Piña Colada
The Piña Colada is the quintessential tropical escape in a glass. This iconic blended cocktail combines the sweetness of pineapple juice with the rich, luscious texture of coconut cream, all brought together by a generous measure of white rum. Served ice-cold and frothy, it evokes images of sandy beaches and sunny skies. It's a smooth, refreshing, and indulgent drink perfect for warm weather.
Preparation
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Preparation time
Difficulty
Drink Classification
The Piña Colada is a world-famous tropical cocktail, celebrated for its creamy, fruity profile. It is considered a classic in the tiki and tropical drink canon. While often associated with vacations and resorts, it holds a firm place in the list of contemporary classic cocktails.
Serving
Serve this large, cold cocktail in a chilled Hurricane or Poco Grande glass to showcase its creamy texture and accommodate the blended volume. It is a moderately alcoholic drink designed for relaxed sipping.
Serving size
Approximately 350-450 ml / 12-15 oz
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-15% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Hurricane or Poco Grande glass
Glass treatment
Chilled
Backstory
The most widely accepted story credits Ramón "Monchito" Marrero, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, with creating the Piña Colada in 1954. He was reportedly tasked with creating a signature drink that captured the flavors of the island. After three months of experimentation, he perfected the recipe that would become Puerto Rico's national drink in 1978.
Origin
The Piña Colada was created in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in 1954. It is widely attributed to bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero of the Caribe Hilton Hotel's Beachcomber Bar. It has since become a symbol of tropical leisure and is celebrated worldwide.
Piña Colada
The name "Piña Colada" is Spanish for "strained pineapple," which refers to the freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice used in the drink's original preparation. This name is used universally, and there are no common alternative names for the alcoholic version itself. The term directly describes a key component of the cocktail.
Original name
Piña Colada
Alternative name
Strained Pineapple
Characteristics overview
The Piña Colada delights with strong aromas of fresh pineapple and coconut, leading to a sweet, creamy, and tropical flavor profile. Its thick, smooth texture and refreshing character make it an ideal summer indulgence.
Flavor
Sweet, tropical, fruity, pineapple, coconut, creamy, rum
Aroma
Coconut, pineapple, sweet, rum
Taste balance
Sweet, slightly sour
Aftertaste
Lingering, sweet, coconut
Fizziness
None
Color appearance
Opaque, creamy white, pale yellow
Texture
Thick, smooth, creamy, frothy
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery, tropical
Flavor intensity & Experience
The flavor is dominated by high levels of fruitiness and sweetness from the pineapple and coconut cream, balanced by a light alcohol presence. It is a very creamy, non-carbonated drink with a touch of sourness.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation
Ingredients
You will need white rum, pineapple juice, and sweetened cream of coconut. A small amount of fresh lime juice can be added to cut through the sweetness.
- White Rum60 ml / 2 ozA Puerto Rican rum is traditional, but any good quality white rum will work.
- Pineapple Juice90 ml / 3 ozFreshly pressed juice is best for a brighter flavor.
- Cream of Coconut30 ml / 1 ozUse sweetened cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez), not coconut cream or coconut milk.
- Lime Juice15 ml / 0.5 oz(optional)Optional, but a splash of fresh lime juice helps balance the sweetness.
Ice type
- Crushed or Cubed for blending
Mixing equipments
The primary piece of equipment for a classic Piña Colada is a blender, used to create its signature smooth, frozen texture. A jigger is needed for measuring the ingredients precisely.
- Blender for combining and frothing ingredients with ice.
- Jigger or measuring cup for accurate liquid measurements.
Instructions
Simply combine rum, pineapple juice, and cream of coconut with ice in a blender. Blend until smooth, pour into a chilled glass, and garnish before serving.
1. Chill your serving glass (Hurricane or Poco Grande) by filling it with ice or placing it in the freezer for a few minutes.
2. Add the white rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and optional lime juice to a blender.
3. Add approximately one cup of ice to the blender.
4. Blend on high speed for 15-20 seconds, or until the mixture is smooth and has a consistent, frosty texture.
5. Pour the blended contents into your chilled glass.
6. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
7. Add a straw and serve immediately.
Garnishing
Garnish extravagantly with a fresh pineapple wedge on the glass rim and a bright red maraschino cherry. For an even more tropical look, add a long pineapple leaf.
- Pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass.
- Maraschino cherry dropped on top or speared with the pineapple wedge.
- Pineapple leaf for extra visual flair.
Dietary Information
This drink is typically vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free, but always check the cream of coconut label for additives. Note that cream of coconut may be processed in facilities with nuts, posing a risk for those with severe nut allergies.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✕ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly
Nutrition information
This is a high-calorie cocktail, largely due to its significant carbohydrate and sugar content from the juice and cream of coconut. It is an indulgent treat rather than a low-calorie option.
Calories
Averagely 300-450 kcal / 1255-1883 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 40-60 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 35-55 g
Sugar level
Occasions
This drink is perfect for warm weather occasions like summer parties, poolside lounging, and beach vacations. Its festive and tropical nature also makes it a great choice for themed events and celebrations. It is the ultimate holiday cocktail.
- Summer party
- Beach vacation
- Poolside lounging
- Tropical themed event
- Celebratory brunch
Pairing suggestions
The Piña Colada's sweet and creamy profile pairs wonderfully with spicy and savory Caribbean and Latin American dishes like jerk chicken or fish tacos. It also complements light and salty snacks such as coconut shrimp or plantain chips. A fresh tropical fruit platter makes for a perfect, harmonious pairing.
- Spicy jerk chicken
- Coconut shrimp
- Fish tacos
- Fresh fruit platters
- Salty plantain chips
Piña Colada: A Taste of Tropical Paradise
The Piña Colada is a globally beloved tropical cocktail that offers an instant taste of paradise. Its simple yet perfect blend of rum, coconut, and pineapple creates a drink that is simultaneously refreshing and decadent. Originating from Puerto Rico, it has become the official drink of the nation and a symbol of leisure worldwide. Best enjoyed blended to a smooth, frosty consistency, it's the perfect accompaniment to a sunny day.