Servings:
6
servings
6
servings
Creamy Piña Colada Agua Fresca
A non-alcoholic, creamy take on the classic piña colada, this agua fresca blends fresh pineapple with coconut cream and milk for a silky, tropical drink. A hint of lime, vanilla and cinnamon balances the sweetness while chilling in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld. Serve cold over ice with a pineapple wedge garnish.
Prep:
10 minutes
10 minutes
Total:
10 minutes
10 minutes
Equipment
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Blender (high-speed recommended)
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Large pitcher
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Tall serving glasses
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh pineapple chunks
- 1 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup coconut cream
- 2 cups water, plus more to taste
- ¼ cup agave syrup or sugar (plus 2 tbsp, adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch ground cinnamon
- Pinch salt
- Ice, for serving
- Fresh pineapple wedges, pineapple leaves, and maraschino cherries for garnish (optional)
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Instructions
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Add the fresh pineapple chunks, milk, coconut cream, water, agave or sugar, lime juice, vanilla extract, a pinch of cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a blender. Blend on high until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 1–2 minutes. Stop once or twice to scrape down the sides if needed.
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Taste the drink and adjust the sweetness or water to reach your preferred balance. If you prefer a thinner texture, add a little more cold water and blend briefly until incorporated.
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Transfer the blended agua fresca to a large pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Chilling not only cools the drink but also helps the flavors meld and round out.
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To serve, fill tall glasses with ice, pour the chilled agua fresca over the ice, and garnish each glass with a pineapple wedge, a pineapple leaf, and a maraschino cherry if desired. Stir gently before drinking.
Notes
- Use the ripest pineapple you can find. A very ripe pineapple will be naturally sweeter and more aromatic, which reduces the amount of added sweetener needed.
- Do not skip the chilling step. Letting the drink rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to blend and improves the overall texture and taste.
- The small pinch of cinnamon adds warmth and depth without making the drink spicy—it’s a subtle note that keeps the flavor from being flat.
- If the mixture thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of cold water to loosen it before serving so it pours smoothly.
- Substitutions: Use any milk you prefer—dairy, oat, almond, or another plant-based milk will work. If you don’t have coconut cream, full-fat canned coconut milk is an acceptable substitute; expect a slightly lighter texture.
- Make-ahead and storage: Store leftover agua fresca in a covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Stir well before serving, as some separation may occur.
- Variations: For a lighter version, reduce the coconut cream and add more water or milk. For added texture, reserve a half cup of finely diced pineapple and stir it in after chilling.
- Serving suggestion: This drink is perfect for warm afternoons, brunch, or as a tropical non-alcoholic option at gatherings. Serve cold and garnish for a festive presentation.
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