Pina Colada – King Neptune’s Treat

There’s something magical about the first sip of a Piña Colada. Whether you’re on a sun-drenched beach or not, this iconic tiki drink embodies the essence of tropical escapism. For sailors venturing across the equator, it’s more than just a drink—it’s part of the transformation from a humble “Polywog” to a seasoned “Shellback,” an initiation into the court of King Neptune himself.

While the salty air and crashing waves add a certain mystique to the experience, you don’t need to set sail to enjoy the tradition. With a blender and a few tropical ingredients, you can recreate the magic of this sweet and creamy cocktail right at home. So grab your coconut cream, pineapple juice, and rum, and prepare to embark on your own tropical journey. Whether you’re crossing the equator or just crossing your kitchen to the bar, a Piña Colada is your ticket to paradise.

Let’s Craft a Classic Pina Colada

A good Pina Colada toes the line just before falling off the cliff into a cloying, syrupy abyss. That’s where the home cocktail enthusiast can take control and mix a perfect drink. Cream of coconut is the key and a proper dose is critical. Begin with a little and add more until it reaches that goldilocks taste.

Cracking That Coconut

This is surprisingly easy and it’s fun using real coconut for your serving vessel. Check for freshness by shaking and listening for the slosh of water inside. No slosh means, old, dry and spoiled.

Hold them carefully over the sink in the palm of your hand and rap with a hammer. Start about three-fourths of the way up where you want to break the top. Rap and rotate around the perimeter until you hear it crack and continue until it completely separates. Drain the water and rinse it out. Print