How did you celebrate National Pina Colada Day this week? A lucky few enjoyed this refreshing beverage at the very place this summer cocktail was first invented!
Can you think of a drink that better embodies summer than a pina colada? Think about it — you’ve got coconut, which calls to mind golden beaches, and refreshing pineapple, which hints at tropical destinations just waiting for your PTO. Plus, this popular summer cocktail requires almost no prep time, making it the perfect drink for those lazy days of summer. And there’s no better day to grab your blender and say cheers to summer than July 10th — otherwise known as National Pina Colada Day and also the 69th anniversary of the drink’s invention at Caribe Hilton in Puerto Rico.
Cocktail legend has it that the hotel’s bartender, Ramón “Monchito” Marrero was experimenting with blended drink recipes when he landed on the delicious mix of rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. Marrero served up the icy summer cocktail for more than three decades, and saw it become the official drink of Puerto Rico. Luckily for you (and us!), Caribe Hilton is still serving up the original pina colada recipe for guests to enjoy. And for those in search of a more modern twist, well not to worry — they’ve got that covered too. Get ready for your next stay in paradise by following along and learning how to make the best pina colada recipe(s).
Caribe Hilton’s original pina colada recipe
| Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|
| 2 ounces rum 1 ounce coconut cream 1 ounce heavy cream 6 ounces fresh pineapple juice 1/2 cup crushed ice Optional: | Combine rum, cream of coconut, heavy cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Add ice and blend for 15 seconds. Pour into a 12-ounce glass and garnish with fresh pineapple and a cherry. Enjoy on repeat all summer long. |
Espuma colada
| Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|
| 1 ½ ounces Don Q Anejo rum ½ ounce Macorix Coco Splash coconut rum ½ ounce pineapple syrup 1 ounce pineapple juice 4 dashes black walnut bitters 3 ounces coconut lime cream (recipe below) Optional: | Combine the Don Q Anejo rum, Macorix Coco Splash coconut rum, pineapple juice, pineapple syrup and black walnut bitters in a shaker. Add ice and shake for at least 10 seconds. Strain into cocktail glass and top with the coconut lime cream. Garnish with mint sprig and grated nutmeg. |
Coconut lime cream
| Ingredients | Preparation |
|---|---|
| 4 ounces fresh lime juice 8 ounces Coco López cream of coconut 16 ounces water 4 dashes Angostura aromatic bitters Pinch salt | Combine all the ingredients together in a storage container of your choosing. Whisk well and store in freezer until ready for use. When ready, spoon on top of your espuma colada. |
