What ingredient is essential for a traditional Pina Colada?

Coconut cream is an essential ingredient in a traditional Piña Colada. This classic cocktail is known for its creamy texture and tropical flavor, which primarily come from coconut cream combined with rum and pineapple juice. Coconut cream provides a rich, sweet, and creamy quality that blends perfectly with the other ingredients, creating the cocktail's signature taste.

The other ingredients listed do not play a role in the traditional recipe. Orange juice, while it may add a citrus note, is not part of the original combination. Grenadine, known for its sweet and red color, is often associated with different cocktails and does not belong in a Piña Colada. Lastly, peach schnapps is a fruit-flavored liqueur that would alter the traditional flavor profile of the drink significantly. Thus, coconut cream stands out as the fundamental component necessary for crafting a traditional Piña Colada.