Pina Coladas

I "met" Nelly on Twitter and I feel like I've known her for ages. She is the kindest and most talented individual and I'm so happy whenever I can share her with all of you. Nelly is an amazing writer (catch her blogging at Cooking with Books) and she is one fantastic baker. I'm going to stop blabbing about Nelly and just let her take it away...


"If you like Pina Coladas
And getting caught in the rain
If you're not into yoga
If you have half a brain
If you'd like making love at midnight
In the dunes on the Cape
Then I'm the love that you've looked for
Write to me and escape."

-Rubert Holmes 

Hello Elephant Truck readers! It's me! Nelly, from Cooking with Books, this time with a refreshing summer drink we all love, Pina Coladas! No, not the uber-sweet, artificially flavored drink, but an all-natural, good for you Pina Colada! Unless you are currently on the other side of the world, or your state hasn't had a day over 50 degrees F, you'll appreciate and learn to love this natural nectar of the gods!

Pineapples are an amazing source of antioxidants, as well as Vitamin C! They'll keep your immune system in awesome shape, as well as a hundred and one more benefits. Drinking fresh pineapple juice, as well as munching on fresh pineapple chunks, is a great source for enzymes that will detox your system from all those nasty winter colds and spring flus. 

By adding coconut water, we're also adding flavor but not the sugars or fat normally found in coconut milk or coconut cream. Sure, if you want to indulge, by all means go ahead and use these. But amazingly enough, today I want to share a healthy drink that after a week or so of drinking, you'll feel much better. From personal experience, I've seen my skin become smoother and my energy levels have improved after drinking pineapple juice in the mornings. 

This recipe calls for specific ingredients, but is definitely adaptable to your taste. Add fresh, minced ginger for a spicy kick; sweeten with organic maple syrup for a nice finish; add another fruit for extra health! Just DO NOT sweeten with white, refined sugar; don't add bacon or bacon fat to it; and seriously, just don't think of adding ice cream. Unless you REALLY need to. Then, it's all on you and I am not held responsible for any situations (or pounds) that may arise. 

Pina Colada Drink

Ingredients

1 pineapple, peeled and cut into chunks

1 fresh coconut, with water removed (or a bottle of coconut water, just check ingredients!)

1 cup of ice

Method

1. In a blender, give the pineapple a spin. Do it in steps, not all of the pineapple will fit! Thin it down with the coconut water. 
2. If your blender can take it, add the ice and crush it, incorporating it into the drink.
3. If not, just serve in tall glasses with a slice of pineapple on the side and enough ice to cool you off.
4. After 5 o'clock, top with a shot of spiced rum, vodka, or your libation of preference.  

Wishing you all a happy Summer, filled with pool parties, barbeques, frozen drinks and iced coffee! Come visit me over at Cooking with Books for new summer recipes, as well as foodie giveaways all summer long!

Thanks Nelly! Now head over to Cooking with Books for a giveaway from little old me!