10 things you probably didn’t know about the Pina Colada


Tomorrow is National Pina Colada day, which is super important. Here are 10 things you probably didn’t know about the Pina Colada.

1. Pina Colada literally means “strained pineapple.”

Drinks comprised of rum and pineapple have been called Pina Coladas for over a century, but the iteration we know and pretend to love today is more recent.

2. Invented in 1954 at the Hilton in San Juan

Like all drinks, the origin of the Pina Colada is contested, but the general consensus is that it was invented by a dude named Monchito at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It’s also strange to think of a time when Pina Coladas didn’t exist. Where did they put their tiny umbrellas?

3. Pina Colada is the official drink of Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile in Chicago we have Malört.

Quickmeme

4. That song already in your head has a real name.

Much like how the Ying Yang Twins’ “Whisper Song” is actually titled “Wait,” Rupert Holmes’ “The Pina Colada Song” is actually titled “Escape.”

5. The song had a brief resurrection with “Pina Colliding.”

The Pina Colada was glorious spliced into movies. Sadly the videos have all but disappeared. It was also remixed by sad office workers in a Taco Bell commercial.

6. Fake Pina Coladas are used in juice cleanses.

And it was the most disappointing thing I’ve ever consumed.

7. The Pina Colada recipe has changed… allegedly.

The official IBA Pina Colada recipe is 1 part white rum, 1 part coconut cream, and 3 parts pineapple juice. Supposedly the original ratio was 1:2:4 though. I think they could both use more rum.

8. A legit Pina Colada has 243 calories.

If you make it according to the IBA recipe, the 5oz cocktail (not including blended ice) has a mere 243 calories. While that’s not great, most people say they average about 500 calories. Of course I’m counting fresh pineapple juice though, so if you’re drinking sugar packed shit from a can you’re in a world of hurt.

9. World’s Largest Pina Colada was 310 liters

The non-Guinness-confirmed world’s largest Pina Colada was created at London’s Rumfest in 2010. They used a cement mixer in lieu of the world’s largest blender.

10. Rupert Holmes wasn’t the only one who sang about Pina Coladas. Da Real One did as well…

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