An icy pineapple and deliciously creamy pineapple, rum, and coconut cream, the Piña Colada, was first created in Puerto Rico in 1954.
Although its history is controversial among Puerto Ricans, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero was rumored to have prepared first on August 16, 1954 at the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The hotel had requested that Monchito mix a new signature drink that embodied the island’s flavors, and shortly after accepting the challenge, the Piña Colada was born. Regardless of its history, we can all agree that this drink is quite tasty. On July 10, we celebrate National Piña Colada Day, so relax with the tropical, sparkling and drunk cocktail (preferably poured into a hurricane glass) and do your best with them … drink them up!
ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL DAY OF PIÑA COLADA
Make the island original
Monchito made no secret of his signature and beloved cocktail, and the birthplace of it all, Caribe Hilton, proudly presents the recipe on his website. Drink it the way it has been served for over 60 years. There is nothing better than drinking directly from the source.
Learn from a local
Part of preparing an authentic pina colada is learning the tricks of the trade directly from Puerto Rico. Ask a friend who is Puerto Rican or research some Puerto Rican resources online for recommendations on what to use for authentic, high-quality ingredients. Your taste buds will thank you for getting the flavors of the island to perfection.
Party like it’s 1954
Plan a gathering with friends and mix up some pina coladas to celebrate this iconic drink. Happy hour island, anyone?
WHY WE LOVE THE NATIONAL DAY OF PIÑA COLADA
It’s a vacation island in a drink
Sipping on the sweet, creamy, rum favorite, the Piña Colada, it immediately transports you to the sun-drenched and vibrant beaches of an island getaway. It is the perfect place for summer and brings you the atmosphere of the island no matter where you are.
It tastes good even without alcohol
This sweet and creamy treat is just as good even without the alcoholic kick. The sugary and velvety ingredients come together in a dessert mix that can satisfy sweet tooth no matter what age or beverage preference you have.
She has her own song
This drink is so good that people have to sing about it! Just ask and I’m sure you will find at least one person who can recite the famous Rupert Holmes song “Escape”. “If you like pina coladas and getting caught in the rain …”
