National Piña Colada Day
Rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice are all it takes to whisk you away to a tropical location. Have yourself a mini-vacation by sipping on a piña colada.
If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain
Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”, by Rupert Holmes
If you’re not into yoga, if you have half a brain
The Pina Colada has a long and noble history, both as a mixological
The name for the drink comes from the basis of its creation, Piña meaning “Pineapple” and Colada meaning “Strained.”
This drink is a delicious mix of all the things that speak to the Caribbean and tropical locales, with the pineapple juice mixed together with a rich coconut cream, spiked up with just a bit of white rum into the mix.
Is there anything that speaks more of warm white sand beaches and beautiful azure skies than a drink that was born on those same shores?
How to Celebrate Pina Colada Day
If you seriously need someone to tell you the best way to celebrate Pina Colada Day, you may have very well gotten started without us.
For all that it’s an incredibly simple drink, there are variations on this old classic that can have you enjoying a different variety (responsibly of course!) all day long! To help you along, we’ll be giving you a few different recipes and varieties to get you started!
The Basic Pina Colada
1 part White Rum
1 part Coconut Cream
3 parts Pineapple Juice
Take this mixture and stir in crushed ice until it’s good and smooth, pour into a glass that’s been chilled, garnish it with a slice of pineapple and an umbrella, and serve it to your favorite set of
The Tropics by Storm
1 part White Rum
1 part Malibu Coconut Rum
1 part Pineapple Rum
Frozen Pineapple Chunks (½ to 1” size chunks)
Pour this mixture into a cocktail mixture filled with ice, and shake it until thoroughly mixed, fill the coconut half half-full with chunks of frozen pineapple of various sizes, and pour the mixture over it. Serve with a festive straw and be ready to drown in a Tropic Storm of flavor!
History of the Piña Colada
Yes, I like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain
Escape (The Pina Colada Song)”, by Rupert Holmes
I’m not much into health food, I am into champagne
As befits a drink born of tropic fruits from tropical shores, stirred with a drink distilled from the rich sugar born drink favored by merchants and pirates alike, the history of the Pina Colada is steeped is mystery, folklore, and conflict.
The first and oldest story of the drink is born in the Caribbean waters around Peurto Rico, upon the ship of one Roberto Cofresi, Captain of a crew of the foulest batch of pirates to sail the seas in the early 19th century.
While this is the earliest known origin of the drink, used to boost the morale of the crew, the recipe was lost for a time after his death in 1825.
It wasn’t until 1954 that the drink was to find itself rediscovered by one Ricardo Garcia, a mixologist born in Barcelona and working at a Hilton.
This story tells that it was discovered as a series of fortunately unfortunate events, starting with a strike of the coconut cutters union that led to a shortage of the favored cup of the resorts favored drink, the Coco-Loco.
Without a freshly macheted coconut shell to serve it in, Ricardo adapted to the circumstances in front of him by presenting the drink in a hollowed out pineapple instead. Thus, according to this bit of lore, the Pina Colada was reborn.
National Piña Colada Day FAQs
What’s the connection between the Piña Colada and tiki culture?
The Piña Colada gained fame during the mid-20th century tiki bar craze in the U.S. Tiki culture celebrated exotic cocktails with tropical ingredients and elaborate presentations.
The Piña Colada became a staple, often served in hollowed-out pineapples or coconut shells, embodying the escapism of tiki aesthetics.
Are there any superstitions tied to pineapple in Puerto Rican culture?
In Puerto Rico, pineapples are seen as symbols of hospitality and prosperity.
This association makes the Piña Colada more than just a cocktail—it’s a warm, welcoming drink. Some locals even believe pineapple-infused beverages bring good luck when shared with guests.
What’s the environmental impact of making Piña Coladas?
Traditional Piña Coladas rely heavily on coconut and pineapple farming.
These industries can strain water resources and lead to deforestation. However, some brands now focus on sustainable farming and eco-friendly packaging to reduce their carbon footprint.
How did the Piña Colada influence bartending tools?
The drink’s creamy consistency led to innovations in bar blenders during the 1960s.
Bartenders sought machines that could handle the thick mixture of ice, coconut cream, and juice. This push for better equipment eventually improved blending technology in kitchens worldwide.
Why is coconut cream used instead of coconut milk?
Coconut cream gives the Piña Colada its signature richness and smooth texture.
Unlike coconut milk, it has a higher fat content, creating a luxurious mouthfeel. This choice elevates the drink from a simple cocktail to a decadent treat.
What role did the tourism boom in the Caribbean play in popularizing the Piña Colada?
As Caribbean tourism soared in the 1950s, travelers sought authentic local experiences.
The Piña Colada, created in Puerto Rico, became a tropical must-have for visitors. Its fruity, exotic taste symbolized the laid-back island lifestyle, making it a global icon.
What’s the connection between Piña Coladas and frozen drinks?
The Piña Colada revolutionized the frozen drink industry. Its success in the 1950s popularized the idea of blended, slushy cocktails.
Today, frozen drinks like margaritas and daiquiris owe much of their fame to this creamy pioneer.
Are there any literary references to Piña Coladas?
The Piña Colada often appears in travel literature and romance novels as a symbol of tropical escapism.
Writers use it to evoke images of sun-drenched beaches and carefree vacations, adding to its cultural allure as more than just a drink.
How is Piña Colada Day celebrated in unexpected places?
In colder countries like Iceland, bars use Piña Colada Day to create warm variations of the drink.
They add hot coconut milk and pineapple puree, transforming it into a comforting winter treat. This twist shows the drink’s adaptability to any climate.
What is the drink’s influence on desserts?
The Piña Colada inspired countless desserts, from cakes to sorbets. Piña Colada cupcakes, for example, mimic the drink’s flavors with pineapple chunks and coconut frosting.
These creative adaptations keep the cocktail’s spirit alive beyond beverages.
Need some inspiration?
Check out these videos for some extra inspiration in getting involved!
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