Is the Piña Colada a Strong Drink?

Pineapple and Coconut are the linebackers of the taste world, and can flatten even the harshest of Rums, or any other liquor for that matter. So, while it may not taste strong, it certainly can be anyways. This goes without saying, but drink responsibly.

Can You Use Normal Rum in a Piña Colada?

Light Rum is not only the classic choice but essential for a Piña Colada. While dark and aged rums may work, they have a very different flavor profile and will ultimately change the taste of your Piña Colada.

The Best Piña Colada Recipe

What is a Piña Colada Cocktail?

The Piña Colada is a delicious and popular blended cocktail that conjures images of swaying palm trees, sandy beaches, and balmy ocean breezes.

With its distinct flavor combination of Light Rum, Pineapple and Coconut Cream, this classic Tiki drink embodies the essence of tropical getaways, making it a go-to choice for relaxing afternoons and vacation resorts.

From lazy afternoons and backyard gatherings to elaborate tiki-themed cocktail soirees, the Piña Colada is a much-loved cocktail worldwide.

What Does a Piña Colada Cocktail Taste Like?

As clichéd as it may sound, the Piña Colada tastes like a tropical vacation in a glass. It’s a delightful blend of creamy Coconut, sweet Pineapple, and smooth Light Rum, creating a luscious and indulgent flavor combo.

The creamy Coconut has a luxurious, velvety texture that marries perfectly with the sweetness of the Rum and the tart, tanginess of the Pineapple. It’s pure tropical perfection.

In the words of Rico, it’s “Delicious, ice cold, smooth. Fresh Pineapple, Coconut Cream, and some good Light Rum. Everything in that glass comes through”.

The History of the Piña Colada Cocktail

This tropical phenomenon of a drink was naturally born in the Caribbean, although the exact origin remains a subject of debate.

However, it is most commonly attributed to a resort in the outskirts of San Juan, Puerto Rico during the 1950s. In the panoramic ocean view bar, a talented barman mixed local Rum with Coconut Cream, Heavy Cream, and fresh Pineapple Juice, creating an instant hit.

Night after night, this new jet set oasis attracted hordes of legendary celebrities who eagerly consumed this delightful concoction. The Piña Colada quickly surpassed its celebrity fans in fame and has become the most iconic tropical drink today. In hindsight, the barman would have been wise to buy shares in a Blender company.

Tips for Making the Perfect Piña Colada

Choose the Right Coconut Cream
Try not to confuse Cream of Coconut with regular Coconut Cream. The former is sweetened and syrupy in texture (which is what we want) and the latter isn’t.

Rico’s Way
In the video above, you’ll see Rico’s preferred method for making a Piña Colada. While using the same ingredients, he starts by preparing the Pineapple, using a Paring Knife to remove the skin and cut the Pineapple into wedges. After discarding the core, he adds the Pineapple into the blender first, followed by the Coconut Cream, Light Rum, and, lastly, Ice Cubes.
Consistency is Everything
As Rico explains, you want your Piña Colada to be thick and in “an almost slushie-like state.” While blending all the ingredients, keep adding more ice until you achieve the desired consistency (read: thick!).

Variations of a Piña Colada Cocktail

Malibu Piña Colada
It beautifully marries together Malibu White Rum, Coconut Cream, and Pineapple Juice to create a taste of paradise. Serve it in a Tall Glass and garnish with a fancy slice of Pineapple and a Maraschino Cherry to really bring home those island vacation vibes! Discover our Malibu Piña Colada recipe.

Malibu Pineapple
This delightful blend of Malibu Rum and Pineapple Juice is like a mini vacation in a glass. A nod to its Caribbean origins, this drink is, in fact, a simplified version of the Piña Colada. And who doesn’t love easy to make cocktail recipes? Here’s how to make a Malibu Pineapple.

Virgin Piña Colada
Can you make a Piña Colada without alcohol? You certainly can and it’s soooo delicious! Check out the perfect Piña Colada mocktail.

Serving and Garnish Ideas for a Piña Colada

A classic garnish for the Piña Colada is a Pineapple Wedge, two Pineapple Leaves, and often a Maraschino Cherry. Why not use all three! But whatever you do, don’t eat the leaves!

The Hurricane Glass is the most common glassware to serve a Piña Colada in, however, you’ll see that Rico opts for a Coupe Glass, which works just as well. Even though you wouldn’t normally use a straw with a Coupe Glass, Rico does because, well, it’s funny and pushes the tropical vibes even further.