Refreshing Pina Colada Spritzer

It’s only June but we’ve had 3 beach trips already. Ive established that my cocktail of choice on those trips … and all summer long is light and bubbly. NOT creamy and heavy. This Refreshing Pina Colada Spritzer is where it’s at y’all. It tastes just like a pina colada but without the creaminess. A.K.A. the part that makes your tummy feel like it’s expanding. haha

Simple. Light. Refreshing is what summer is all about. This easy low calorie spritzer recipe is made with just 4 ingredients.

What’s in a Pina Colada?

This classic island cocktail is made with coconut cream, rum and pineapple juice. My lighter pina colada is made with pineapple juice, coconut rum, sparkling water and lime juice.

Best Rum for Pina Colada

When choosing a liquor I usually ask myself, what is it being used for? Meaning, am I drinking it mixed with other things or on it’s own? Since this cocktail is a mixed drink I like to choose a middle of the line liquor. No need to break the bank. Here are the best rums to use for pina colada or this pina colada spritzer:

Bacardi Silver: One of the most versatile cost effective rum out there. You can’t go wrong with this one.
RumHaven Coconut: This has been my go coconut rum. It is made with coconut water so there is less sugar. It adds the perfect amount of coconut flavor and it is very affordable.
El Dorado White Rum – A favorite among bartenders for mixed drinks. This rum has hints of citrus, coconut and vanilla which makes it perfect for pina coladas.
Malibu – The classic coconut rum most people use to emphasis that coconut flavor. Also very affordable.
BATI 2 yr Fijian White Rum: very subtle with hints of vanilla, perfect for a pina colada

What you’ll need to make this Pina Colada Recipe:

I love it when a plan comes together and even more when it’s an easy plan with a huge upside. This pina colada spritzer only requires 4 ingredients, here’s what you’ll need.

Pineapple Juice – Make sure to buy 100% juice or fresh squeezed not the juice from concentrate.
Coconut Rum – The coconut flavor of rum is key in this drink. Because we don’t use coconut cream, make sure that the rum you buy is coconut flavored. My favorite brand as of late is RumHaven Coconut because it’s made from coconut water.
Sparkling Water – I like to use topo chico, but any sparkling water will do. Tonic Water or Club Soda will not work here, both will add a bitter taste to the drink you will not like.
Lime Juice – Juice a squeeze of fresh lime juice will do.

How to make a Pina Colada Spritzer?

This summery cocktail comes together minutes and with only 4 ingredients you’ll be sipping it poolside in no time. Here’s how to make a single serve version and a pitcher version for a crowd:

Single Serve:

To a cocktail shaker add ice, coconut rum, pineapple juice and lime juice. Shake vigorously. Pour through strainer into a glass filled with ice. Top with sparkling water.
Garnish with lime wedges and pineapple slice.

Pitcher Version:

To a large pitcher add coconut rum, pineapple juice and lime juice. Give it a good stir to mix everything together.
Top with topo chico or sparkling water right before serving.
Serve over ice. Garnish with pineapple slice or lime wedge.

Variations to Pina Colada Spritzer:

The best part about this cocktail is how versatile it can be. Learn how to make it frozen, creamy, change the flavor or turn it into a mimosa. I’ve got your back on all those variations. Happy mixing!

Make it Frozen: Instead of this “on the rocks” version add all ingredients into a blender along with 1/2 cup of ice.
Extra Creamy: Still want that true pina colada flavor? Add 2 ounce of coconut cream.
Vodka Version: Not a rum fan? Substitute the coconut rum for coconut vodka.
Pina Colada Mimosa: This is a fun one. Instead of adding the sparkling water, do a 1:1 substitute for champagne
Mango Pina Colada: It’s always fun to add in other flavors. Change that classic pina colada up a bit by adding in 1 oz. of mango juice.

Other Summer Cocktails to enjoy: