The piña colada is a tropical drink that is popular all over the world. On 10th July 10th, people in the United States celebrate National Piña Colada Day. On the other hand, in India, almost everyone has tried the Virgin Piña Colada at least once in their lifetimes.
The piña colada is currently in the spotlight as a cocktail that everyone should try at least once because of its decadent flavour and intriguing history. Here are some fascinating details about the well-known tropical drink known as the piña Colada that you should know before trying to make your own version of this exotic beverage.
The piña colada’s History
The piña colada is said to have originated in Puerto Rico. One of the legends used to support this claim is that a pirate by the name of Roberto Cofresi shared a white rum, coconut, and pineapple concoction with his crew. He gave his crew members this drink when he wanted to make them feel better.
Another legend about the invention of the piña colada claims that a bartender developed the recipe at the Caribe Hilton Hotel by the name of ‘Monchito’. This hotel started serving this beverage in 1954. The Governor of Puerto Rico gave the same hotel, which is described above, a proclamation on piña colada’s 50th anniversary in 2004. In 1978, Puerto Rico finally made the Piña Colada its official beverage after years of rumours and enormous popularity.
What exactly is in a piña colada?
White rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice are the main ingredients in the blended beverage known as a piña colada. A lot of crushed ice is used to serve this well-known tropical cocktail, which is topped with fruits like cherries.
A hurricane glass, a drinking vessel shaped like a vase, is typically used to serve piña coladas. The phrase ‘strained pineapple’ or ‘pineapple juice’ is how the word ‘piña colada’ is translated from Spanish.
In addition, it is particularly well-liked because of its sweet and creamy texture. Also, it is a cold cocktail that will help you combat the heat and keep cool in the summer.
Piña colada: fan base
Rupert Holmes’s song ‘Escape (The Piña Colada Song)’ was first made available to the public in 1979. The successful song, which cleared the door for the drink to become highly well-known and get a great deal of attention. Despite the song’s popularity, Holmes stated that he had never been much of a fan of the beverage in question and described them as medicinal.
Further songs with lyrics that make lyrical references to the piña colada. There is ‘I Really Mean It’ by The Diplomats, and ‘Tonite’ by DJ Quick, to name just a few of these songs.
In addition, a well-known figure in the world of jazz named Charles Frank Mangione issued an album in 1979 that contained a song titled ‘Piña Colada’.
Piña colada selections
Although the piña colada is a famous cocktail, other versions are prepared worldwide.
According to relevant content on villagewarehousewineandspirits.com, these are among the most popular variations of piña colada:
- Chi Chi – substitutes vodka for rum
- Jackolada – a cocktail composed of half Jack Daniels and half white rum
- Virgin Piña Colada – a non-alcoholic version
- Blue Hawaiian – is a variation on the standard recipe that includes blue curacao
- Soda Piña Colada – a fizzy version that substitutes soda for coconut milk
- Iguana Colada – Midori melon liqueur based
- Tequila Colada – made with tequila instead of white rum
- Miami Vice – consists of half a Piña Colada and half a strawberry daiquiri
- Kahlua Colada – substitutes coffee liqueur Kahlua for the rum
Recipe for a piña colada
If you want to make a piña colada at home, here is a simple recipe you can prepare and serve to your friends on a pleasant afternoon.
Unlike the poolside-bar version, which is typically loaded with preservatives and additional sugars, the following recipe contains no added sweeteners, which are as naturally tasty and refreshing as ever.
Preparation Ttme: 15 minutes; servings: 2
- Crushed Ice
- White rum, 60 mL
- 40 mL of pineapple juice
- 40 mL coconut cream or milk
- Optional garnishes: tiny paper umbrellas, maraschino cherries, pineapple leaves, fresh pineapple wedges
Instructions
In a blender, combine all ingredients and puree until a smooth texture is achieved. Add more coconut milk or water if the mixture is too thick to blend. Serve immediately in a hurricane glass with your preferred garnishes.
Takeaway
Even though there are numerous iterations of the traditional piña colada, the three primary components of the drink remain the same: pineapple, coconut, and rum. In the multiple versions of this beverage, the proportions of each of these components, and the manner in which they are combined, are modified.
The simplicity of this exquisite beverage is the sole explanation for its enduring popularity. This is not a cocktail that requires extensive preparation. It’s not complicated or anything, but it’s good, simple to create, and easy to fall in love with.
Helen Baumeister did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
