The Tropical Twist: Unraveling the Mystique of the Piña Colada
For decades, the Martini has reigned supreme as the ultimate cocktail, while the Piña Colada has been relegated to the sidelines, dismissed as a frivolous and carefree drink. However, this tropical twist deserves more than just a passing glance.
A Match Made in Heaven
Rum and pineapple juice have long been inseparable partners, but the introduction of cream of coconut in 1952 marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. This trio of flavors would eventually give birth to the Piña Colada, a drink that exudes warmth and sunshine.
The Birth of a Legend
Ramon Manchito Marrero Pérez, a bartender at the Caribe Hilton, is often credited with creating the Piña Colada after discovering Coco Lopez, a type of cream of coconut. However, La Barra in San Juan’s Old City claims to have invented the drink in 1963, courtesy of Don Ramón Portas Migot. Despite the dispute, Pérez is widely recognized as the mastermind behind this tropical masterpiece.
Elevating the Experience
To add a layer of complexity to your Piña Colada, try mixing light and dark rum for a deeper flavor profile. For a pulpier drink, substitute 2 ounces of crushed pineapple for 2 ounces of pineapple juice. And remember, coconut milk is not a suitable substitute for cream of coconut.
Variations on a Theme
If you’re looking to shake things up, try these alternative pineapple cocktails. Or, experiment with different twists on the classic Piña Colada recipe, such as the Chi Chi (substitute vodka for rum) or the Banana Colada (add frozen bananas to the blender).
Recipe
Yield: 1 drink
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: Under 5 minutes
Active Time: Under 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 ounces light rum
- 2 ounces coconut cream
- 1 ounce heavy cream
- 4 ounces unsweetened pineapple juice
- Slice of pineapple and a maraschino cherry
Instructions:
- Combine rum, cream of coconut, heavy cream, and pineapple juice in a blender.
- Blend for a few seconds, then add 1/2 cup crushed ice.
- Blend for another 15 seconds, or until smooth.
- Pour into an exotic glass and garnish with a pineapple slice and a maraschino cherry.
Photo: Bochkarev Photography/Shutterstock
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