The origin of the pina colada is like the origin of the universe, shrouded in mystery and hotly contested.
In Puerto Rico, where the fruity-frothy combination of pineapple, coconut cream, and rum is considered the island’s official cocktail, two different San Juan businesses, the Caribe Hilton hotel and Barrachina restaurant, claim to be the drink’s birthplace. .
The Caribe Hilton insisted that the recipe was created by Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, a bartender who worked at the hotel’s Beachcomber Bar and was commissioned to create a signature cocktail nearly 68 years ago.
According to some sources, Marrero spent three months making everyone’s favorite and Puerto Rico’s official cocktail.
Marrero’s invention, now commonly known as pina colada, got the green signal when Hollywood legend Joan Crawford declared that the drink was better than punching Bette Davis in the face.
On the other hand, Ricardo García, another bartender at the Caribe Hilton, claimed that he came up with the revitalizing recipe that same year because of a scarcity of coconuts that forced him to improvise.
Ramón Portas Mignot, a cocktail man at Barrachina in Old San Juan, was the third bartender to claim to create this delicious tropical delight in 1963.
The placement of a plaque at the entrance to the establishment reinforced Mignot’s claim. The plaque commemorates the birthplace of this popular drink.
In 1978, pina colada was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico.
Some Puerto Rican natives claimed that pina colada dates back to the 19th century. They give credit for its invention to a pirate Roberto Cofresí, who said that he used to give his crew this drink to boost morale.
Although it is not known by what hands the famous pina colada was created, it has managed to become Puerto Rico’s national drink and a worldwide favorite wherever you travel.
So whether you are chilling on the beach or hanging out at your favorite restaurant with your friends, pina colada is suitable for any occasion.
Why is pina colada everyone’s favorite drink?
The rich and creamy blend of pineapple, coconut cream, rum and blended ice cream is a delight for the soul.
The first sip of the drink refreshes body and mind beyond imagination. The sweet fruity-foamy combination gives enormous pleasure to the taste buds.
Many new versions of the drink have appeared since its inception, and each country has tried to create its rendition of the famous exotic drink.
The four essential ingredients in all recipes are pineapple, coconut cream, white rum and mixed ice.
