Pina colada is one of the most popular cocktails in history. And, as usual, his invention is full of unreliable stories. There are those who even date its creation to the nineteenth century, at the hands of a pirate, named Roberto Cofresí; a legend that does not withstand the slightest serious historical analysis.
It seems more likely that the invention has to be attributed to Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, the barman at the Caribe Hilton hotel in San Juan, the capital of Puerto Rico, who is said to have created the Piña Colada in 1954. But, also in San Juan, there is another restaurant that claims its creation and has even installed a commemorative plaque .
Impossible to know the truth. What is certain is that the cocktail became popular in the United States in the 1950s and, from there, it spread throughout the planet. What there is no discussion about is its classic recipe, which is always the same.
In a glass blender (If you don’t have it, you can use it by hand) mix one part white rum, one part cream or coconut milk and one part pineapple juice, preferably natural. If you use a commercial one, avoid nectar, which has more sugars. Add lime juice (15 ml) and, if you have not used a coconut milk or a juice with added sugar, 22 ml of sugar syrup.
Everything is mixed in the blender with about 180 ml of crushed ice until it reaches the consistency of a smoothie and is served in a piña colada (although it can be put in any tall and wide glass).
The classic decoration of the cocktail requires presenting it with a piece of natural pineapple, an umbrella and a straw.
Moulinex Perfect Mix + LM811D – 1200 W tumbler blender, glass stainless steel exterior finishes, backlit speed selector, 3 programs, manual mode and autoclean
With what to accompany the piña colada
The pina colada it is a not too alcoholic cocktail, which is more inviting to be served as a dessert than as an aperitif. Like all these types of drinks, it is designed to be drunk alone, with no other company than good friends and, if possible, a little good Caribbean music.
Directly to the Palate | Recipe for the classic Daiquiri, the quintessential Cuban cocktail
Directly to the Palate | How to prepare the Margarita cocktail, the most classic tequila combination