National Piña Colada Day is July 10, so what better way to celebrate than with a toast with what very well may be the original recipe for the popular cocktail?
Most people agree that San Juan, Puerto Rico is the birthplace of this very Caribbean creation. But no one can prove for sure where exactly in San Juan the drink was invented. The Caribe Hilton hotel is one of the places that lays claim to the honor; according to hotel officials, a bartender named Ramón “Monchito” Marrero concocted the frothy coconut-infused beverage back in 1954, and he continued to serve it at the hotel for another 35 years.
Since the Caribe Hilton — which is centrally located between the Condado district and Old San Juan, next to a couple lovely Puerto Rico beaches — was kind enough to share their own recipe with LatinFlyer.com, we’ll give that Puerto Rico beach hotel the benefit of the doubt. So get out your book of cocktail recipes and jot this one down — then enjoy a toast courtesy of Monchito.
The Original Piña Colada
Ingredients:
2 oz. White Rum
1 oz. Coconut Cream
1 oz. Heavy Cream
6 oz. Fresh Pineapple Juice
½ cup Crushed Ice
Directions:
Add the rum, coconut cream, heavy cream and pineapple juice together in a blender. Add ice and blend for about 15 seconds or until smooth. Serve in a 12-ounce glass. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
Happy Piña Colada Day!
MORE PUERTO RICO TRAVEL TIPS & INSPIRATION:
• RESTAURANT REVIEW: Zest, at the San Juan Water Beach Club Hotel
• HOTEL REVIEW & VIDEO: Olive Boutique Hotel in San Juan
SPECIAL OFFERS: Click on the image of the Caribe Hilton for exclusive deals for readers of LatinFlyer.com, from Expedia!