Beat the Heat with Pina Colada Snow Cones
Are you dreaming of a tropical escape but stuck at home this summer? This refreshingly delicious pina colada snow cone recipe will bring the islands’ taste to your kitchen! It’s the perfect way to cool down on a scorching day while transporting your taste buds to a sunny beach.
The Pina Colada Snow Cones is a unique fusion of two beloved frozen treats—the classic pina colada and the icy, syrup-drenched snow cone. Originating in the Caribbean, the national drink of Puerto Rico, the pina colada combines rum, pineapple juice, and creamy coconut. When Spanish settlers brought shaved ice desserts from Asia to the Americas, it was only natural that these two refreshing concepts would eventually merge into one delightfully tropical snow cone variety.
Creating this frosty treat is a breeze; just a few simple ingredients you probably already have are required. The signature rich and creamy pina colada flavor comes from sweetened condensed milk combined with pineapple juice and coconut for an irresistibly tropical blend.
You’ll need a sturdy ice shaver or blender to achieve that perfect shaved ice texture, like the snow cones you’d buy from a truck. Add a few handfuls of ice cubes and let the machine work its magic! The result is satisfactory: fluffy ice, the ideal base for those sweet and fruity flavors.
The ultra-simple syrup you’ll drizzle over the top makes these homemade pina colada snow cones unique. Made with pineapple juice, white sugar, coconut extract, and a squeeze of tangy lime, it takes the whole treat to amazingly refreshing new heights.
Add a splash of rum to the syrup for a boozy adult version, or use coconut rum instead of the extract. Top with a cheery umbrella, maraschino cherries, and pineapple wedges for the frozen cocktail experience.
Perfect for cooling down at backyard barbecues, pool parties, or anytime you need a mini tropical staycation, these icy pina colada snow cones will have you daydreaming of swaying palm trees in no time! Give the easy recipe a try today.
Tips and Tricks
Tip #1: For Extra Pina Colada Flavor
Want to ramp up that signature pina colada taste? After blending the ice, stir in a splash of coconut cream. This rich, sweet coconut milk adds an extra dose of tropical coconut flavor that takes these snow cones to a new level of deliciousness! Just be careful not to add too much, or the ice will get soupy.
Tip #2: Make It A Float!
Here’s a fun twist – turn your pina colada snow cone into an epic float! Once you’ve piled the shaved ice into a glass or bowl, pour some pineapple juice or creamy pina colada mix. As the ice melts, you’ll have a pool of refreshing pina colada “soda” at the bottom to sip on. It’s like getting two treats in one!
Tip #3: Customize With Fun Toppings
While the pineapple, cherry, and lime garnishes are classics, this is your chance to get creative with your toppings. Sprinkle on some toasted coconut flakes for extra crunch and coconutty goodness. Or add a drizzle of sweet condensed milk for an ultra-creamy pina colada vibe. You could even throw some diced mango or passion fruit for a tropical twist. Unleash your creativity and let your imagination soar beyond boundaries! The sky’s the limit, and the possibilities are infinite. Get ready to explore a world of endless opportunities!
Tip #4: Make It A Slushie
Are you not a huge fan of shaved ice? No problem! This recipe can easily be turned into an ice-like slushie drink instead. Just blend all the ingredients—pineapple juice, cream of coconut, lime juice, and ice—until smoothie consistency. Pour into a glass and sip away for a thick, slushy pina colada treat on the go.
F&Q
Question: What are the main ingredients in a pina colada snow cone?
Answer: The main ingredients in a classic pina colada snow cone recipe are shaved ice or finely crushed ice, pineapple juice, cream of coconut or coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and lime juice. Some recipes also call for coconut extract or rum.
Question: How do you make pina colada snow cone syrup?
Answer: To make pina colada syrup for snow cones, you’ll want to combine pineapple juice, granulated sugar, coconut extract (or rum), and lime juice in a saucepan. Bring it to a boil while stirring frequently until the sugar fully dissolves. Let it cool completely before drizzling over shaved ice.
Question: Can you make pina colada snow cones ahead of time?
Answer: While you can pre-make the shaved ice, pina colada syrup, and any garnishes ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the snow cones right before serving. The shaved ice will get melty and soggy if made too far in advance. The individual components can be prepped 1-2 days in advance.
Question: What toppings go well on pina colada snow cones?
Answer: Some tasty topping ideas for pina colada snow cones include toasted coconut flakes, maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks or wedges, sliced lime, sweetened whipped cream, and cocktail umbrellas. For an adults-only version, you can also add a splash of rum.
Question: What is a snow cone machine?
Answer: A snow cone machine is a specialized appliance that shaves or shreds ice cubes into a fluffy, snow-like texture, perfect for making snow cones.
Question: How do you make shaved ice without a machine?
Answer: You can make shaved ice at home without a machine by putting ice cubes in a blender or food processor and pulsing until finely crushed. Read more.
Question: What are the nutrition facts for a pina colada?
Answer: A typical 8-oz pina colada contains around 490 calories, 20g fat, 65g carbs, and 3g protein. However, nutrition can vary depending on the ingredients.
Question: Where did snow cones originate?
Answer: Snow cones are believed to have originated from Asian migrants who brought the idea of flavored ice desserts when settling in America.
Question: Are there non-alcoholic pina colada recipes?
Answer: For a virgin pina colada, blend pineapple juice, cream of coconut, vanilla extract, and ice. You can also use a non-alcoholic pina colada drink mix.
Pina Colada Snow Cone
Ingredients
- 4 cups shaved ice or finely crushed ice
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup cream of coconut
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut extract
- - - Maraschino cherries for garnish
- - - Pineapple chunks for garnish
- - - Tiny umbrellas for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Make the pina colada syrup by combining the pineapple juice, cream of coconut, sugar, lime juice, and coconut extract in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely
- Divide the shaved ice evenly between 4 cups or bowls.
- Drizzle each portion with 2-3 tablespoons of the cooled pina colada syrup.
- Garnish with maraschino cherries, pineapple chunks, and tiny umbrellas if desired. Serve immediately.
If you loved this tropical pina colada snow cone recipe, be sure to also try our Tropical Twist: Mango Lemonade Recipe for another refreshingly fruity frozen treat!
Outro
Buying an expensive plane ticket to taste the tropics this summer is unnecessary! With this easy pina colada snow cone recipe, you can bring the bright flavors of the islands right to your kitchen. Whip up a batch of these refreshingly cool treats, and you’ll instantly be transported to a relaxing beach with a frozen cocktail in hand.
Whether cooling off at a backyard BBQ or simply indulging, these frosty pleasures are a surefire hit. The only challenge is resisting the urge for seconds or thirds! Savor them with a grin, and you’ll master the art of pina colada snow cones in no time.
If you tried this pina colada snow cone recipe and loved it as much as we did, share it on Pinterest! Tag @joymelife in your pins so we can see your creations. We can’t wait to see those gorgeous tropical treats on our feeds.
