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    Home » Classic Cocktails » Original 4 Ingredient Piña Colada Recipe

    Published: Mar 19, 2021 · Modified: Feb 25, 2022 by Kevin Mayfield · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Original 4 Ingredient Piña Colada Recipe

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    The original Puerto Rican mid century Piña Colada has hints of pineapple, coconut and rum. It's light and refreshing without being overly sweet.

    a pina colada tiki cocktail in a hurricane glass
    The Puerto Rican delight is a staple at Tiki cocktail gatherings.

    The Original Piña Colada is Still the Best

    The name Piña Colada is Spanish for 'strained pineapple.' Legend has it that a Caribbean pirate mixed coconut, pineapple and rum for his crew to drink in between raids. After his capture and death, the recipe was lost.

    With the invention of an easy way to extract the creamy syrup from coconuts in the early 1950's, the stage was set for this drink's (re)invention. In 1954, the Caribe Hilton in San Juan was looking for a signature cocktail, and tasked one it's barmen, Ramon 'Monchito' Marrero, to experiment with local ingredients. As a result, he created the drink we know today. And in 1978, It was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico!

    4 Simple Ingredients

    Like a lot of Tiki drinks, this is easy to make while looking very impressive. Aside from ice, all you need is:

    • Light rum
    • Cream of coconut
    • Pineapple juice
    • Heavy whipping cream

    And that's it! (Although if you're serving it to guests, you may want to add a slice of pineapple and a cherry to the rim for a stunning presentation.)

    Bar tools needed

    This Tiki drink doesn't require many bar tools:

    • Jigger
    • Bar spoon
    • Knife
    • Cutting board
    • Lemon/lime Juicer
    • Blender (optional)

    How to Serve it

    I really like to use a Hurricane glass to show off the beautiful colors of this drink. You can always use a Tiki glass for some old-school-cool.

    Tips for a Successful Piña Colada

    Keep these things in mind for this frozen treat:

    • Use fresh juice whenever possible. The pineapple juice is naturally sweet and compliments the light rum nicely.
    • Mix with a white or light rum, because the naturally sweet finish helps balance the acidity in the pineapple juice.
    • If you prefer to skip the alcohol, leave out the rum and you'll have a Virgin Colada. So go ahead and try one any time of day -- there's no excuse not to, now!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What alcohol is in a Piña Colada?

    Light rum is the main spirit used to make a Piña Colada.

    Where was the original Piña Colada made?

    There are a few origin stories for this drink, but most agree that it was made in San Juan, Puerto Rico at the Caribe Hilton in the early 1950's.

    Are Piña Coladas always frozen?

    Not necessarily. Many folks like to use a shaker rather than a blender, which is fine. Just remember to shake for at least 30 seconds to ensure it is properly chilled and aerated.

    This drink is so celebrated that has it's own holiday! The United States celebrates National Piña Colada Day on July 10, so mark your calendar. But you don't need to wait for a special occasion to have one!

    If you're having a Tiki themed night, you need to try this baked coconut shrimp which can be served as an appetizer or main course.

    E hele kāua!

    Before you go, did you try this cocktail? Why not leave a comment in the Comments section along with a rating? I always appreciate hearing from you and getting your feedback.

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    a pina colada tiki cocktail in a hurricane glass.

    Original Piña Colada Recipe

    Kevin Mayfield
    This tropical 1950's original recipe never needed any 'improvements'. It is a perfect blend of rum and coconut sweetness without any of the syrup-y taste of the mixes.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Total Time 5 mins
    Course Classic Cocktails
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Cocktail
    Calories 412 kcal

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 2 cups fresh ice
    • 2 ounces white rum
    • 1 ounce coconut cream
    • 1 ounce heavy whipping cream
    • 6 ounces fresh pineapple juice

    Instructions
     

    • Place all ingredients in a blender and pulse or mix until evenly blended
    • Pour into a hurricane glass
    • Add a wedge of fresh pineapple and cherry for garnish

    Notes

    If you prefer to skip the alcohol, leave out the rum and serve as a Virgin Colada
    If you don't feel like blending, you can use a cocktail shaker to mix this drink--just remember to shake for at least 30 seconds to ensure it is properly chilled and aerated

    Nutrition

    Calories: 412kcalCarbohydrates: 25gProtein: 2gFat: 21gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 39mgSodium: 16mgPotassium: 336mgFiber: 1gSugar: 17gVitamin A: 425IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 44mgIron: 1mg
    Keyword 1950's cocktails, coconut cocktails, pina colada, pineapple cocktails, Puerto Rican drinks, rum drinks, Tiki cocktails, virgin colada
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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    About Kevin Mayfield

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    Nancy and Bentley

    Hi, I'm Nancy! Welcome to Flourchild where I share classic mid-century recipes from the 1940's - 1970's. I feature many vintage handwritten recipes, and provide modern shortcuts and a variety of healthy and special diet-friendly versions whenever possible. Join me in exploring the delicious flavors and from-scratch cooking techniques of our past!

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