I’m not one to brag, but in a few days I’ll be on my way to Mexico for a few days of sun, sand, sea and relaxation with mom and sissy. So please forgive me, for I’m savouring every moment and whipping myself up into the holiday spirit with this glass of Watermelon Piña Colada. Yes, you heard me right, watermelon in a Piña Colada – how fantastically yummy is that?!

Piña Colada is Spanish for piña “pineapple” and colada “strained”. This sweet and fruity cocktail, typically made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice, epitomises a tropical beach holiday. So here I am with a glass in hand, whilst deliberating over which bikini’s to pack – it’s such a hard life!

But you know me, I like to spice things up and add a twist to traditional recipes. Watermelon is so hot right now and I have a little left-over from my last batch of Watermelon Ice Cream, so naturally I threw caution to the wind and added it to my Piña Colada, because… well, why not? Not only does it turn this cocktail into the prettiest shade of pink, it also adds a refreshing hint of watermelon taste and turns the sweetness levels down a notch – fabulous darling! 

Naturally, a cocktail is only as good as the ingredients you put into it, so always use a good quality rum and pineapple juice. As for the coconut milk, this ingredient always confuses me. There are so many varieties available now and I’m never sure whether to head for the dairy milk alternative you get in a carton or to turn to the canned variety.

Coconut milk, sold as an alternative to regular dairy milk, is far too runny for this recipe, although it is perfect for a blended version. Instead we’ll use coconut cream, which is thicker and richer than the milk. Coconut Cream can be bought separately, but can also be skimmed from the top of canned coconut milk – yes, that’s what that thick layer of gloop is!

To keep my cocktail chilled, I like to freeze a giant cube or sphere (I used Tovolo Ice Moulds) of coconut milk or blended watermelon, instead of using regular water. Not only does this make your cocktail look spectacular and like one made by a professional, but any ice that melts will enhance the flavour of the cocktail – maybe next time I’ll use pure rum! 😉

So if you like Piña Coladas, or getting caught in the rain …get your blender out and make this impossibly easy (and crazy good) Watermelon Piña Colada!