History & Origin of The Piña Colada

Origin & Evolution

Born off the Atlantic coastal side of Puerto Rico and following a rich history of travel, the Pina Colada would elevate itself to a staple cocktail. It’s origin is traced back to the 1950’s and much like legends, they change over time. Many stake claim on the pina colada, but three particular stories have support.

The first two go back to the 1950’s at the same hotel, Caribe Hilton in Old San Juan. It wasn’t until 1954 that Coco Lopez, a pre-made cream of coconut, would hit the shelves and become the heart of the cocktail. Coco Lopez would eventually supply blenders to bar staff at Caribe Hilton, as well as hire a piano player to play for guests. The bartenders would offer up complimentary pina coladas to new and returning guests.

In 1954 a bartender named Ramon ‘Monchito’ Marrero, claims to have first served up the drink at the Beachcombers Bar at Caribe Hilton. Ramon came up with the recipe when hotel management asked him to create a cocktail that captured the essence of the island. Three months and hundreds of recipes later, he would come up with the infamous Pina Colada.

In the same year, Ricardo Garcia, claimed to have come up with the cocktail during the strike by the coconut cutters union. The shortage of coconuts caused Ricardo to serve the cocktails inside hollowed out pineapples, thus adding the flavor of pineapple to the coconut forward cocktail. After the reaction from his guests, he decided to add fresh pressed, strained pineapple juice to the recipe.

PINA COLADA TRANSLATES TO “STRAINED PINEAPPLE” IN SPANISH DICTATION..

Barrachina, a Spanish paella restaurant in Old City, also claims the creation of the piña colada as its own, but not until 1963. Owner Pepe Barrachina poached Buenos Aires bartender Ramon Portas Mingot, to come to Puerto Rico and work at his restaurant. Barrachina claims Mingot made the cocktail for him first in 1963, some 9 years after it’s already claimed creation.

Although, the origin may not be known, we do know the vast travels the cocktail has had over its lifetime.

ORIGINAL RECIPE, 1954 CARIBE HILTON

2 oz Light Rum

1 oz Coconut cream (Coco Lopez to be specific)

1 oz Heavy cream

6 oz Fresh pineapple juice

5 cup Crushed ice

Mix rum, cream of coconut, heavy cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Add ice and mix for 15 seconds. Serve in a 12-ounce glass and garnish with fresh pineapple and a cherry.

Pina Colada Timeline

  • 1954 – Caribe Hilton claims creation of cocktail under two different names

  • 1963 – Barrachino claims creation of cocktail with Ramon Portas Mingot, some 9 years after initial claim (Why even try?)

  • 1968 - Polynesian restaurant, New Orleans refers to it as a “refreshing new rum grog”

  • 1970 – Trader Vic & Don the Beachcomber’s recipe established

  • 1968 - The Pina Colada was finally declared the national drink of Puerto Rico.

  • 1979 – Rupert Holmes’ “Escape”, became the number one song in United States on the Billboard top 100.

Tim Dam-Richards