Introduction
The piña colada, a sweet and refreshing cocktail made with rum, pineapple juice and cream of coconut, has been a popular tropical drink for decades. Its origins can be traced back to Puerto Rico, where it was first created in the mid-20th century. Today, piña coladas can be found on drink menus around the world, and are a go-to for any beach vacation or summer gathering. In this article, we will cover five unique twists on the traditional piña colada, how to make a piña colada mocktail, a brief history of the piña colada, and a recipe for piña coladas served en masse.
The Ultimate Guide to Making the Perfect Piña Colada
The perfect piña colada is a balance of fresh, tropical flavors with a smooth, creamy finish. Here’s how to make one:
Ingredients:
- 2 oz white rum
- 3 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- 1 cup ice
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a tall glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple and cherry.
For those looking to add an extra flair to their piña colada, try swapping the white rum for dark rum or coconut rum, adding slices of banana or mango to the blender, or substituting coconut cream for cream of coconut.
5 Unique Twists on the Traditional Piña Colada
For those looking for something a little different than the classic, here are five unique variations to try:
Spicy Piña Colada
Add a kick of heat to your piña colada by blending in a splash of hot sauce or a few slices of jalapeño pepper. For an even smokier taste, switch out the white rum for mezcal.
Berry-Infused Piña Colada
Mix up the fruits by adding in a handful of fresh berries to your blender. Try strawberries, raspberries or blueberries for a delicious burst of flavor.
Coconut Creamsicle
If you’re craving a nostalgic creamsicle flavor, swap out pineapple juice for orange juice and combine with cream of coconut and white or coconut rum.
Matcha Piña Colada
Combine two trendy flavors by blending a teaspoon of matcha powder into your piña colada. The matcha adds a subtle earthy taste to the classic sweet cocktail.
Chocolate Piña Colada
For a decadent twist on the classic, add a drizzle of chocolate syrup to the blender or rim the glass with cocoa powder before pouring in the drink.
How to Make a Piña Colada Mocktail
Ingredients:
- 2 oz pineapple juice
- 2 oz coconut cream
- 1 oz simple syrup
- 1 oz lime juice
- 1 cup ice
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender
- Blend until smooth
- Pour into a glass and garnish with a slice of pineapple and cherry
For a non-alcoholic version, swap out the rum for a splash of vanilla extract or extra pineapple juice. Play with the sweetness level by substituting the simple syrup with honey or agave nectar.
A Brief History of the Piña Colada
The piña colada is a cocktail steeped in tropical history. While its exact origins are debated, the drink is widely believed to have been invented in the 1950s in Puerto Rico, where it still reigns as the national beverage. The original recipe included white rum, coconut cream, and crushed pineapple, and quickly gained popularity in the decades following its creation. In the 1970s, the piña colada was immortalized in Rupert Holmes’ hit song “Escape,” which sings about the cocktail being enjoyed in the sun.
Piña Coladas for a Crowd: Easy Batch Recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 cups white rum
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup cream of coconut
- 4 cups ice
Instructions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender in batches, blending until smooth.
- Pour into a large pitcher or punch bowl
- Garnish with pineapple slices and cherries
To make this a non-alcoholic recipe, substitute the white rum with coconut water for a refreshing and hydrating option. It’s a great option to share at a barbecue, pool party, or family gathering.
Conclusion
The piña colada is a timeless tropical drink that can be easily customized to suit anyone’s taste buds. From spicy to creamy to fruity, there’s a variation for everyone to try. And, it’s easy to make piña coladas for a crowd with a simple batch recipe, too. Whether you’re enjoying a classic version or trying out a unique twist, the piña colada is sure to bring an adventurous spirit to any occasion.