What is the primary fruit ingredient in a piña colada?

The primary fruit ingredient in a piña colada is pineapple. The classic Puerto Rican cocktail combines pineapple juice with cream of coconut and white rum, then is usually blended or shaken with ice.

The name piña colada means “strained pineapple” in Spanish, referring to freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice. Although the drink’s exact creator is disputed, Puerto Rico is widely recognized as its place of origin. Competing origin stories involve bartenders at San Juan’s Caribe Hilton and Barrachina restaurant.

Coconut is an important ingredient, but it is not the fruit usually identified as the cocktail’s primary fruit component. Cream of coconut supplies richness and sweetness, while pineapple provides the characteristic tropical fruit flavor and acidity. A pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry are common garnishes.

The International Bartenders Association recipe uses five parts pineapple juice, three parts cream of coconut, and five parts white rum. Puerto Rico declared the piña colada its official drink in 1978.