Do you remember the Fresh Cherry Syrup I showed how to make earlier this week? If not, take a minute to make it — it’s the secret ingredient that lifts this Fresh Cherry Piña Colada from lovely to unforgettable.
Fresh Cherry Piña Colada
This version keeps everything you love about a classic piña colada — creamy coconut, bright pineapple, and a tropical, frosty texture — while adding fresh Bing cherries and a splash of cherry syrup for depth, color, and a slightly tart-sweet balance. The result is a vibrant, visually striking cocktail (or mocktail) that feels both familiar and refreshingly new.
I’ve made a lot of drinks over the years — ten years working off and on as a bartender taught me that a simple twist or high-quality fresh ingredient can transform a recipe. Fresh cherries and a homemade cherry syrup do exactly that here: they add brightness, aroma, and a jewel-toned color that makes this one of the prettiest drinks to serve.
Grab your blender, a can of coconut cream, some ripe cherries, and pineapple juice — then get blending. These come together in minutes and are especially welcome on warm, sunny days. If you’re serving to guests, make a pitcher for easy refills.
Note: these are excellent without alcohol. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and adjust the pineapple juice or coconut water to taste. Keep separate batches so the alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks don’t get mixed up — they look identical once blended!
When cherries are in season, they’re at their peak for a short window — now is the time to take advantage. Make a pitcher, invite a few neighbors over, or cool off after yard work with one of these sweet, icy drinks.
Fresh Cherry Piña Colada
Fresh cherries meet coconut cream and pineapple juice in a frosty, fruit-forward take on a piña colada. Bright, creamy, and perfect for summer entertaining.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup ice cubes
- 8–10 fresh Bing cherries, pitted
- ½ oz fresh cherry syrup
- 2 oz coconut cream
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz white rum (omit for non-alcoholic version)
Instructions
- Place all ingredients into a blender: ice, pitted cherries, cherry syrup, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum (if using).
- Blend until smooth and combined, stopping to scrape down the sides if necessary so the mixture is uniform and creamy.
- Pour into chilled glasses and garnish with a fresh cherry and a pineapple wedge. For an extra touch, add a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Tips & Variations
- To make the drink alcohol-free, simply skip the rum and use additional pineapple juice or a splash of coconut water for balance.
- If you don’t have cherry syrup on hand, a small handful of extra cherries and a teaspoon of simple syrup will work in a pinch, but homemade cherry syrup brings the best color and full cherry flavor.
- Adjust sweetness to taste by increasing or decreasing the cherry syrup. Use full-fat coconut cream for a richer, silkier texture.
- For a thicker, slushier texture, use less liquid or add more ice; for a lighter pour, add a little more pineapple juice.
Nutrition Information
Yield: 3 — Serving Size: 1
Amount per serving (estimate):
Calories: 215 • Total Fat: 3g • Saturated Fat: 3g • Trans Fat: 0g • Unsaturated Fat: 0g • Cholesterol: 0mg • Sodium: 25mg • Carbohydrates: 37g • Fiber: 1g • Sugar: 28g • Protein: 1g
Nutrition data provided here is only an estimate. If you are tracking these values for medical reasons, please consult a trusted nutrition source.
More recipes you might enjoy
Looking for other seasonal treats? Try a Triple Berry Trifle or a Lemongrass Lemon Drop for more bright, fruit-forward recipes.
