There's nothing quite like sipping on a tropical cocktail that tastes like dessert in a glass. This Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada combines the zesty tang of key lime pie, the rich creaminess of cheesecake, and the classic coconut-pineapple sweetness of a piña colada. It's a refreshing and indulgent treat that's perfect for summer gatherings, vacations at home, or any time you crave a taste of the tropics.
I first came up with this recipe while reminiscing about a trip to Key West, where key lime pie was a must-have at every stop. Blending that unforgettable flavor with my love for creamy piña coladas led to this decadent yet refreshing drink. One sip, and you'll be transported to a beachfront paradise!
Why You'll Love This Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada
If you're a fan of tropical cocktails, creamy desserts, or both, this drink is a match made in heaven. Here's why it's a must-try:
First, it's the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy. The tartness of fresh key lime juice cuts through the richness of coconut milk and cream cheese, while pineapple adds a natural sweetness.
This cocktail is also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a blender, you can have a bar-quality drink ready in minutes.
It's a showstopper. Whether you're serving it at a summer party or treating yourself to a solo happy hour, the frosty, dreamy texture and vibrant lime garnish make it as stunning as it is delicious.
Lastly, it's customizable! Whether you want to make it boozy with rum or keep it non-alcoholic, there’s a version for everyone to enjoy.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada comes from the carefully selected ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
Key Lime Juice is the star of the show, providing that signature tartness. Freshly squeezed key limes are best, but bottled key lime juice works well in a pinch.
Cream Cheese gives this drink its cheesecake-like richness. Softened cream cheese blends smoothly, ensuring a velvety texture in every sip.
Coconut Milk & Coconut Cream bring the classic piña colada flavors. Use full-fat coconut milk for creaminess and coconut cream for an extra lush consistency.
Pineapple Juice adds natural sweetness and tropical depth. Make sure to use 100% pure pineapple juice for the best flavor.
White Rum (Optional) gives this cocktail its classic kick. You can use coconut rum for an extra layer of coconut flavor or leave it out for a non-alcoholic version.
How To Make This Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada
Making this indulgent cocktail is as easy as blending up your favorite smoothie! Here’s how:
Start by softening the cream cheese to ensure it blends smoothly. You can let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes or microwave it for a few seconds.
Next, combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender. Add key lime juice, cream cheese, coconut milk, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and a generous scoop of ice.
If you're making this cocktail with alcohol, add the white rum at this stage. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can skip this step or replace it with coconut water for extra tropical flavor.
Blend everything until smooth and creamy. The drink should have a thick, milkshake-like consistency. If it’s too thick, add a splash more pineapple juice; if it’s too thin, throw in a few more ice cubes and blend again.
Pour the piña colada into chilled glasses. For a picture-perfect finish, garnish with a lime wheel, a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers for a "pie crust" effect, and a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Options
This drink is best enjoyed fresh since the texture is at its creamiest right after blending. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the freezer for up to a day.
To serve, let it sit at room temperature for about 5-10 minutes and give it a quick stir or blend to restore its smooth consistency.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada is how adaptable it is! Here are some fun variations:
- Make it dairy-free: Swap the cream cheese for dairy-free cream cheese or full-fat coconut yogurt to maintain the creamy texture.
- Turn it into a dessert smoothie: Skip the rum and blend in frozen banana or vanilla Greek yogurt for a thick, creamy shake.
- Add a graham cracker rim: Dip the rim of your glass in honey or lime juice, then coat it with crushed graham crackers for a fun, pie-like touch.
- Try different rums: Use spiced rum for a warm, complex flavor or dark rum for a richer, caramel-like depth.
- Make a frozen mocktail: Blend with extra ice and coconut water instead of rum for a refreshing, alcohol-free version.
No matter how you enjoy it, this Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada is guaranteed to be a tropical escape in a glass. Try it out, and let every sip take you on a vacation to paradise!
PrintKey Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada Recipe
This Key Lime Pie Cheesecake Piña Colada is a rich and creamy tropical delight, blending the tangy zest of key lime, the decadence of cheesecake, and the smooth coconut flavors of a classic piña colada. Perfect for summer parties or a refreshing dessert drink, this indulgent cocktail will transport you straight to the tropics.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage, Cocktail
- Method: Blended
- Cuisine: Tropical, American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 oz coconut rum
- 1 oz key lime juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 1 oz vanilla vodka
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 1 tbsp graham cracker crumbs (for garnish)
- ½ cup ice
- Whipped cream (optional, for garnish)
- Lime wedge (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a blender, combine coconut rum, key lime juice, cream of coconut, vanilla vodka, pineapple juice, and cream cheese.
- Add ice and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into a chilled glass and top with whipped cream, if desired.
- Sprinkle graham cracker crumbs over the top for a cheesecake crust effect.
- Garnish with a lime wedge and serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by adding a touch of honey or simple syrup if needed.
- For a thicker consistency, add more ice or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- To make it non-alcoholic, substitute coconut rum and vanilla vodka with coconut milk and vanilla extract.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cocktail
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 60mg
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