Puerto Rico’s National Drink: The Piña Colada

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.

A Van Leeuwen pint of Piña Colada ice-cream in front of a vibrant backdrop. — 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.

Attention New Yorkers! If you’re in the city on July 10, 2024, look out for the Van Leeuwen ice cream truck to taste a delicious scoop of paradise. A limited number of pints will also be available for purchase at most Van Leeuwen NYC locations.

A Van Leeuwen pint of Piña Colada ice-cream in front of a historic fort. — To celebrate the Piña Colada's 70th anniversary, Discover Puerto Rico and Van Leeuwen have created a delicious Piña Colada ice cream flavor.

New York Ice Cream Truck Route

July 10th, 2024

First Stop: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM

Second Stop: Union Square, Manhattan
Time: 1:15 PM - 2:45 PM

Third Stop: 787 Coffee, 72 Thompson St, Manhattan
Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

The Piña Colada Experience in Puerto Rico

Savor this delicious piece of heritage yourself!

Piña coladas were made for tropical vacations.

Best Places to Enjoy a ‘Unique’ Piña Colada

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.

Learn More

Piña Colada with a Twist: 7 Recipes to Try at Home

Recreate Puerto Rico’s national drink in a fun and creative way!

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Pina Colada mural at the Caribe Hilton hotel — The Caribe Hilton Hotel dedicated a mural to the Puerto Rican National Drink.

Piña Colada through a Bartender’s Eyes

Mixologist José López of the Caribe Hilton reminisces on the national drink and its iconic position in the cocktail world.

Learn More

A hand holding a pineapple filled with piña colada. — 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.

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.

Live the Colada Culture in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico's national drink was created with simple Caribbean ingredients, but it's much more than just a cocktail… it's a 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.

The best places in Puerto Rico to order a piña colada