If you’ve had the privilege of visiting the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, I really hope you made time to taste Piña Coladas at at least one watering hole. A frozen rum drink made with creamy coconut and tropical pineapple, Piña Coladas have been Puerto Rico’s national drink since the late seventies.
Piña Colada translates literally to strained pineapple – meaning without pulp – which was served over ice and had been a standard beverage in the Caribbean for decades. In a 1922 issue of TRAVEL magazine a Piña Colada is described as pineapple “shaken up with ice, sugar, lime and Bacardi rum”.
The Drama Behind Piña Coladas
The drama that surrounds the origin of the Piña Colada is hilarious. Well, I mean, it’s not “drama” drama. It’s more like one dude flexin’ on another one. According to legend, whomever made piña coladas first, did so as a way to appease tourists and the drink became a success. Isn’t it funny how all recipes began with a harried chef or bartender who needed to make some royal or obnoxious tourist happy?
Supposedly, the first person to create the piña colada was a bartender at the posh Caribe Hilton in San Juan. According to him, he created it in the late 50s. But, then, in the early sixties, a restaurant in Old San Juan, Barrachina, claimed their bartender created the cocktail. So, they said, “Well, how about we plaster this MARBLE PLAQUE on the outside of our place claiming we invented the drink?!?” And, guess what? That’s exactly what they did!! You can’t tell me that’s not the ultimate flex. How does the Caribe Hilton respond to a freakin’ memorial that claims they didn’t create jack? They don’t, that’s how. Well, ever since, there’s been a debate about who invented what and when.
Not that any of that even matters because everybody and their mother makes amazing piña coladas in Puerto Rico. If you drive down the highway from San Juan to Loíza, alone, you can choose from tons of kiosks on the side of the road that are blending these cocktails. And, you know what? They’re all amazing. Even if you are a tourist, you don’t need to jostle with the other travelers to experience “authentic” piña coladas. Go to the quiet towns and have a seat at any bar and you’ll be amazed.
What isn’t debatable is what goes into piña coladas. Pineapple, usually in the form of juice (and sometimes fresh fruit) is a must. Coconut- by way of cream of coconut- and rum are also essential. The most commonly used rums are white or gold. Ice, to make it slushy, and your choice of garnishes to make it purty.
Piña Coladas NEED Good Rum
Please don’t add gut-rot rum to your piña coladas. Yes, it’s a mixed drink, so you don’t need to bust out a $100 special edition bottle. But, you should at least use mid-shelf liquor. Bacardí is probably the rum most associated with piña coladas, but it’s not Puerto Rican rum. It’s Cuban. Yes, it can still be used, as you can see from my , but if you want to keep this as Puerto Rican as possible, use a rum from Puerto Rico like Don Q or Palo Viejo.
Whether to use white or gold (or amber) rum is simply a matter of taste. If you’re into a clean, crisp cocktail, use the white. Do you have an affinity for deeper, sweeter flavors? Go with the gold. The difference between the two is a matter of how, and how long, one has been aged. White rum is not aged, nor is it stored in special casks. Gold rum is aged for a specified period of time, usually in wooden casks. That’s what gives it its telltale color and flavor.
I had white Bacardí on the shelf, so that’s what’s going into my blender.
Place the lid on your blender and blend the mixture for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until smooth.
Piña Colada In A Pineapple
FAQ
Do pina coladas taste like pineapple?
Does Piña Colada mean pineapple and coconut?
Does Piña Colada mix have pineapple?
What is a Piña Colada made of?
What is the difference between pina colada and pineapple juice?
The juice is made by extracting the liquid from crushed pineapple fruit, which is high in vitamin C and manganese. Pina colada, on the other hand, is made by blending pineapple juice and Coco Lopez cream of coconut with ice and rum, resulting in a thick, smooth, and creamy cocktail that transports you to a beach in the Caribbean.
Does pineapple contain sugar?
Yes, all fruits contain carbohydrates, which are a type of sugar. But that is no reason to fear him. Carbohydrates, especially those from fruits and vegetables, are very important for our health and the proper functioning of the body.
What does pina colada taste like?
Pina colada is a refreshing tropical cocktail that tastes like a combination of creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and rum. Pineapple juice is a key ingredient in pina colada, bringing its unique tangy and sweet flavor to the mix. The juice is made by extracting the liquid from crushed pineapple fruit, which is high in vitamin C and manganese.
Can you use pineapple instead of pineapple juice in Pina Colada?
For a more intense pineapple flavor, use fresh pineapple instead of pineapple juice in your piña colada recipe. Pina colada is a refreshing tropical cocktail that tastes like a combination of creamy coconut, sweet pineapple, and rum. Pineapple juice is a key ingredient in pina colada, bringing its unique tangy and sweet flavor to the mix.