Pina Colada
Escape to the tropics with the iconic Pina Colada, a smooth, creamy blend of rum, coconut, and pineapple. Believed to have originated in Puerto Rico, this cocktail is synonymous with beaches and relaxation. Our recipe delivers that perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and creamy, whether you prefer it shaken or blended. It's the ultimate vacation in a glass.
Ingredients
- 6 cl white rum
- 3 cl coconut cream
- 9 cl pineapple juice
- 1 cl lime juice
- parts ice cubes
- parts crushed ice
- 1 wedge pineapple
- 1 piece maraschino cherry
Accessories
- 1 shaker
- 1 strainer
- 1 hurricane glass
Instructions
Chill your Hurricane glass, preferably by filling it with ice while you prepare the drink.
Fill a cocktail shaker with a generous amount of ice cubes.
Add the white rum, coconut cream, pineapple juice, and fresh lime juice to the shaker.
Secure the lid tightly and shake vigorously for about 15-20 seconds. The shaker should become frosty cold.
Discard the ice from your chilled Hurricane glass and fill it with fresh crushed ice.
Using a cocktail strainer (and optionally a fine-mesh strainer for double straining), pour the mixture from the shaker into the prepared glass.
Garnish lavishly with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
Trivia
- What rum is best for a Pina Colada?
A light or white rum, typically from Puerto Rico, is the traditional choice for Pina Coladas. Its clean, mild flavor allows the pineapple and coconut to shine. Avoid heavily spiced or aged rums, which can overpower the cocktail's delicate tropical notes.
- What's the difference between coconut cream and coconut milk in a Pina Colada?
Coconut cream (like Coco López Cream of Coconut) is much thicker, sweeter, and richer than coconut milk. It's essential for achieving the classic creamy texture and sweetness of a traditional Pina Colada. Coconut milk results in a thinner, less sweet drink.
- Can you make a Pina Colada without a blender?
Absolutely! While blended Pina Coladas are popular, the original recipe was likely shaken. Shaking the ingredients with ice creates a chilled, slightly less thick but equally delicious version. Strain it over crushed ice for the best texture.
- What does a Pina Colada taste like?
A Pina Colada offers a delightful tropical flavor profile. It's primarily sweet and fruity from the pineapple juice, balanced by the rich, creamy, and nutty taste of coconut cream. The rum provides a subtle warmth, while a touch of lime juice adds a refreshing tang that cuts through the sweetness.
- Where did the Pina Colada cocktail originate?
The Pina Colada is widely recognized as the national drink of Puerto Rico. Its exact origin is debated, but the most popular story credits Ramón 'Monchito' Marrero, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, with creating it in 1954 after perfecting the blend of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
- Is the Pina Colada a strong cocktail?
The strength of a Pina Colada depends on the amount of rum used, but typically it's considered a moderately strong cocktail. With a standard pour of 6 cl (about 2 oz) of 40% ABV rum, it has a noticeable alcohol presence, but the sweetness and creaminess can mask it, making it easy to drink.