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You’re not here for a bland Pina Colada recipe, you want the best Pina Colada recipe in the world. I don’t blame you. Honestly I’ve had some pretty bad Pina Coladas in my day. A bad one can ruin the drink you on the drink for a long time. But a good one? Wow! A good Pina Colada is something that can change your entire night.

I’m here to give you the best Pina Colada recipe out there, so you can make it at home and impress your friends with your Caribbean cocktail skills.

Before we jump into the recipe, the drink actually has an interesting history. Here’s a battle for who first created it. All I know is this type of drama tastes great.

History and Origination of the Pina Colada

Known as the official drink of Puerto Rico, the Piña Colada was created in San Juan and has become a staple cocktail enjoyed all over the world. But who first invented the Pina Colada? The drink’s roots take us to the Beachcomber Bar at Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

It’s said that today’s “modern Pina Colada recipe” was perfected at the Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber bar. The story goes that the drink was introduced on August 16th, 1954 by a man named Ramon “Monchito” Marrero. He was under orders from the hotel to come up with a new signature drink that would excite the hotel’s clientele. So Ramon started mixing and the Pina Colada was born.

San Juan Caribe Hilton Pina Colada recipe story

But not so fast. Another bartender at the Caribe Hilton who goes by the name of Ricardo Gracia has claims as well. Ricardo said he invented the drink in 1954 as well, but some say that his Pina Colada was different and included Coco Lopez cream of coconut due to a coconut shortage. I didn’t know Caribbean islands could run out of coconuts, but that is the story.

To deepen the Pina Colada recipe controversy, a third story of the drink’s creation lies with the Restaurant Barrachina. The restaurant’s owner, who claims the invention of the Pina Colada with a plaque by the restaurant’s entrance, says in 1963 the restaurant owner asked for a new drink from bartender Ramon Portas Mingot.

best pina colada in san juan

While the origins or the Pina Colada might be hazy, the taste is not.

Now let’s find out how to make the best Pina Colada recipe in the world.

Best Piña Colada Recipe in the World

Ingredients:

  • 6 oz Bacardi Black rum
  • 8 oz Cream of coconut (Coco Lopez)
  • 8 oz Pineapple juice
  • Ice
  • 1 wedge Pineapple

How to Make: Combine Rum, Cream of Coconut and Pineapple Juice in a regular sized blender. Blend on low speed to mix liquid ingredients. Fill blender to top with ice. Blend on high speed until ice is grainy. Pour into hurricane glass and garnish with pineapple wedge. Raise glass and toast.

To make this even better, I often add a Myers Rum floater on top.

Best Pina Colada Recipe Video


Let me know what your take on the Piña Colada is. Do you have a better way to make one? Should we all travel to San Juan and so some Pina Colada taste testing? Hit us up on Instagram at @CaribbeanCastaways and tag us in a photo of your home made Pina Colada.

Pin It To Pinterest!

best pina colada recipe pin

Want More Caribbean Rum Drinks?

Click here to see our list of 52 rum drinks and how to make them. Invite some friends over and impress them with your rum skills, because each one tastes like paradise in a glass.

Every good mixologist needs some good cocktail making gear. I recommend this cocktail mixing set, it has everything you need and it’s what I use at home.

If you’re planning a trip to the islands, make sure you grab a Caribbean Preferred Discount Card. It’s the largest collection of Caribbean discounts on the internet and it will save you hundreds. It can even get you free drinks at some pretty awesome bars and restaurants throughout the islands! You’ll love it.

Enjoy your Pina Colada!

Cheers,
Ryan – RumShopRyan

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About the Author: RumShopRyan

Just a salty pirate looking to explore and document the wonders of the Caribbean. Professional blogger, rum judge, consultant, marketer, and consumer of blue water beauty. To learn more, visit our About Us Page.