Cocktail Recipes - Cocktail Magic

Virgin Pina Colada vs Original: Which Is the Healthier Choice?

Nothing symbolizes summer and the tropics more than a long, tall Pina Colada garnished with a maraschino cherry and a fancy pineapple wedge. Preferably served pool side with some chill music playing in the background, and your nose in a good book. With healthier cocktail options becoming more popular, let’s look at this comparison: Virgin Pina Colada vs Original Pina Colada.

History of the Piña Colada

The Piña Colada originated in the Carribean island of Puerto Rico. There are several different stories surrounding its creation but all the stories have two things in common – it was invented at the Caribe Hilton Hotel around 1954. It was proclaimed Puerto Rico’s national drink in 1978.

Key Differences: Virgin Pina Colada vs Original

Basically the only difference is alcoholic rum! The traditional Piña Colada is a well known tropical cocktail and traditionally consists of white rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice.

The mocktail version, or Virgin Pina Colada, is a mix of coconut and pineapple juice. Some versions of the recipe also include non-alcoholic mock rum or rum essence which maintains the cocktail’s tropical flavor without the alcohol content.

Why is the Virgin Piña Colada Healthier than the Original?

When we look at our Virgin Pina Colada vs Original comparison, how do they measure up on the health scale?

By eliminating the alcohol alone, the Virgin Piña Colada is generally lower in calories and sugar than a regular Pina Colada. Eliminating the alcohol also means no hangovers, and provides a refreshing, hydrating drink that’s packed with electrolytes from coconut milk and enzymes from pineapple. It’s also loaded with potassium and bromelain, an enzyme from pineapple that aids digestion and can help reduce inflammation.

How Do You Make a Virgin Pina Colada?

There are many variations of a Virgin Pina Colada but this simple recipe is my favorite one. First I get a blender and half fill it with ice. To this I add 60 ml (2 oz) of non-alcoholic rum. There are a few on the market to choose from but personally I like to use Ritual Zero Proof. Then I add the rest of the ingredients: 90ml (3oz) of pineapple juice, 30 ml (1 oz) coconut milk and 30 ml (1 oz) coconut cream.

Using both the coconut milk and the coconut cream gives it a lovely, rich, creamy texture. Blend on high speed until smooth, and serve in a chilled tall glass garnished with a slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry.

How Do You Make a Pina Colada?

To make an original Pina Colada, do as above but swap the non-alcoholic rum for the real thing. There are many different types of rum to choose from, but my favorite to use in a Pina Colada is the original Bacardi Rum.

How Many Calories are in a Virgin Pina Colada vs Original?

A standard Piña Colada can have around 300-500 calories, while a virgin version usually contains about 150-300 calories, depending on the ingredients used.

How Can I Make A Healthier Version of a Virgin Pina Colada?

For a lower calorie version of both a Virgin Pina Colada and an Original Pina Colada, swap the coconut milk and coconut cream for coconut water. This will give you the coconut flavor without the extra calories.

Coconut water is 94% water and has very little fat content making it low in calories and carbohydrates. It is also known for it’s nutritional benefits including being high in antioxidants, may benefit your heart, moderate your blood sugar, help improve kidney health, and at the same time keep you refreshed and hydrated.

Virgin Pina Colada vs Original: Which is the best option?

Our comparison of Virgin Pina Colada vs Original reveals the only real difference is the alcohol content. If you want to drink a cocktail and not get drunk – for health reasons, or if you need to drive a vehicle afterwards, or religious reasons, or legal reasons – then the Virgin Pina Colada is the one for you.

If you don’t mind the alcohol content then go for the Original Pina Colada!