3 Twists on the Classic Piña Colada

The Piña Colada is an alluring combination of fruity pineapple, creamy coconut and a kick of rum. Legend has it that the 1800s pirate Robert Cofresí first gave his crew a mixture of pineapple juice, coconut and rum to stave off a mutiny. Many years later, Ramón “Monchito” Marrero would blend up his own version while working at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in 1954. The goal was to make a drink representative of Puerto Rico for a competition. His version of this now classic cocktail included coconut cream, pineapple juice, heavy cream and white rum mixed up in a blender. Then, in 1978 Puerto Rico deemed the Piña Colada its national drink. 

Here are our three twists on the classic Piña Colada

The Pumped Up Classic

(Photo: Shameel mukkath/Pexels)

The classic Piña Coladas uses white rum which takes more of a background note. This pumped-up version substitutes aged rum and a bit of overproof to bring the spirit to the forefront and complement the sweet, tropical fruits in the drink. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces aged rum (try Ron Barrilito) 
• ½ ounce overproof rum (try Don Q 151)
• 1 ounce coconut cream 
• 1 ounce heavy cream
• 6 oz fresh pineapple juice
• ½ cup crushed ice
• Garnish: pineapple leaves or pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry

Directions

Add all of the ingredients into a blender and mix until combined. Pour into a hurricane glass or tropical glass of your choosing. Garnish with pineapple leaves or add a side snack with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry. If you are feeling frisky add a floater of the overproof for an added kick.

The Lite Piña Colada

(Photo: alleksana/Pexels)

For those watching their calories the Puerto Rican classic recipe will sneak up on you. Try this low-calorie Piña Colada twist that removes the heavy cream and coconut cream and instead uses coconut water and less of the sugary pineapple juice. This is also good for people who like a bit more punch to their cocktails and less mixer. 

Ingredients

• 1 ounce pineapple rum (try Stiggin’s Fancy)
• 1 ounce coconut rum
• ½ ounce pineapple juice
• 1 ½ ounces coconut water
• Garnish: lime wheel

Directions

Add all of the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice and shake until cold. Pour through a strainer into a martini or coupe glass and garnish with a lime wheel. 

Piña Colada Popsicle

(Photo: Adam Bartoszewicz/Unsplash)

Cool off with an even cooler version of the frozen Piña Colada. A sweet and boozy treat straight from the freezer. Have pre-prepared ready-to-eat Piña Coladas whenever you like with just a few easy steps.

Ingredients

• 2 ounces white rum 
• 1 ½ cups cubed fresh pineapple or frozen pineapple
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut cream
• ¼ cup granulated sugar 
• 1 ½ ounces fresh lime juice 

Directions

In a blender, combine the pineapple, coconut cream, sugar, rum and lime juice. Blend until the combination is very smooth. Divide the mixture evenly between six 3-fluid-ounce popsicle molds and freeze until solid. Take out of molds and enjoy.

Read Next:

The 5 Best Low Calorie Cocktails Made With Rum

How to Make a Perfect Daiquiri Every Single Time

What Is Fat Washing? The Hottest Trend in Mixology

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