What does pina colada mean?
Traditionally, a pina colada is a cocktail drink consisting of rum, coconut milk or cream of coconut, and pineapple juice that is blended with ice. The name can be translated from Spanish to “strained pineapple juice.”
The history of pina coladas is so interesting and unique, folks. Ya see, the origins of pina coladas is debatable with the earliest claim dating back to the 1800s in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rican legend, Roberto Cofresi, better known as El Pirata Confreshi, a pirate who is today known as the Robin Hood of Puerto Rico. He is known to have stolen from the rich and give to the poor and is still celebrated. A real life hero in the West Indies! Many Puerto Rican citizens had helped protect him from authorities until he was captured in 1825. Many believe that Cofresi served his crew this mix.
Another story is connected to Caribe Hilton’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico in 1954 when Ramon Marrero, the head bartender, was tasked to a create a new cocktail for visiting Hollywood socialites. It is believed that the beloved actress, Joan Crawford, is quoted saying that the cocktail “was better than slapping Bette Davis in the face.” Well, slap my head and call me silly if that’s true!
Was Marrero the bartender who created it though? In another story, a different bartender at the same location claims to have created the mix. He said that the local coconut harvester’s strike at the time led to exploring a new recipe. He wanted a recipe similar to Coco Loco but with hollowed-out pineapples rather than coconut shells. When he mixed the recipe with pineapple juices, it became today’s pina colada.
Despite different origin stories, one thing is for certain, pina coladas are a beloved drink all over the world today and a popular cocktail found in nearly all bars and restaurants in Puerto Rico.
How to make a virgin pina colada recipe with less sugar
If you’re looking for a summer cocktail recipe or craving virgin pina coladas with friends, we have just the blend for you. And while we’re at it, want a mocktail without too much sugar?
An average can of pineapple juice includes 22 grams of sugar and has 100 calories. We recommend replacing the typical pineapple juice in a frozen pina colada with unsweetened pineapple chunks mixed with our Southern Breeze Tropical Cold Brew Sweet Tea. Our cold infused tea is a mic of pineapple and passion fruit perfection that transports you to a tropical escape.
Now hang on to your boots for one last reveal: our iced tea has no sugar! Yes, y’all, enjoy this guilt-free mix below with our black tea that has zero calories and is made with real tea leaves in a pre-sweetened bag without sugar and enjoy your summer days.
Pina Colada Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups unsweetened frozen pineapple chunks
- 1/4 cup ice
- 3/4 cups cold water
- 8 oz of Southern Breeze Tropical Cold Brew Sweet Tea
- 3/4 cup unsweetened coconut milk
*Optional: add pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries as a garnish
Pina Colada Mix Recipe:
Serves 2-3 alcohol free drinks
- Make an 8 ounce cup of our Southern Breeze Tropical Cold Brew Sweet Tea
- Add frozen pineapple chunks and ice on the bottom of the blender.
- Place brewed Tropical Sweet Tea and coconut milk over top.
- Puree until smooth.
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