With the sun (occasionally) high in the sky and summer in full swing, what better way to treat yourself than with a deliciously refreshing piña colada sorbet! This tropical delicacy takes you on a flavorful journey to the Caribbean, where white sand beaches, swaying palm trees and azure seas create an idyllic atmosphere. In this blog post we dive into the history of the piña colada and give you the best recipe ever for a cooling sorbet version of this classic cocktail. So get out your blender; to work!

The origin of the piña colada

Although there are various stories about the origin of the piña colada, it is almost certain that this delicious cocktail has its roots in beautiful Puerto Rico. According to one version, bartender named Ramón "Monchito" Marrero Pérez invented the piña (Spanish for 'pineapple') colada (Spanish for 'sifted'). In 1954, while working at the legendary Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Monchito was commissioned to create a new and refreshing cocktail that would capture the essence of the island. After months of experimentation, he came up with a genius mix of white rum, creamy coconut milk and fresh pineapple juice, all perfectly balanced. The piña colada was born and quickly became a favorite of many with its exotic taste and creamy texture.

In these colored streets of Old Town San Juan, Puerto Rico I can see that piña colada happening :)

the colored streets of San Juan, Puerto Rico

The recipe for the piña colada sorbet

Now it's time to indulge your taste buds with a delicious piña colada sorbet that you can share with friends and family on a hot summer day. This sorbet version of the classic cocktail is refreshing, creamy and perfect for treating yourself to a tropical escape.

Ingredients for 2 - 3 piñas:

  • 60 ml white rum (or Malibu for extra coconut flavor)
  • 1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
  • 70 ml coconut milk
  • 1 cup crushed ice (add more ice if you want a thicker sorbet)
  • a splash of fresh lime juice for a light acidity (to taste)
  • pineapple wedges and maraschino cherries for garnish

Preparation method:

  1. Place the pineapple chunks in a blender or food processor.
  2. Add the white rum, coconut milk, lime juice and crushed ice to the blender.
  3. Add the crushed ice to the blender.
  4. Mix all ingredients in the blender at high speed until you get a smooth and creamy sorbet.
  5. Taste the sorbet and adjust the taste if necessary.
  6. Pour the piña colada sorbet into large glasses .
  7. Garnish the sorbet with a piece of fresh pineapple, a maraschino cherry on top and possibly an old school paper umbrella to finish it off.
  8. Serve this delicious piña colada sorbet with a straw and spoon and enjoy!


a real pina colada

pina colada pineapple glass


This great piña colada pineapple glass here on the left is for sale in a set of 4 - piña colada glasses Royal Leerdam .

With an ice-cold piña colada sorbet in your hand on a beautiful summer evening, life is good! Let this delicious treat remind you of the endless possibilities of summer and enjoy all the beauty this season has to offer. Whether you are on an exotic island or just at home in your own garden, every day can be celebrated. So cheers to summer and make memories that will stay with you forever!

Pure coincidence, by the way, because I wanted to put the old school version of the song 'Escape' here, but Jax and Malibu's version is just as eh... cheerful ☀️ Who is Jax? This is Jack!



Would you rather listen to the original from 1980? Find the differences 😂

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