The sweet mix of coconut cream, pineapple juice, white rum, and ice was born in San Juan, but the identity of its creator is still an unresolved controversy on the Island. Three different bartenders claim the invention as their own. The Caribe Hilton Hotel, one of the most famous in San Juan, is the setting for two of the origin stories of the piña colada.
The Origins of The Piña Colada
On the one hand, the Caribe Hilton insisted that the recipe was crafted by Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, a bartender who worked at the hotel’s Beachcomber Bar and was commissioned to create a signature cocktail back in 1954. Marrero reportedly spent three months crafting this cocktail that, according to many sources, Hollywood legend Joan Crawford declared “was better than slapping Bette Davis in the face.”
On the other hand, Ricardo García — who was another bartender at the Caribe Hilton — alleged he came up with the refreshing recipe that same year as a result of a coconut shortage that forced him to improvise.
Have a delicious sip of history at Barrachina, where the world-famous Piña Colada was supposedly first blended.
Ramón Portas Mignot, a cocktailer at Barrachina in Old San Juan, was the third bartender to claim crafting this delicious tropical delight in 1963. There’s even a plaque at the establishment's entrance commemorating the birthplace of this popular drink.
Some other islanders say that the piña colada dates back to the 1800s and credit the fruity cocktail to Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí, saying that he served his crew this beverage to boost morale. While it is not known which hands were the ones that created the famous piña colada, one thing is for sure: it has not only become Puerto Rico’s National drink but a favorite around the world, regardless of where you travel.
So, whether you are lounging at the beach or enjoying the sights and sounds of the lively nightlife, be sure to sip and enjoy the Island’s signature drink and immerse yourself in this little piece of identity.
Discover Puerto Rico and Van Leeuwen's Piña Colada ice cream collaboration is a true celebration of the Island's national drink.
Happy 70th Birthday, Piña Colada!
We’ve partnered with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to launch a special limited-edition flavor.
The piña colada originated in Puerto Rico 70 years ago. To celebrate this year’s Piña Colada Day, Van Leeuwen’s expert team collaborated with the renowned Boricua mixologist Roberto Berdecía and Don Q rum to craft an exclusive Piña Colada ice cream flavor. This limited-edition treat features vibrant, tropical packaging designed by the talented local artist Cristina Muñoz Laboy.
Meet the Boricuas Behind the Ice cream Flavor
Roberto Berdecia
Renowned Puerto Rican Mixologist
Roberto Berdecia, a renowned Boricua mixologist and co-owner of Puerto Rico’s acclaimed bars Jungle Bird and La Factoría, is a key figure in the island’s vibrant cocktail scene. To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the iconic Piña Colada, he crafted an exclusive and delicious Piña Colada flavor for Van Leeuwen’s and Discover Puerto Rico’s ice cream, adding a tasty twist to this classic drink.
Don Q
Rum Distillery
Don Q, manufactured by the Serrallés family in the town of Ponce, is the most popular rum in Puerto Rico. Van Leeuwen’s expert team and Discover Puerto Rico collaborated with renowned Puerto Rican mixologist Roberto Berdecia and Don Q rum to create the exclusive and delectable Piña Colada ice cream flavor.
Cristina Muñoz Laboy
Puerto Rican Artist
Cristina Muñoz Laboy, a Puerto Rican artist best known for her project "Flora pa'l corazón," inspired by endangered flora since 2017, designed the vibrant packaging for Van Leeuwen and Discover Puerto Rico’s mouthwatering Piña Colada ice cream flavor, created to celebrate the iconic cocktail.
A sweet celebration!
Check out the reactions of the people who got to try the piña colada ice cream in New York!
The Piña Colada Experience in Puerto Rico
Savor this delicious piece of heritage yourself!
Piña coladas were made for tropical vacations.
Have you had a piña colada yet? To immerse yourself in the "Colada Culture," you must start your journey at Puerto Rico's national drink's birthplace—or birthplaces.
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Recreate Puerto Rico’s national drink in a fun and creative way!
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The Caribe Hilton Hotel dedicated a mural to the Puerto Rican National Drink.
Mixologist José López of the Caribe Hilton reminisces on the national drink and its iconic position in the cocktail world.
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Three different bartenders claim the invention of the piña colada. (@itineraryshelly)
Make Your Own Piña Colada at Home
Although there are many versions of the Caribbean drink, here is a trusty recipe for you to try:
Piña Colada Ingredients
- ½ a cup of coconut cream
- ½ a cup of pineapple juice
- 1 cup of ice
- ¼ cup white rum
- Cherries, pineapple wedges, and whipped cream for toppings
How to Prepare Your Piña Colada
In a blender, mix the coconut cream, pineapple juice, ice, and rum until smooth and frosty. Pour the drink into a glass and top with whipped cream. Garnish with cherries and pineapples.
Want to live the Colada Culture?
Puerto Rico's national drink was created with simple Caribbean ingredients, but it's much more than just a cocktail… it's passion. Boricuas put their hearts in everything, and you can't rush the heart. Enjoying a piña colada in Puerto Rico, the birthplace of this iconic drink goes beyond savoring the mix of pineapple juice, coconut cream, and rum. It's basking in sunsets, cool breezes, colorful sights, and warm sand. It's letting go of worries and making new friends.
There’s no question that the best piña colada you´ll ever have will be in Puerto Rico, its birthplace. But have you ever wondered about the origin of our national drink’s main ingredient? Join us as we visit the pineapple farm in Arecibo, Campo Alegre, which produces around 350,000 boxes of pineapples a year. Let’s go back to our roots and honor the passionate Boricuas who put their hearts in Puerto Rico’s soil – our agricultural industry. Raise your piña colada and toast to them.
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