This iconic Puerto Rican hotel served the first Piña Colada, and we have the original recipe.

Step back in time at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico to enjoy the original 1954 Piña Colada recipe, or make your own at home.

The original Piña Colada is not frozen and not overly sweet. It’s a delightful, refreshing tropical beverage served over ice, with a fruit garnish. If that doesn’t sound like any Piña Colada you’ve ever tasted, we’ve got the recipe so you can make one true to the original version. Or, you can plan a trip to Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where this beach favorite was invented in the ‘50s and is still served today. 

Caribe Hilton, where it all began

The Caribe Hilton has been the place to stay in San Juan since opening in 1949. Early guests included Elizabeth Taylor and Sophia Loren, and more recently it was the unofficial hotel of Bad Bunny’s Puerto Rico residency. On the last day of my November 2025 stay, Zohran Mamdani, who was then the mayor elect of New York City, arrived at Caribe Hilton to speak at a conference. There’s always something buzzy happening at this iconic beachfront hotel. 

While staying at Caribe Hilton, you can get your fill of Piña Coladas at the Caribar off the lobby, or by swimming up to the Bagua bar. Try the original with heavy cream, or a lighter version without. You can also order a virgin drink, if you’d rather skip the rum. No matter the variety, your cocktail will taste even better with a side of coconut shrimp and sorullitos (cornmeal fritters). Coconut, pineapple and fried food is a winning combination. 

Puerto Rico’s official drink 

In 1954, Caribe Hilton bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero was asked to create a cocktail that captured the flavors of Puerto Rico. He blended rum, López coconut cream and pineapple juice to make the first ever Piña Colada, and the drink was an instant hit. 

Marrero didn’t have a blender, so his drink was shaken. Guests loved it, word spread and he continued to serve his signature drink at Caribe Hilton for more than 35 years. In 1978, Puerto Rico named the Piña Colada its official national drink and now celebrates each year with National Piña Colada Day in July. 

Original Piña Colada recipe

The beauty of this Piña Colada recipe is its simplicity. Blend four ingredients and add ice. If you’re lactose intolerant or looking for a lighter treat, skip the heavy cream and your drink will still be delicious. 

Ingredients

• 2 ounces of white rum
• 1 ounce of coconut cream
• 1 ounce of heavy cream
• 6 ounces of fresh pineapple juice
• ½ cup of crushed ice

Optional: 

• Maraschino cherry
• Pineapple 

Steps

• Add rum, coconut cream, heavy cream and pineapple juice to a blender
• Add ice and blend for about 15 seconds, until smooth
• Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry

Run away to San Juan

If tasting the flavors of Puerto Rico has you daydreaming about an island getaway, I highly recommend booking a stay at the birthplace of the Piña Colada. Caribe Hilton restaurants have several plays on the hotel’s famous flavor. You can get Piña Colada French toast for breakfast at the hotel’s Néctar del Caribe and Piña Colada panna cotta for dessert from Caribar. 

Need more reasons? Caribe Hilton has the only private, secluded beach in Puerto Rico with a cove bordering a marine sanctuary, has an 18th century fort on the property and is on the path to Old San Juan. It’s a fascinating place to explore, both in and out of the water. Plus, the hotel is less than 15 minutes from the airport, and you don’t need a passport to visit. 

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Cover photo courtesy Caribe Hilton

Heidi Gollub is a Piña Colada convert after discovering the original isn’t as sweet as the frozen kind that makes her stomach hurt. She’s been to Puerto Rico three times in the past three years and can’t wait to go back to eat and explore more.