milk is perfect for skinny cocktails.
Can I make a non-alcoholic virgin pina colada?
Yes, simply omit the rum and add an extra 1/4 cup of light coconut milk or coconut water. This virgin pina colada mocktail is just as creamy and tropical, perfect for those who don’t drink, pregnant guests, or kids at summer parties. Also, naturally dairy-free and vegan
Is this pina colada vegan and dairy-free?
Yes to both! Light coconut milk is plant-based, unsweetened flake coconut,pineapple and pineapple juice has no dairy. This cocktail is also gluten-free.
How do I make pina colada with light coconut milk?
Making pina coladas is very simple. To a blender add the Malibu rum, light coconut milk, pineapple juice, frozen pineapple and unsweetened flake coconut. Using light coconut milk is a great way to save calories and sugar, versus the full-fat and sugar Coco Lopez version.
Using unsweetened coconut is also a great way to save on calories, versus using sweetened flake coconut.
Can I make a pina colada without coconut cream?
Yes, this is a simple substitution that can save calories and added sugar, but still keep that same tropical flavor. Using light coconut milk instead of coconut cream (like Coco Lopez) for your cocktail is a great way to lighten up your drink, but still keep all the tropical flavor. It will save you nearly 100-150 calories per drink.
Blend until smooth, pour into glasses and garnish with a pineapple slice and or a maraschino cherry. I also use Malibu rum in my Blueberry Coconut Mojitos and Mango Mojito.
How do I make a skinny pina colada pitcher for a crowd?
Are you looking to serve pina coladas for a party or group of friends? Here’s what you’ll need to make in advance and how to blend just before serving.
Start by combining 2 cups of Malibu Rum, 2 cups of the light coconut milk and 2 cups of pineapple juice. Stir together in the pitcher and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. When ready to serve, add the chilled liquid to the blender along with 4 cups of frozen pineapple and 1 cup of the unsweetened coconut. Blend until smooth. Serve right away while cold.
First, this is a drink that needs to be blended. To your blender jar, add all of the ingredients; Malibu rum, light coconut milk, pineapple juice, frozen pineapple and unsweetened flake coconut.
Blend the ingredients for approximately 45-60 seconds. This will ensure the frozen pineapple and coconut are fully broken down, smooth and well incorporated with the liquid ingredients.
What blender is good for making cocktails?
I use and love my Blendtec Designer Series Blender, especially for making blended cocktail drinks. We love making smoothies, drinks and cocktails with our Blendtec. It also does an amazing job with muffin and pancake batter and will handle making oat flour or nut butter with ease.
Blendtec 650 Designer Series Blender with Wildside Jar
This is the Blender I use almost DAILY! Everything from smoothies, to cocktails, to waffle and muffin batter and even nut butter, this ultrapowerful blender creates an amazing puree every time. It’s very durable and made to last!
Love making frozen cocktails at home? Check out some of our other delicious homemade frozen drinks:
- Watermelon Margarita Recipe
- Strawberry Lime Margaritas
- Mango Margarita
- Pineapple Daiquiri
- Frozen Mango Daiquiri
- Blue Curacao Margarita
Pina Colada Ingredient Substitutions and Recommendations:
- Rum – I personally prefer Malibu rum, but you can also use any other white (clear) rum, like Bacardi.
- Light Coconut Milk – I used Goya brand light coconut milk to save some calories and keep this drink on the skinny side. You can use regular coconut milk (will add more calories), or sparkling coconut water making this drink even lighter.
- Pineapple – frozen pineapple works well in this drink to keep it cold and frothy. You can also use fresh pineapple, you will need to add about 1 cup of ice if using fresh.
- Coconut – to save on calories and added sugar, I used unsweetened flake coconut. You can use sweetened flake coconut, just know that it will add extra calories and sugar to your drink.
For exact ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions be sure to scroll down to the recipe at the bottom of the post. Thanks!
Once all ingredients are blended, pour the pina coladas into your favorite cocktail glasses right away while cold.
Top with your favorite garnishes, like pineapple slices, maraschino cherries or little paper umbrellas for that tropical feel.
Frequently asked questions about making pina coladas:
This skinny Malibu pina colada has around 220 calories. This is less than half of a typical restuarant pina colada which comes in around 400-600 calories.
Because most traditional and restaurant pina coladas are made with heavy syrups and creams, and the portions are excessive, they can be very calorie-heavy and not a healthy choice.
Yes. A restaurant pina colada contains on average over 400-600 calories per drink. TGI Friday’s contains 430 calories and 72 grams of sugar per drink.
You can use light coconut milk instead of coconut cream to reduce the calories and make it lighter.
Malibu rum is a great choice when making a pina colada. The coconut flavors and aromas are perfect in this tropical drink.
You can use either white rum, however, I prefer to use Malibu as the coconut flavor and aromas are perfect for a pina colada.
Any white rum is acceptable in a pina colada. Going with a coconut flavored white rum, like Malibu, is a great option for making this coconut pineapple cocktail.
Yes, to make ahead of time blend without the ice and refrigerate for up to 4 hours in advance. Just before serving, add ice and reblend. Or you can pour the cocktail into ice cube trays, freeze, and blend with a splash of pineapple juice when ready to serve.
Do you love pineapple? Check out some of my other pineapple recipes:
- Pineapple Moscow Mules
- Pineapple Grilled Chicken
- Tropical Pineapple Mango Salsa
- Hawaiian Ham and Pineapple Kebabs
- Green Super Food Smoothie
If you loved this drink recipe, you’ll be sure to love these other drink ideas:
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Skinny Malibu Pina Colada
Equipment
- blender I LOVE my Blendtec Designer Series Blender. We use it daily! It's great for smoothies, frozen cocktails, and even muffin and pancake batter.
- Hurricane Glasses Hurricane glasses are ideal for any frozen or blended cocktail.
Ingredients
- 2 oz. Malibu rum or your preferred white rum
- 1/4 cup light coconut milk like Goya
- 1/4 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup frozen pineapple
- 2 Tablespoons unsweetened flake coconut
Instructions
- To a blender, all all the ingredients.
- Blend at med-high speed for 45-60 seconds or until all the ingredients are completely blended and smooth.
- Pour into glass and enjoy right away while cold. Top with slices of fresh pineapple or maraschino cherries for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- 16 oz. (2 cups) Malibu Rum
- 2 cups light coconut milk
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 4 cups frozen pineapple
- 1 cup unsweetened coconut
Nutrition
Amazing info!!! I love it 🙂