Olive Garden Pina Colada Recipe

Summer is knocking at our door, and you know what that means—time for beach trips, sunny days, and cool drinks that make you feel like you’re on vacation! When I’m craving that tropical vibe but want to stay home, I whip up my favorite drink: the Olive Garden Pina Colada.

If you’ve ever tried this creamy, dreamy drink at the restaurant, you know it’s like sipping sunshine in a glass. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to leave your kitchen to enjoy it!

Today, I’ll show you exactly how to make the Olive Garden Pina Colada recipe at home. It’s easier than you think, and I’ve got all the tips to help you nail that perfect flavor. Let’s get started!

What Makes Olive Garden Pina Colada So Special

You might wonder why everyone raves about Olive Garden’s version of this classic drink. Let me tell you—it’s all about the balance!

The restaurant’s recipe mixes sweet pineapple and rich coconut so smoothly that every sip feels like a tropical getaway. Unlike other recipes, theirs isn’t too sugary or watery. It’s just right, with a creamy texture that sticks to your spoon.

Plus, they use fresh ingredients blended with ice until it’s super smooth. The secret? They make their own coconut milk and pineapple juice from scratch instead of using store-bought versions.

Trust me, once you taste this homemade version, you’ll never go back to the pre-made mixes!

Ingredients You Will Need

Let’s break down what goes into this delicious drink. Don’t worry—these are simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store.

For Coconut Milk:

• 2 cups shredded coconut: This gives the milk its rich, nutty flavor. Look for unsweetened coconut if you want less sugar.
• 1 cup coconut water: Adds natural sweetness and makes the milk extra refreshing.
• ¼ cup sugar: Adjust this based on how sweet you like your drinks.
• 1 cup water: Helps thin out the coconut mixture for a smooth texture.

For Pineapple Juice:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks: Fresh fruit makes the juice taste bright and tangy.
• 1 cup water: Thins the pineapple blend without diluting the flavor.
• 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess. Use whole milk for the best results.

For the Pina Colada:

• Prepared coconut milk: You’ll use the homemade milk from above.
• Prepared pineapple juice: Freshly blended juice makes all the difference.
• Ice cubes: The more ice, the thicker and frostier your drink will be!
• ½ cup soda water: Adds a fizzy kick at the end.

Helpful Swaps

If you can’t find some ingredients or want to try something different, here are some swaps that work well:

1. No fresh coconut? You can use 1 can (about 14 ounces) of coconut milk instead of making your own. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it’s a quick fix.
2. Pineapple troubles? Canned pineapple chunks in juice (not syrup) can work if fresh isn’t good at your store. Just drain and use the chunks, plus add some of the juice from the can.
3. Sugar options? Honey or maple syrup can replace white sugar. Start with a bit less than the recipe calls for and taste as you go.
4. Milk alternatives? Almond milk, oat milk, or more coconut milk can replace regular milk if you don’t eat dairy.
5. No soda water? A splash of lemon-lime soda or even just a squeeze of lime juice can add brightness if you don’t have soda water.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You only need three basic tools:

1. A blender: To mix the coconut, pineapple, and ice into a smooth consistency.
2. A strainer: Helps remove pulp from the coconut milk and pineapple juice.
3. A tall glass: Serve your drink in style—add a fun straw or umbrella!

How To Make Olive Garden Pina Colada

Follow these steps, and you’ll have a perfect drink every time:

Step 1 | Prepare the Coconut Milk

In a blender, add the coconut, coconut water, and sugar. Blend until smooth. Add the water and blend again until everything is well combined. Strain the mixture through a sieve and set the coconut milk aside.

Step 2 | Make the Pineapple Juice

In the blender, combine the pineapple, water, and milk. Blend well until smooth. Strain the mixture into the coconut milk and stir to combine.

Step 3 | Make the Pina Colada

In a blender, add ice cubes and the prepared coconut milk and pineapple juice mixture. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a glass and add soda water to the top. Stir gently and serve your delicious Pina Colada.

Tips for the Perfect Pina Colada

• Freeze your pineapple chunks beforehand for an extra frosty texture.
• Toast shredded coconut in a pan for 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
• Use crushed ice—it blends faster and makes the drink smoother.
• Taste as you go! Adjust sugar or pineapple to match your preference.

How to Garnish Piña Colada

My favorite way to garnish a pina colada is with a pineapple wedge. I cut a small triangle of fresh pineapple and make a small cut in it so it sits nicely on the rim of the glass. This isn’t just for looks – you can eat the pineapple while you drink!

Another good garnish is a maraschino cherry. The bright red color looks pretty against the white drink. I place it right on top or stick it on a toothpick with a small piece of pineapple.

For a fancy touch, I sometimes add a paper umbrella. These come in bright colors and make the drink feel like a real vacation treat. You can find these at party stores or online pretty cheap.

Coconut flakes sprinkled on top add texture and more coconut flavor. I like to lightly toast some coconut flakes in a dry pan until they’re golden brown. The toasted flavor tastes amazing with the cold drink.

A sprig of mint looks pretty and adds a fresh smell when you take a sip. Just wash a small mint leaf and place it gently on top of the drink or stick it in partly so it stands up.

How to Serve This Drink

1. In a hurricane glass – These tall, curved glasses show off the layers of the drink and give you plenty of room for ice and garnishes. If you don’t have hurricane glasses, any tall glass works fine.
2. With a colorful straw – Wide straws work best because the drink is thick. Paper straws look nice but can get soggy, so plastic or reusable metal straws work better for pina coladas.
3. On a coaster or small plate – This catches drips and gives you a place to put extra garnishes like extra pineapple pieces.
4. With a small spoon – Sometimes the drink is too thick to use just a straw, so a long spoon helps you enjoy every bit.

What to Eat With Pina Colada

This drink pairs perfectly with:

1. Grilled shrimp or chicken skewers: The smoky flavor complements the fruity drink.
2. Fresh fruit salad: Mango, papaya, or watermelon add more tropical flair.
3. Coconut shrimp: Double down on the coconut goodness!
4. Spicy dishes: Try it with jerk chicken or tacos—the cool drink tames the heat.

Olive Garden Pina Colada Recipe FAQs

1. Can I make Olive Garden Pina Colada with alcohol?

While the Olive Garden Pina Colada Recipe is a non-alcoholic drink, you can add rum to make it a traditional Pina Colada. Just blend in about 1-2 ounces of light rum to each serving.

2. How do I make this drink more refreshing?

If you want a cooler drink, use ice cubes in the blender or freeze the pineapple juice and coconut milk mixture into cubes to make a frozen Pina Colada.

3. How long can I store leftover Pina Colada?

You can store leftover Pina Colada in the fridge for up to 24 hours. It may separate, so make sure to stir or blend before serving.

4. What can I add for extra flavor?

For extra tropical flavor, try adding a splash of lime juice or orange juice. You could also try infusing the drink with a bit of ginger for a unique twist.

5. Can I make this recipe without a blender?

While a blender is recommended for the smooth texture, you can use a whisk to mix everything together if you don’t have one. However, the consistency might not be as smooth.

6. Can I make a larger batch?

Yes, simply multiply the ingredients according to the number of servings you need. You can store the extra drink in the fridge for later enjoyment.

7. How do I make this drink more creamy?

For a creamier Pina Colada, you can add coconut cream or heavy cream to the recipe. This will give the drink a richer texture and flavor.

Continue to Content

Olive Garden Pina Colada Recipe

Yield: 2 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Enjoy a refreshing Olive Garden Pina Colada in just 10 minutes! This creamy, tropical drink blends pineapple, coconut, and ice for the perfect summer treat.

Print

Ingredients

For Coconut Milk:

• 2 cups shredded coconut (unsweetened)
• 1 cup coconut water
• ¼ cup sugar
• 1 cup water

For Pineapple Juice:

• 2 cups fresh pineapple chunks
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup milk (whole milk preferred)

For Pina Colada:

• Prepared coconut milk
• Prepared pineapple juice
• 2 cups ice cubes
• ½ cup soda water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Coconut Milk

In a blender, add the coconut, coconut water, and sugar. Blend until smooth. Add the water and blend again until everything is well combined. Strain the mixture through a sieve and set the coconut milk aside.

Step 2: Make the Pineapple Juice

In the blender, combine the pineapple, water, and milk. Blend well until smooth. Strain the mixture into the coconut milk and stir to combine.

Step 3: Make the Pina Colada

In a blender, add ice cubes and the prepared coconut milk and pineapple juice mixture. Blend until smooth and creamy. Transfer the mixture to a glass and add soda water to the top. Stir gently and serve your delicious Pina Colada.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 280Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 5mgSodium: 40mgCarbohydrates: 36gFiber: 3gSugar: 30gProtein: 3g

Conclusion

There you have it—your ticket to summer in a glass! This Olive Garden Pina Colada recipe is my go-to when I want to feel like I’m lounging on a beach without leaving home. It’s creamy, fruity, and totally customizable.

Give it a try this weekend, and don’t forget to snap a photo of your creation! Tag us on Pinterest or leave a comment below to share your experience. Cheers to sunny days and delicious drinks!