The origins of the pina colada are like the origins of the universe, shrouded in mystery and hotly disputed. 

In Puerto Rico, where the fruity-frothy combo of pineapple, coconut cream, and rum is considered the official cocktail of the island, two different San Juan businesses, the Caribe Hilton hotel, and Barrachina restaurant, claim to be the birthplace of the drink.

The Caribe Hilton insisted that the recipe was crafted by Ramón “Monchito” Marrero, a bartender who worked at the hotel’s Beachcomber Bar and was commissioned to create a signature cocktail almost 68 years ago. 

According to some sources, Marrero spent three months creating everyone’s favorite and Puerto Rico’s official cocktail. 

Marrero’s invention, now widely known as pina colada, received the green signal when Hollywood legend Joan Crawford declared that the drink was better than slapping 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 due to a coconut scarcity that forced him to improvise.

Ramón Portas Mignot, a cocktailer at Barrachina in Old San Juan, was the third bartender to claim to craft this delicious tropical delight back in 1963. 

The placement of a plaque at the entrance of the establishment strengthened Mignot’s claim. The plaque commemorates the birthplace of this popular drink.

In 1978, the pina colada was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico. 

Some Puerto Rican natives claimed that pina colada dates back to the 1800s. They give the credit for its invention to a pirate Roberto Cofresí, saying that he served his crew this beverage to boost morale. 

While it is not known which hands were the ones that created the famous pina colada, it has still managed to become Puerto Rico’s National drink and a favorite worldwide, regardless of where you travel.

So whether you are chilling at the beach or hanging out at your favorite restaurant with your buddies, pina colada is fit for every occasion. 

Why is pina colada everyone’s favorite drink?

The rich and creamy blend of pineapple, coconut cream, rum, and blended ice is a delight for the soul. 

The first sip of the drink refreshes the mind and body beyond imagination. The sweet fruity-frothy combo gives immense pleasure to the taste buds. 

Since its creation, many new versions of the drink have emerged, and every country has tried creating its rendition of the famous exotic drink. 

The four essential ingredients in all the recipes are pineapple, coconut cream, white rum, and blended ice. 

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