Pina Colada Cocktail Recipe
Pina Colada Nutrition Facts
Calories:245
Fat:6g
Protein:1g
Carbohydrates:32g
Alcohol:14%
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
Contents
History
The Piña Colada is a classic tropical cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico in the 1950s. It was created by bartender Ramón 'Monchito' Marrero at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, who wanted to capture the flavors of the island in a refreshing drink. The cocktail quickly gained popularity and was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico in 1978.
- The name: Piña Colada means 'strained pineapple' in Spanish, referring to the pineapple juice used in the drink.
- Popularity: The Piña Colada has become a symbol of tropical vacations and beachside relaxation.
- Variations: There are many variations of the Piña Colada, including the Virgin Piña Colada (non-alcoholic) and the Miami Vice (a mix of Piña Colada and Strawberry Daiquiri).
How Pina Colada Tastes?
The Piña Colada is a sweet, creamy, and fruity cocktail with a smooth texture. The flavors of pineapple and coconut blend harmoniously, creating a tropical taste sensation. The rum adds a subtle warmth and depth to the drink.
Interesting facts about Pina Colada
- The song: The Piña Colada is famously mentioned in the 1979 song 'Escape (The Piña Colada Song)' by Rupert Holmes.
- National Piña Colada Day: July 10th is celebrated as National Piña Colada Day in the United States.
- World Record: In 2014, Puerto Rico set the Guinness World Record for the largest Piña Colada, which contained 3,150 liters (832 gallons) of the cocktail.
Ingredients
- White rum: 2 oz(60ml)
- Pineapple juice: 3 oz(90ml)
- Cream of coconut: 1 oz(30ml)
- Fresh lime juice: 0.5 oz(15ml)
- Crushed ice: 1 cup
- Fresh pineapple wedge: 1
- Garnish: Maraschino Cherry:1
White Rum
The 2 oz of white rum provides the alcoholic base for the cocktail. It lends a smooth, slightly sweet flavor. Too little, and you miss the 'spirit' of it; too much, and your Piña Colada might set sails without you.
Mary Mitkina
Pineapple Juice
3 oz of pineapple juice gives our tropical friend its signature tang and sweetness. Skimp on it, and you'll wonder where the island vibes went. Overflow it, and your drink may become a pineapple parade.
Alex Green
Cream of Coconut
1 oz of cream of coconut brings the creamy, velvety texture that makes every sip feel like a cloud in your mouth. No coconut cream, no creamy dream—it's that simple. But pour too much, and you might as well be sipping on a coconut.
Emma Rose
Fresh Lime Juice
A zesty 0.5 oz of fresh lime juice cuts through the sweetness, adding balance and freshness. Without it, your drink could become a sugar fest, with it, a harmonious symphony.
Mary Mitkina
Crushed Ice
1 cup of crushed ice - it's the unsung hero that chills and dilutes, ensuring that your cocktail doesn't feel like a tropical warm front.
Alex Green
Fresh Pineapple Wedge and Maraschino Cherry
For garnishing, one fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry add the final touch of paradise while whispering sweet nothings about your presentation skills.
Emma Rose
Recipe. How to make Pina Colada Drink
- Prepare the ingredients: Measure out the white rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and fresh lime juice.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the rum, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, lime juice, and crushed ice. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Pour the mixture into a hurricane or highball glass.
- Garnish: Place a pineapple wedge on the rim of the glass and add a maraschino cherry on top of the pineapple wedge.
Pro Tips
- Quality Ingredients: Use fresh pineapple juice and high-quality rum for the best flavor.
- Blending: Blend until the ice is completely crushed for a smoother texture.
- Serving: Chill the glass before serving for a more refreshing drink.
Perfect Pairings
Seafood
A classic Piña Colada pairs wonderfully with lighter seafood dishes. The sweetness of the cocktail complements the delicate flavors of shrimp, scallops, or a fresh fish ceviche.
Spicy Foods
The creamy sweetness of the Piña Colada can provide a refreshing contrast to spicy dishes. Think of enjoying it with jerk chicken, spicy Thai noodles, or a zesty salsa.
BBQ & Grilled Foods
The cocktail's tropical flavors make it a great companion for BBQ and grilled meats, balancing the smokiness with a touch of sweetness and acidity.
🍹 Discover the Top 50 All-Time Recipes! 🍹
Enter your email, and we'll send the exclusive list straight to your inbox.
We respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously
What you could change in Pina Colada
- Rum: You can substitute white rum with dark rum or coconut rum for a different flavor profile.
- Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice can be used as a substitute.
- Cream of Coconut: Coconut milk or coconut cream can be used as a substitute.
Explore all drinks starting with P here
And of course - twists🍹
Coconut Cream Piña Colada
Swap cream of coconut for the same amount of coconut cream. This twist will have a more pronounced and more natural coconut flavor, with less sweetness and more creaminess. Ideal for coconut lovers! Expect a denser, more indulgent experience.
Spiced Pineapple Piña Colada
Add a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the blender before blending. A hint of spice will introduce a warming contrast to the frosty sweetness. It's like Christmas collided with your summer vacation, in the most delicious way possible.
Berry-licious Piña Colada
Blend in a handful of your favorite berries. Turn the classic on its head with a burst of berry flavor. Not only will it have a more complex taste, but you'll also get an eye-catching color. Summer just got a little more fun, and your Instagram a little more like.
In case you forgot basics how to make Pina Colada
Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).
Learn everything on garnishingFind the cocktail you'd love!
If you want to drink something else - you can use our AI-augmented search to find the best cocktail for you!
Completely free!
Frequently Asked Questions on Pina Colada
What type of White Rum should I use?
Any white rum works, but brands like Bacardi, Havana Club or Mount Gay are often recommended for their smooth and distinct flavors.
Is there any special equipment required to make a Pina Colada?
While not necessary, a quality blender can make a difference in achieving the smooth and frothy texture characteristic of Pina Coladas.
Can I make a batch of Pina Colada ahead of time?
Yes, you can mix all the ingredients and keep it refrigerated. However, blend it with ice just before serving for the best taste and texture.
What is the best type of glass to serve a Pina Colada?
Traditionally, a Pina Colada is served in a Poco Grande or Hurricane glass. But any tall glass would work.
Are there any food pairings that go well with Pina Colada?
Pina Colada goes well with tropical or Caribbean themed foods. It complements spicy foods and seafood particularly well.
More similar recipes to Pina Colada!
Explore new cocktails you'd love!
White Russian
The White Russian is a creamy, sweet, and slightly strong cocktail. The combination of vodka, coffee liqueur, and cream creates a rich and indulgent flavor profile that is both comforting and satisfying.
White Lady
The White Lady has a delicate balance of sweet and sour flavors, with a hint of citrus from the lemon juice. The gin provides a strong, herbal backbone, while the orange liqueur adds a touch of sweetness and complexity. The egg white gives the cocktail a smooth, velvety texture that is both light and refreshing.
Irish Cream White Russian
The Irish Cream White Russian has a rich, creamy, and slightly sweet taste with notes of coffee, chocolate, and vanilla. The vodka adds a subtle kick, while the Irish cream and coffee liqueur create a velvety, indulgent texture.
Mai Tai
The Mai Tai has a balanced, sweet, and tangy taste with a hint of almond from the orgeat syrup. The combination of light and dark rums gives it a rich and complex flavor, while the lime juice adds a refreshing citrus note.
Harvey Wallbanger
The Harvey Wallbanger has a sweet and fruity taste, with a hint of herbal bitterness from the Galliano. The orange juice adds a refreshing citrus flavor, while the vodka provides a smooth and subtle kick.
Amaretto Sour
The Amaretto Sour is a sweet, tangy, and slightly nutty cocktail. The sweetness of the Amaretto is balanced by the sourness of the lemon juice, creating a refreshing and flavorful drink.
Margarita
The Margarita is a well-balanced cocktail with a bright, citrusy flavor. It is both sweet and sour, with the tanginess of lime juice complementing the sweetness of the orange liqueur. The tequila adds a strong, earthy backbone, while the salt rim enhances the overall taste and adds a savory touch.
Daiquiri
The Daiquiri is a refreshing, tangy, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of citrus. It has a light and crisp taste, making it perfect for warm weather or as an aperitif.
Long Island Iced Tea
The Long Island Iced Tea is a complex blend of flavors, combining the sweetness of cola and sour mix with the boldness of multiple spirits. It is a strong, yet surprisingly smooth cocktail with a slightly bitter aftertaste.
Mudslide
The Mudslide cocktail is a rich, creamy, and indulgent drink with a perfect balance of sweet and slightly bitter flavors. The combination of coffee liqueur, Irish cream, and vodka creates a smooth, velvety texture with a hint of warmth from the alcohol.
Painkiller
The Painkiller cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of pineapple and orange juices creates a fruity base, while the coconut cream adds a rich, creamy sweetness. The dark rum provides a strong, warming backbone, and the freshly grated nutmeg on top adds a subtle hint of spice.
Brandy Alexander
The Brandy Alexander is a rich, creamy, and sweet cocktail with a hint of nuttiness from the crème de cacao. It has a velvety texture and a warming, comforting taste that is perfect for sipping on a cold night.
Lava Flow
The Lava Flow cocktail is a delicious combination of sweet, fruity, and creamy flavors. The drink is rich and velvety, with a hint of tanginess from the pineapple and a subtle coconut undertone. The strawberry puree adds a touch of tartness and a beautiful contrast in both taste and appearance.
Banana Daiquiri
The Banana Daiquiri has a sweet, creamy, and fruity taste with a hint of tartness from the lime juice. It's a well-balanced cocktail that combines the tropical flavors of banana and rum with the refreshing citrus notes of lime.
Volcano
The Volcano cocktail has a complex and fruity taste, with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and slightly spicy flavors. The combination of rum, fruit juices, and grenadine creates a tropical and refreshing taste, while the cinnamon adds a warm and spicy kick.
Cuban Breeze
The Cuban Breeze has a sweet and fruity taste with a hint of tartness. It is light and refreshing, with a smooth and slightly creamy texture. The combination of pineapple, coconut, and rum creates a tropical and exotic flavor profile.
Pink Moon
The Pink Moon cocktail offers a delightful fusion of flavors. It's floral and slightly sweet from the elderflower cordial, with a refreshing zing from the lime juice. The coconut liqueur adds a tropical twist, while the gin provides a smooth, botanical base. Overall, it's a light, fragrant, and slightly tart beverage that's perfect for sipping.
Bahia
The Bahia cocktail offers a creamy, sweet, and tropical flavor profile with a subtle hint of coconut. The pineapple juice provides a tangy fruitiness that balances the richness of the coconut cream, while the white rum adds a smooth, spirited kick.
Cranberry Punch
The Cranberry Punch cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, tart, and tangy flavors. The cranberry juice provides a slightly sour and fruity taste, while the orange juice adds a touch of sweetness and citrusy brightness. The overall flavor is well-balanced, light, and refreshing.
Inca
The Inca cocktail has a complex and well-balanced taste, featuring sweet, sour, and slightly bitter notes. The fruity flavors from the passion fruit and pineapple are complemented by the warmth of the pisco and the herbal touch of the bitters.
Malibu
The Malibu cocktail is a sweet, fruity, and refreshing drink with a hint of coconut. It has a light and tropical taste, making it perfect for warm weather and beachside sipping.
Mary Pickford
The Mary Pickford cocktail is a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and fruity flavors. The pineapple juice and grenadine give it a tropical sweetness, while the maraschino liqueur adds a hint of cherry and almond. The rum provides a smooth and slightly warming finish.
Barracuda
The Barracuda cocktail is a delightful mix of sweet, sour, and slightly bitter flavors. The sweetness of the pineapple juice and the tanginess of the lime juice create a refreshing, fruity base, while the rum adds a warm, rich depth. The Galliano liqueur provides a subtle hint of herbal bitterness, balancing out the overall taste and making it a well-rounded, satisfying drink.
Navy Grog
Navy Grog is a well-balanced cocktail with a complex flavor profile. It's strong, yet refreshing, with a combination of sweet, sour, and spicy notes. The rum provides a rich, warm base, while the citrus juices add a bright, tangy element. The honey and spices round out the flavor, giving the drink a touch of sweetness and depth.
Martini
The Martini has a crisp, clean, and slightly herbal taste. It is a strong and sophisticated cocktail with a hint of bitterness from the vermouth.
Old Fashioned
The Old Fashioned has a rich, complex taste that is both sweet and bitter. The whiskey provides a strong, warming base, while the sugar and bitters add a touch of sweetness and a hint of spice. The orange and cherry garnish add a subtle fruity note.
Manhattan
The Manhattan cocktail is a well-balanced blend of sweet, bitter, and strong flavors. The sweetness comes from the vermouth, while the bitterness is derived from the aromatic bitters. The whiskey provides a robust and full-bodied taste, making the drink a perfect choice for those who enjoy a strong and complex cocktail.
Mojito
The Mojito is a refreshing, sweet, and slightly sour cocktail with a hint of mint and a subtle rum kick. It is a well-balanced drink that is both invigorating and easy to sip.
Flaming Dr. Pepper
The Flaming Dr. Pepper has a unique, sweet, and slightly spicy taste. It is reminiscent of the Dr. Pepper soft drink, with a hint of caramel and a warming sensation from the flaming alcohol.
Cuban Missile Crisis
This cocktail has a bold, complex taste with a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and bitter flavors. The rum provides a strong, warming sensation, while the lime juice adds a refreshing tanginess. The bitters and sugar syrup round out the flavor profile, making it a truly satisfying and memorable drink.