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pina colada

History of the Piña Colada

The piña colada is one of the most loved summer drinks across the world. But not many people know where the piña colada actually originated from or how it was created in the first place. What are the roots of this sweet, tropical drink? Surprisingly, this cocktail might be a lot older than most people might think. Here’s a little dive into the mysterious origins of the piña colada.

The Early Roots of the Piña Colada

Tales of this cocktail can be traced all the way back to the early 1800s, where a well-known Puerto Rican pirate by the name of Roberto Cofresí (El Pirata Cofresí) was said to have created the earliest form of the piña colada by mixing white rum, pineapple, and coconut milk together. But when Cofresí died around 1825, the drink seemed to die out with him.

The Origination of the Modern Piña Colada

It wasn’t until the early 1950s that a similar version of Roberto Cofresí’s pineapple cocktail was created again. The modern piña colada that most of us know and love actually originates from San Juan, Puerto Rico. This version arose much after the pirate Roberto Cofresí had already passed away. Though a few local bartenders at this time all claim to be the original creators of the piña colada (and there is no way to fully disprove any of their stories), the most frequently-credited creator of the modern version of this drink is Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, who claims he first made the cocktail in 1952.  Marrero worked for the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar and was often trying to create new drinks.

The English translation of the Spanish term “piña colada” literally means “strained pineapple.” The cocktail that Ramón Marrero created back at the Hilton’s bar consisted of a mix of coconut cream, pineapple juice, and Puerto Rican rum. This ultimately turned out to be one of the most loved mixed drinks around town and immediately gained popularity.

After its creation in the 1950s, the cocktail took off all around Puerto Rico. In fact, in 1978—just after around 20 years of its existence—Puerto Rico decided to make the piña colada the country’s national drink. From then on, the piña colada has been a staple summer drink in bars across the world.

Classic Piña Colada Recipe pina colada

Now after learning about the history of this sweet drink, there is no better way than to celebrate by making your own. Here is a classic, basic piña colada recipe:

  • 4 oz coconut cream
  • 4 oz pineapple juice
  • 4 oz rum
  • 2/3 cup ice

Making the Perfect Piña Colada

Ultimately, there is no cocktail that tastes quite like the piña colada. Here at Payless Liquors, we know how important it is to use the best ingredients for your cocktails. That’s why we offer a wide range of liquor, beer, and wine, so that our customers can make the drinks of their dreams.

Are you looking to make the perfect Piña Colada today? Check out our selection of high quality rum to make your drink the best it can be!