Introduction
Imagine the iconic Pina Colada—a lush, creamy blend of coconut, pineapple, and rum, meeting the chocolate-coated, chewy tropical candy beloved by Kiwis: Pineapple Lumps. The result? A nostalgic, grown-up indulgence with a playful twist. Introducing the Pineapple Lumps Piña Colada, a dessert-like tropical cocktail with the flavor of caramelized pineapple, smooth coconut, a hint of vanilla, and yes, chocolate notes. It’s like sipping a candy bar that went on a beach vacation.
Whether you’re a fan of the original sweet or simply want a piña colada with extra depth and decadence, this recipe delivers a one-of-a-kind experience that feels both familiar and exotic. Sweet, creamy, boozy, and utterly crave-worthy.
Why Is This Recipe So Popular?
🍍 Inspired by a Beloved Candy
Pineapple Lumps are a nostalgic treat in New Zealand—chewy, tropical pineapple candy enrobed in chocolate. That combination of tropical and cocoa flavors inspires this cocktail’s unique profile.
🍫 Dessert Meets Cocktail
People adore drinks that double as dessert. With its creamy base, rum kick, and candy-like finish, this drink checks all the boxes for a sweet tooth with a love for spirits.
🍹 A Fresh Take on the Piña Colada
The classic piña colada is a fan-favorite. This recipe takes it a step further with caramelized pineapple and optional chocolate liqueur for that candy-inspired twist.
📸 Aesthetically Beautiful
Served in a chilled hurricane glass with chocolate drizzle, toasted coconut, and pineapple garnish, this cocktail is an Instagram dream.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Combines your favorite candy and cocktail into one amazing drink
✅ Creamy, smooth, and tropically sweet
✅ Perfect for summer dessert cocktails or themed parties
✅ Easy to blend and customize
✅ Tastes like vacation in a glass—with a hint of chocolate magic!
Ingredients: 🍍🥥🍫
🍹 For 2 Cocktails
-
🥃 3 oz white rum – smooth base spirit
-
🧉 2 oz coconut cream – creamy richness
-
🍍 2 oz pineapple juice – classic tropical sweetness
-
🍍 ½ cup caramelized pineapple chunks – for that “Pineapple Lumps” flavor
-
🍫 1 oz chocolate liqueur (optional but divine)
-
🍦 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (for ultra-creaminess)
-
🧊 1½ cups crushed ice – frozen and refreshing
-
🥄 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk or agave (adjust for desired sweetness)
-
🌺 Dash of vanilla extract – to mimic candy-like flavor
-
🧂 Tiny pinch of sea salt – to balance sweetness
🧁 Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):
-
🍫 Chocolate syrup drizzle (inside glass)
-
🍍 Pineapple wedge or leaf
-
🥥 Toasted coconut flakes (rim or sprinkle)
-
🍒 Maraschino cherry
-
✨ Edible glitter or gold flakes for flair
Preparation:
Step 1: Caramelize the Pineapple 🍍
In a hot skillet, sauté fresh pineapple chunks with a bit of brown sugar and a touch of butter for 5–7 minutes until golden and slightly caramelized. Cool slightly before blending.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass
Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled hurricane or highball glass. Optionally, rim the glass with toasted coconut flakes.
Step 3: Blend the Cocktail 🍹
In a blender, add:
-
Caramelized pineapple chunks
-
White rum
-
Coconut cream
-
Pineapple juice
-
Chocolate liqueur (optional)
-
Vanilla ice cream
-
Sweetener
-
Vanilla extract
-
Sea salt
-
Crushed ice
Blend until smooth and frothy.
Step 4: Taste Test & Adjust
Want it richer? Add more coconut cream or chocolate liqueur. Need more sweetness? A little condensed milk or simple syrup will do. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Pour into your prepared glass. Top with toasted coconut, a pineapple wedge, and a cherry. Add a little chocolate shaving or edible glitter if you’re feeling fancy.
Variation:
🍫 Chocolate-Dipped Pineapple Colada
Skip the vanilla ice cream and use chocolate ice cream or chocolate coconut milk for an even deeper cocoa twist.
🥥 Toasted Coconut Version
Use toasted coconut milk or rim your glass with toasted coconut and salt for extra texture and nutty flavor.
🍰 Dessert Colada Float
Serve over a scoop of vanilla or coconut ice cream for a cocktail/dessert hybrid.
🌱 Vegan Version
Use coconut milk, vegan chocolate liqueur, and a plant-based vanilla ice cream. Skip the condensed milk or use agave/maple syrup.
🔥 Grilled Pineapple Option
Instead of caramelized pineapple, grill thick pineapple rings for a smoky sweetness.
Cooking Note:
-
Use canned coconut cream, not coconut milk or cream of coconut. The right thickness makes a huge difference in texture.
-
Don’t overblend or it may get too watery—especially if you add melted ice cream.
-
Chocolate liqueur is optional but adds a nice depth. You can also use a few drops of chocolate bitters.
-
This drink does not store well—serve immediately after blending.
Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with pineapple desserts, coconut tarts, or chocolate-dipped fruit
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Perfect for summer evenings, poolside hangouts, or themed cocktail nights
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Add it to a dessert cocktail menu at a tropical or retro-themed party
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Serve in a hollowed-out pineapple for maximum wow factor!
Tips:
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✅ Pre-freeze the pineapple chunks before caramelizing to keep the drink colder
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✅ Use a high-powered blender for the creamiest finish
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✅ Adjust sweetness depending on how sweet your pineapple is
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✅ For richer texture, add a frozen banana or a dollop of Greek yogurt
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✅ Make a mocktail version using chocolate syrup, coconut milk, pineapple juice, and ice cream—skip the alcohol
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time (for caramelizing pineapple): 5–7 minutes
Blend Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 17–20 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
-
Calories: 370
-
Protein: 2g
-
Carbohydrates: 32g
-
Sugars: 28g
-
Fat: 14g
-
Saturated Fat: 11g
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Alcohol Content: ~12–15% ABV
-
Sodium: 45mg
FAQs
❓What are Pineapple Lumps?
Pineapple Lumps are chewy pineapple-flavored candies coated in milk chocolate—popular in New Zealand. This cocktail mimics their flavor through caramelized pineapple and chocolate liqueur.
❓Can I make this in advance?
Not recommended—best served fresh. The ice, cream, and fruit don’t hold well over time.
❓Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Use chocolate syrup, pineapple juice, coconut milk, and ice cream. Skip the rum and liqueur. Delicious and kid-friendly!
❓Can I use canned pineapple?
Yes, just drain well. But fresh (especially caramelized or grilled) gives much better flavor.
❓What’s the best type of rum?
White rum for a neutral base. Coconut rum if you want more tropical notes. Dark or spiced rum for complexity.
Conclusion
The Pineapple Lumps Piña Colada is a sweet celebration of flavor nostalgia and tropical indulgence. It’s a drink that takes you somewhere sunny while reminding you of childhood sweets, only this time, there’s a grown-up twist. Whether you serve it at a backyard bash, sip it solo on a warm evening, or present it as the star of a dessert cocktail lineup, this drink is guaranteed to delight. Creamy, boozy, chocolatey, fruity, it’s everything you never knew you needed in a piña colada.
So next time you crave something both decadent and refreshing, treat yourself to a Pineapple Lumps Piña Colada. It’s joy in a glass, with a tropical wink.
Print
Pineapple Lumps Piña Colada
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
🍹 For 2 Cocktails
-
🥃 3 oz white rum – smooth base spirit
-
🧉 2 oz coconut cream – creamy richness
-
🍍 2 oz pineapple juice – classic tropical sweetness
-
🍍 ½ cup caramelized pineapple chunks – for that “Pineapple Lumps” flavor
-
🍫 1 oz chocolate liqueur (optional but divine)
-
🍦 1 scoop vanilla ice cream (for ultra-creaminess)
-
🧊 1½ cups crushed ice – frozen and refreshing
-
🥄 1 tbsp sweetened condensed milk or agave (adjust for desired sweetness)
-
🌺 Dash of vanilla extract – to mimic candy-like flavor
-
🧂 Tiny pinch of sea salt – to balance sweetness
🧁 Garnishes (Optional but Recommended):
-
🍫 Chocolate syrup drizzle (inside glass)
-
🍍 Pineapple wedge or leaf
-
🥥 Toasted coconut flakes (rim or sprinkle)
-
🍒 Maraschino cherry
-
✨ Edible glitter or gold flakes for flair
Instructions
Step 1: Caramelize the Pineapple 🍍
In a hot skillet, sauté fresh pineapple chunks with a bit of brown sugar and a touch of butter for 5–7 minutes until golden and slightly caramelized. Cool slightly before blending.
Step 2: Prepare the Glass
Drizzle chocolate syrup inside a chilled hurricane or highball glass. Optionally, rim the glass with toasted coconut flakes.
Step 3: Blend the Cocktail 🍹
In a blender, add:
-
Caramelized pineapple chunks
-
White rum
-
Coconut cream
-
Pineapple juice
-
Chocolate liqueur (optional)
-
Vanilla ice cream
-
Sweetener
-
Vanilla extract
-
Sea salt
-
Crushed ice
Blend until smooth and frothy.
Step 4: Taste Test & Adjust
Want it richer? Add more coconut cream or chocolate liqueur. Need more sweetness? A little condensed milk or simple syrup will do. If it’s too thick, add a splash of pineapple juice.
Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Pour into your prepared glass. Top with toasted coconut, a pineapple wedge, and a cherry. Add a little chocolate shaving or edible glitter if you’re feeling fancy.
Notes
-
Use canned coconut cream, not coconut milk or cream of coconut. The right thickness makes a huge difference in texture.
-
Don’t overblend or it may get too watery—especially if you add melted ice cream.
-
Chocolate liqueur is optional but adds a nice depth. You can also use a few drops of chocolate bitters
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5–7 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 2g