Cheddar's Painkiller Cocktail Recipe

Cheddar's Painkiller Nutrition Facts

Calories:324

Fat:5.4g

Protein:1.2g

Carbohydrates:46.2g

Alcohol %:20%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: August 23, 2024

History

The Painkiller cocktail was first created in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands. It was so named because of its potent mix of ingredients, which were said to 'kill' any pain one might be feeling. This version, the Cheddar's Painkiller, is a popular variant served at Cheddar's Scratch Kitchen restaurants across the United States. It's a favorite among those who enjoy tropical, fruity cocktails.

How Cheddar's Painkiller Tastes?

The Cheddar's Painkiller is a sweet and creamy cocktail with a strong tropical flavor. The pineapple and orange juices give it a fruity sweetness, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy texture. The rum provides a strong, warming kick that balances out the sweetness.

Interesting facts about Cheddar's Painkiller

  • The Painkiller is considered a tiki cocktail, a style of cocktail that originated in the United States in the mid-20th century and is characterized by its tropical flavors and exotic presentation.
  • The original Painkiller cocktail was so popular that it was trademarked by Pusser's Rum, the brand of rum originally used in the cocktail.
  • Despite its name, the Cheddar's Painkiller does not contain any cheese.

Ingredients

Pineapple Juice

The Pineapple Juice is the backbone of this tropical cocktail, providing a sweet and tart base that makes you feel like you’re sipping this delight under palm trees. Less juice? You'll miss out on the tropical vibe. More? It might overshadow the other flavors.

Alex Green

Orange Juice

A touch of Orange Juice adds a citrusy boost that complements the pineapple, giving the cocktail extra depth. Skip it, and you lose some zest; too much and you're just having breakfast juice with a kick.

Emma Rose

Cream of Coconut

Cream of Coconut brings silky smoothness and a touch of sweetness, helping to balance the acidity of the juices. Without it, the drink loses its creamy dreaminess. Sub it for coconut milk, you’ll have a lighter, less sweet profile.

Mary Mitkina

Pusser's Rum

Ah, Pusser's Rum, the heart of the Painkiller! It's robust and brings warming, slightly spicy notes that dance with the tropical flavors. No Pusser's? The cocktail might lack some character. An alternative could be another dark rum, though it would slightly alter the drink’s traditional taste.

Alex Green

Freshly Grated Nutmeg

Finally, a Pinch of Freshly Grated Nutmeg on top adds an aromatic spice that elevates the drink. Leave it out, and you’ll miss that extra nuance that makes the first sip to the last truly memorable.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Cheddar's Painkiller Drink

  1. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice.
  2. Add the pineapple juice, orange juice, cream of coconut, and rum.
  3. Shake well until the outside of the shaker becomes frosty.
  4. Strain into a glass filled with ice.
  5. Top with a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg.
  6. Serve with a straw and enjoy.

Pro Tips

  • Make sure to shake the cocktail well to fully incorporate the cream of coconut.
  • Freshly grated nutmeg makes a big difference in flavor, so don't skip it!

Perfect Pairings

Appetizers

  • Grilled Shrimp - The sweet and tangy flavors of the cocktail complement the smokiness of the <Link href="https://amzn.to/495gAFu" rel="nofollow">shrimp</Link>.
  • Coconut Chicken Tenders - Cream of coconut in the drink echoes the coconut coating on the chicken. We recommend <Link href="https://amzn.to/3Sz6EyE" rel="nofollow">these</Link>

Main Courses

  • Jerk Chicken - The spicy and bold flavors of the jerk chicken balance the sweetness of the cocktail.
  • Grilled Mahi-Mahi - A light fish dish allows the tropical flavors of the cocktail to shine.

Desserts

  • Key Lime Pie - The citrus tang of the pie pairs wonderfully with the fruity notes of the Painkiller.
  • Pineapple Upside-Down Cake - Enhances the pineapple juice base of the cocktail.

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What you could change in Cheddar's Painkiller

  • If you can't find Pusser's Rum, any dark rum will do.
  • For a lighter version, you can use light coconut milk instead of cream of coconut.

Explore all drinks starting with C here

And of course - twists🍹

Coconut-Rum Painkiller

  • Substitute the rum with a coconut-flavored rum for a double-coconut punch. You'll get a drink that's even more tropical, with a stronger coconut aroma whispering through each sip.

Spiced Pineapple Painkiller

  • Spice it up by using spiced rum instead of Pusser's Rum. You’ll taste hints of vanilla and other spices, giving the Painkiller a warmer, more complex flavor.

Virgin Painkiller

  • Skip the rum altogether for a non-alcoholic version that still transports you to sandy beaches. Great for designated drivers or anyone who wants to indulge without the buzz.

In case you forgot basics how to make Cheddar's Painkiller

Add your ingredients to the shaker first, then ice. Fill it up to ¾ of its capacity to ensure enough space for shaking. Hold the shaker with both hands (one on the top and one on the bottom) and shake vigorously. The shake should come from your shoulders, not your wrists.

Learn everything on how to shake

Place your chosen strainer on top of the shaker or mixing glass, ensuring a secure fit. Pour the cocktail into a glass through the strainer, which will catch solid ingredients and ice. If double straining, hold the fine mesh strainer between the shaker and the glass.

Learn everything on how to strain

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Frequently Asked Questions on Cheddar's Painkiller

What type of glass is best for serving the Cheddar's Painkiller?

This cocktail is best served in a highball or hurricane glass which can accommodate the quantity and presentation.

Can I prepare the Cheddar's Painkiller cocktail in advance?

Yes, you can batch the ingredients together in advance and store it in the fridge. However, it's recommended to add the nutmeg fresh just before serving.

I can't consume alcohol. Is there a non-alcoholic version of Cheddar's Painkiller?

Yes, you can replace Pusser's Rum with a non-alcoholic rum substitute or simply exclude it for a fruitier variant.

What's the best way to grate the nutmeg for Cheddar's Painkiller?

Use a microplane grater for the best results. This type of grater will give you a fine, fluffy grind that will float on the top of the drink.

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