History of the Pina Colada

As we start moving into the colder months, we must do like the birds do and fly south. That means it’s time to start planning your next hot weather getaway. And what gets us in the mood to travel south more than a delicious Pina Colada. Now most of us have enjoyed this delicious umbrella drink, but do we know anything about its history?

Pina Colada is Spanish for strained pineapple, which comes from one the drink’s main ingredients. Other ingredients include white rum and coconut cream. It has been the national drink of Puerto Rico since 1978 and the people of the island celebrate national Pina Colada day every year on July 10th. Like many popular drinks the Pina Colada has a history that is debated and still to this day a definite rivalry. The two main accounts of where the drink was first made come from a dispute between two bartenders. The first, Ramon Marrero Perez, claims to have made the delicious drink first at the Caribe Hilton Hotel’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan in 1954. Another Ramon tells a different story though; Ramon Portas Mingot says he created the drink in 1963 at the Barrachina Restaurant in Old San Juan. I actually was able to try the Pina Colada at Barrachina when I was there in 2019. Both bars are in close proximity to each other and worth giving both a try!

Want to try this delicious drink in Puerto Rico? Call us today to book your next trip.920.236.7777 or ambassadortravelltd.com