Perfectly Potent Piña Colada

The Piña Colada is a sweet, rum-based cocktail made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice, usually served blended with ice. The literal meaning of Piña Colada is "strained pineapple", with "colada" which means " strained " in Spanish, instead of coconut as some misinformed people believe. The tangy pineapple juice melds with the natural sweetness of the coconut cream and the result is smooth and silky and refreshing cocktail.

It's creation dates back to the 1800's where Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí, to boost his crew's spirits, gave them a drink that contained coconut, pineapple and white rum. This is what would be later known as the famous Piña Colada and has been the official drink of Puerto Rico since 1978.

Ingredients for the Perfectly Potent Pina Colada

Rum – The true secret ingredient for the perfect Piña Colada is the selection of rum. You will find most island bars use a light or silver rum. My choice is a molasses based golden amber rum and specifically Mount Gay Eclipse. Wine Enthusiast reviews this classic rum as “the nosing passes find soft sugary /molasses smells and aromas of marshmallow, almond paste and light toffee. The palate entry is slightly smoky and properly sweet; tastes of honey and vanilla extract are found at midpalate. The finish is smooth, soft and very drinkable."

Mount Gay Eclipse blends exceptionally well with the other key ingredients which are cream of coconut and pineapple juice. In addition to the Mount Gay rum I also add a little spiced rum which further blends the flavors.

Recipe

2 oz. Mount Gay Eclipse Rum

½ oz. Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum

1 oz. Cream of Coconut

1 oz. Pineapple Juice

Blend ingredients together and then pour into a blender with crushed ice. Blend to a creamy mixture. Be careful not to use to much ice as the drink will loose it’s flavor.

For real rum lovers, float a little Mount Gay on top of the creamy mixture and serve with a fresh pineapple wedge.