The Piña Colada was created by Ramon “Monchito” Marrero in 1954 while working as a bartender at the Caribe Hilton. The drink was served personally by the creator for 35 years while he worked as a bartender at the hotel, and in 1978, the piña colada was declared the official drink of Puerto Rico.
Original Recipe of the Piña Colada
Ingredients:
2 ounces white rum
1 ounce coconut cream
1 ounce heavy cream
6 ounces fresh pineapple juice
½ cup of crushed ice
Procedure:
Add the rum, cream of coconut, cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Add the ice and blend until smooth for about 15 seconds. Serve in a 12-ounce glass. Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.
In 2004, Caribe Hilton was presented with a proclamation signed by Puerto Rico Governor Sila María Calderón supporting the celebration of the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Piña Colada.
As part of the proclamation, Ramón “Monchito” Marrero is recognized as having created the Piña Colada in 1954 while working as a bartender at Caribe Hilton.