Coconut Water Skinny Colada

I can’t lie, I LOVE piña coladas, especially when I’m parked on a tropical beach somewhere totally amazing. But if I’m not lounging oceanside, I happen to have a great, guilt-free alternative I like to whip up now and again, and truthfully, it’s just as refreshing. Let’s call it like it is, calorie-wise, a traditional piña colada can have a massive caloric impact, something I truly don’t love, especially at my age. 

So this is my “healthier” guilt-free colada, or a drink I refer to as a skinny colada made with coconut water. This lovely cocktail is not frozen (so no blender is needed) and it does not contain the traditional creme of coconut, but it has a light, refreshing colada taste that I’m somewhat obsessed with. It’s the guilt-free aspect that I LOVE the most about this drink. In Spanish “piña colada” means “strained pineapple”, so in my skinny colada recipe, I made pineapple the main flavor focus toning down the more traditional coconut flavor ever so slightly.

The Colada’s Invention

Considered one of the world’s most favorite mixed drinks, the piña colada was said to be created in Puerto Rico. But like so many wonderful creations, there is disagreement on who the credit should rightly fully go. The Caribe Hilton, one of the premier luxury hotels in the Puerto Rican capital of San Juan, claims the piña colada was first served up in its Beachcombers Bar in 1954 by bartender Ramon “Monchito” Marrero. Another barman, Ricardo Garcíawho, served up drinks at the Caribe Hilton, however, has claimed that he invented this vastly popular cocktail.

This modern twist on a tropical classic is a great, low-calorie, less-sugar cocktail in warmer months. This fruity thirst quencher adds an elegant and festive touch to almost any gathering or celebration and is one I’ll gladly sip on all summer long.