I use Trader Joe’s coconut smoothie to make a popular cocktail with just a few extra ingredients – it’s a crowd pleaser

COCKTAIL-lovers can kick off the holiday weekend in style with a special drink using ingredients from their local Trader Joe’s.

Food writer Hannah Loewentheil has revealed how a standard Trader Joe’s coconut smoothie, along with a few extra items, can be made into a piña colada to freshen up your Memorial Day weekend.

Trader Joe's

The $2 coconut smoothie can double as a cocktail mixer[/caption]

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A shopper walking into Trader Joe’s[/caption]

Piña coladas are usually made with rum, coconut milk, and pineapple juice.

But Loewentheil explains on Buzzfeed how the $2 coconut smoothies can be swapped in as a mixer to make inexpensive at-home cocktails for yourself or a party.

Simply add the smoothie, as well as fresh or frozen pineapple or pineapple juice, and rum to a blender and mix.

She then says to add ice and pulse until the drink is at your desired consistency.

This hack is a great way to make inexpensive cocktails during the summer.

A properly mixed, expertly cold drink will stand out from the rest.

And The Sun has previously explained the key ingredients and equipment you need to become an expert.