Puerto Rican Cocktails: A Taste of the Island

Puerto Rico is a tropical paradise, and one of the many things that make it unique is its vast array of delicious cocktails! The Island has something for everyone, from the classic piña colada to the lesser-known coquito. In this post, we'll explore Puerto Rico's most famous cocktails, their history, and how to make them at home. 

Piña Colada

No discussion of Puerto Rican cocktails would be complete without mentioning the piña colada. This classic drink has rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The piña colada was invented in San Juan in the 1950s, and it quickly became a favorite of locals and tourists alike. In 1978, it became the official drink of Puerto Rico. Today, you can find piña coladas at nearly every bar on the Island.

History

There are many origin stories for this famous cocktail. The first claim came from the Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí in the 19th century when he created the drink from the few ingredients on his ship to boost morale among his men. The piña colada as we know it was created in 1954 by bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero Perez while working at the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan. The hotel management had requested that Marrero make a new signature drink representing the hotel and Puerto Rico. After three months of experimentation, he finally settled on the piña colada.

Where to try it

One of the best places to try a piña colada is the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, where the drink was first invented. You can also find it at Barrachina, another San Juan institution claiming to have invented the drink.

How to make it at home

To make a piña colada at home, blend 2 oz of white rum, 2 oz of coconut cream, and 2 oz of pineapple juice with ice. Serve in a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.

Coquito

Another famous Puerto Rican cocktail is the coquito. This creamy drink is made with coconut milk, condensed milk, and rum, and it's often garnished with cinnamon. The coquito is typically served during the holiday season, but you can find it year-round at many bars and restaurants.

History

The coquito is believed to have originated in Puerto Rico in the 19th century. It was traditionally made by mixing coconut milk, spices, and rum and was often served as a festive holiday drink. Today, there are many variations of the coquito recipe, but all of them feature the essential ingredients of coconut milk, condensed milk, and rum.

How to make it at home

To make a coquito at home, combine one can of coconut milk; one can of condensed milk, one can of evaporated milk, 1 tsp of vanilla extract, 1 tsp of ground cinnamon, and 1 cup of white rum in a blender. Blend until smooth and serve chilled in a small glass. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Pitorro

Pitorro is a robust and homemade rum that's well-known among locals.

History

Pitorro dates back to the early days of Puerto Rico when it was used as a form of currency and was also known as "moonshine." Pirro is still made in small batches by families throughout the Island. It's often flavored with fruit or spices, and its alcohol content can range from 40% to 90%.

Where to try it

You can find pitorro at local shops and markets throughout the Island. Many people make their pitorro at home, using family recipes passed down for generations.

How to make it at home

To make pitorro at home, you'll need a large jug or container with a lid, a bottle of white rum, and your choice of flavorings, such as cinnamon sticks or vanilla beans. Combine the rum and flavorings in the jug or container and let it sit for several weeks or months, shaking it occasionally. The longer it sits, the stronger it will become.

Amaretto Colada

The amaretto colada is a twist on the classic piña colada, made with amaretto liqueur instead of coconut cream.

How to make it at home

To make an amaretto colada at home, blend 2 oz of white rum, 1 oz of amaretto liqueur, and 2 oz of pineapple juice with ice. Serve in a hurricane glass and garnish with a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry.

Bilí

Bilí is a sweet, fruity drink with rum, enjoyed around the Island but mostly in Vieques. Bilí's main ingredient is the quenepa, which is plentiful during the summer in Vieques. 

How to make it at home

To make bilí at home:

1. Combine 2 oz of white rum, 2 oz of passion fruit juice (or quenepa juice if you can find some!), and 1 oz of simple syrup in a shaker with ice.
2. Shake well and strain into a glass filled with ice.
3. Garnish with a slice of fresh passion fruit.

Chichaíto

Chichaíto is a shot of anise-flavored liquor often served after a meal.

How to make it at home

To make chichaíto at home, combine 1 oz of anise-flavored liquor, such as Pernod or Sambuca, with 1 oz of rum in a shot glass. Serve at room temperature.

If you want a taste of Puerto Rico, try some of the Island's famous cocktails. From the classic piña colada to lesser-known drinks like the coquito, there's something for everyone. Whether you're visiting Puerto Rico or want to try making these drinks at home, enjoy them responsibly and savor the flavors of the Island.