Here I am in rainy Colorado, dreaming of tropical places filled with sunshine and coconut cocktails.  We have a saying here in Colorado, “If you don’t like the weather, stick around for 5 minutes, it’ll change!”  And it’s so true….USUALLY!!!  But for the last two weeks it has been non-stop RAIN!

In an attempt to not let the drippy weather bring us down, I’m making Piña Coladas!  The Best Ever Piña Coladas, actually!!  Sounds boastful, right?  Well, it’s because I have spent at least two years concocting the perfect Caribbean cocktail.  Such a dedicated mixoligist!

Why am I so dedicated to concocting the perfect Piña?  Two reasons….1) I LOVE anything tropical, especially if it includes coconut and pineapple (and rum!)  2) I love the taste of Coco Lopez, the key ingredient found in almost every recipe out there, but can’t deal with the gross ingredient list….artificial, gloppy and zero nutrients.  It shocks me that almost every recipe out there includes this icky product.

So, a couple of years ago I started making my own homemade Coco Lopez from coconut milk and sugar.  But I could never quite get the consistency or flavor that I was hoping for.  Until now!  I found the most wonderful substitution for Coco Lopez….Talenti Caribbean Coconut Gelato.  The main ingredients are sugar, cream and coconut!  And even though it may feel slightly wrong to put ice cream in your cocktail, it is actually healthier than the alternative of Coco Lopez.  Not to mention, the creamy, coconutty goodness makes this THE best Piña Colada you’ll ever have!!  I like mine with a floater of dark rum on top!

You’re Welcome!!  🙂

Happy Happy Hour!  ~ Gena

Best Ever Piña Colada

Ingredients:
Makes 1 serving

• 1  1/2 oz. white rum
• 3 oz pineapple juice (I like Lakewood Organic Pure Pineapple, found at Kroger stores)
• 1/4 cup Talenti Caribbean Coconut Gelato (also a found at Kroger grocery stores)
• 1/2 cup ice
• 1 oz dark rum, for floater (optional)
• fresh pineapple for garnish

Directions:

• Add all ingredients into a blender, except dark rum and fresh pineapple.  Blend for about 20-30 seconds or until ice is crushed and drink is smooth.
• Pour into a glass and float a little dark rum on top, if desired.
• Garnish with fresh pineapple.

Enjoy!!