Pina Colada Pudding Shots
This post includes a recipe for alcohol. Drink responsibly. Sparkles to Sprinkles and it’s authors are not responsible for the actions of our readers should they choose to make this recipe and consume it. Please drink responsibly.
If you like piña coladas (cue the music 🎶), you are going to love these creamy, boozy pudding cups. This easy Pina Colada Pudding Shots recipe takes everything you love about the iconic tropical drink—pineapple, coconut, and a splash of rum—and turns it into a dreamy no-bake dessert that’s perfect for parties, girls’ night, or any time you need a mini vacation in a cup.

Pina Colada Pudding Shots
They come together in minutes with just a handful of ingredients: instant vanilla pudding, Cool Whip, rum, and store-bought piña colada mix. If you’re into pudding shots like this one, you’ll also love my Banana Pudding Shots, Birthday Cake Pudding Shots, or Patriotic Pudding Shots. These are perfect recipes to bookmark for summer gatherings, potlucks, or easy entertaining!
Whether you serve them in cute mini cups with whipped cream and cherries or just keep it simple with a spoon, these pudding cups are a total crowd-pleaser. Bonus: You can even make a kid-friendly version by skipping the rum and doubling the piña colada mix—because everyone deserves a taste of paradise.

What You Will Love About This Recipe
No baking required! Great for hot weather or when you don’t want to turn on the oven.
Boozy and fun. Just enough white rum to give it that classic piña colada kick.
Party perfect. Serve in little shot cups for a cute, bite-sized dessert.
Quick and easy. Comes together in under 10 minutes with simple ingredients.
Tropical vibes year-round. Bright, fruity, and coconutty—just like the cocktail!
Ingredients:
- 2 Boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 8 Ounces Cool Whip
- 1 Cup Half and Half
- 1 Cup Pina Colada Mix
- ½ Cup White Rum
- Whipped Cream, for garnish (optional)
- Maraschino Cherries (optional)
- Toasted Coconut (optional)
- Pineapple Chunks (optional)
How to Make Pina Colada Pudding Shots
- Place the pudding in a bowl and add the half and half, pina colada mix, and rum.
- Whisk until the mixture is thickened.
- Fill up your pudding cups with the mixture. I used a frosting bag and tip at first, but then I moved to just using a spoon. It was much easier, quicker, and less messy with the spoon.
- At this point, you can either chill the shots for an hour and then garnish them before serving. Or, you can garnish and serve them immediately. This is totally up to you. Either way, enjoy!

Tips & Tricks
- Use cold ingredients. Cold half and half helps the pudding set faster and keeps it thick.
- Don’t overmix. Whisk just until the pudding thickens—too much stirring can make it runny.
- Spoon it in. A frosting bag looks cute, but a spoon is faster, easier, and way less messy.
- Chill if you can. An hour in the fridge helps the flavors meld and the texture firm up a bit.
- Get creative with toppings. Think toasted coconut, pineapple chunks, cherries, or even a tiny drink umbrella for flair!

FAQs

Pina Colada Pudding Shots
Pina Colada Pudding Shots are the perfect boozy treat to enjoy all summer long! These pudding shots are made with delicious vanilla pudding that is mixed with coconut and pineapple flavors with a kick of white rum added. It’s the perfect shot to enjoy at parties, gatherings, or while relaxing at the pool.
Ingredients
- 2 Boxes Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix
- 8 Ounces Cool Whip
- 1 Cup Half and Half
- 1 Cup Pina Colada Mix
- ½ Cup White Rum
- Whipped Cream, for garnish (optional)
- Maraschino Cherries (optional)
- Toasted Coconut (optional)
- Pineapple Chunks (optional)
Instructions
- Place the pudding in a bowl and add the half and half, pina colada mix, and rum.
- Whisk until the mixture is thickened.
- Fill up your pudding cups with the mixture. I used a frosting bag and tip at first, but then I moved to just using a spoon. It was much easier, quicker, and less messy with the spoon.
- At this point, you can either chill the shots for an hour and then garnish them before serving. Or, you can garnish and serve them immediately. This is totally up to you. Either way, enjoy!
Notes
Serves: About 12 2-Ounce Shots
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 247Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 7mgSodium: 277mgCarbohydrates: 33gFiber: 1gSugar: 31gProtein: 1g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!