The island of Puerto Rico is known for being the birthplace of the popular coconut cocktail – the Piña Colada! Created in the heart and soul of the Caribbean using family-owned Don Q rum, the Piña Colada is a mix of rum, coconut milk and pineapple blended with ice – a delicious creamy goodness perfect for sipping under the Caribbean sun. Discover Puerto Rico rounds up five iconic spots across the island to taste a truly authentic Piña Colada.
Barrachina Restaurant
Located in Old San Juan, just one block from La Fortaleza, the governor of Puerto Rico’s residence, sits Barrachina Restaurant – a local business that has been serving tourists and locals alike for over 40 years. Despite being labelled as the ‘King of Paella’, Barrachina is not only known for its delicious traditional food. In fact, the restaurant also claims to be the birthplace of the world-famous piña colada, created by Don Ramon Portas Mingot in 1963. Since then, the restaurant continues to provide the popular creamy and coconut drink, serving approximately 2,200 piña coladas a day. With pink stone walls that are hard to miss and magnificent tropical foliage, Barrachina makes a perfect day drinking spot, and continues to be a firm favourite amongst tourists.
Caribe Hilton
Aptly situated on 17 acres of lush tropical peninsula near the Old San Juan district, Caribe Hilton is a stylish oasis that has been dazzling guests since 1949. The hotel boasts 652 recently renovated rooms and suites to kick back and relax in along with a private beach cabana where travellers can learn to scuba dive. The Caribe Hilton is the first hotel to lay claim to the tropical coconut drink, with bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrer supposedly creating the drink back in 1954. Guests can head to the Caribar Bar to enjoy hand-crafted cocktails and a delicious tapas menu of culinary delights, with ocean views as the perfect backdrop.
Jungle Bird
Located on the edge of La Placita de Santurce in San Juan, Puerto Rico, travellers will find Jungle Bird. A cosy and intimate tiki bar boasting bamboo furniture, lush green decor and tropical vibes, Jungle Bird offers a wide selection of cocktails and Taino-tropical drinks that are playful in name. A popular spot amongst locals and in-the-know visitors, the bar is the ideal location to sample a traditional piña colada with friends or Jungle Bird’s very own Tepache Colada – a creamy piña colada texture with an acidic flavour!
La Penultima
Travellers can immerse themselves in the rhythm and melody of Puerto Rico at La Penultima, an industrial-chic, artsy spot with delicious cocktails and drinks. From seafood to beef hamburgers, La Penultima welcomes a range of locals and tourist visitors. In line with its urban aura, La penultima serves a modern take on the piña colada with their Islan Borinquen fizz. The cocktail is a creamy blend of rum, gin, coconut, pineapple and soda, making a perfect Puerto Rican drink. Travellers can also grab a bite to eat, sampling the bar’s renowned disco fries – a firm favourite among visitors.
Senor Paleta
Who said piña coladas have to come in a glass? The Senor Paleta in Old San Juan continues to change the way piña coladas are experienced today. Specialising in creamy and fruity desserts on a stick, Senor Paleta’s spin on the traditional drink is making history. Inspired by the traditional piña colada, Paleta’s popsicle fuses pineapple and coconut cream making a creamy white and yellow Caribbean popsicle – perfect for a summer’s day in the Puerto Rican heat. Visit Senor Paleta and experience the unique style of piña coladas Puerto Rico has to offer, best experienced on the Island.
