Apr 20, 20212 min read

Pina Colada

Do you like getting caught in the rain ? Well, we have a drink for you. This is the Pina Colada.

Prep time : 3 minutes

Serves : 1

Strength : Light

The Pina Colada is an iconic cocktail known around the world and still remains a favourite among many despite it dating back all the way to the 19th Century. It’s earliest story of creation says it was created by Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí, to boost his crew's morale. With his death in 1825 the recipe was apparently lost, although this story is disputed by some historians. Its Spanish name translates literally to “Strained Pineapple”.

In 1950 the New York Times said "Drinks in the West Indies range from Martinique's famous rum punch to Cuba's pina colada (rum, pineapple and coconut milk)."

The Caribe Hilton Hotel claims Ramón "Monchito" Marrero created the Piña Colada in 1954 while a bartender at the hotel. According to this story Marrero settled on a recipe for the Pina Colada which he felt captured the true nature and essence of Puerto Rico. The hotel was presented with a proclamation in 2004 by Puerto Rico Governor Sila M. Calderón celebrating the drink's 50th anniversary.

Its build is a very simple combination off White Rum, Cream of Coconut and Pineapple juice. You can make a shaken version of this drink but traditionally and especially in more modern times, it is made in a blender and blended to a frozen texture. The drink is usually garnished with a Pineapple wedge and/or a Maraschino Cherry. Its flavour is very much one of sweet Pineapple with a slight tone of coconut and a creamy frozen texture.

A Pina Colada is one of those cocktails you’ll see a lot of people enjoying in hot days at the beach and in bars especially in countries like Cuba and Puerto Rico. If you have never tried one before then it is highly recommended !