When I think of summer cocktail recipes, one of the first that comes to mind is the Piña Colada, invented in my native Puerto Rico. For this post, the staff at The Condado Plaza Hilton, one of the most beloved hotels in San Juan, Puerto Rico shares its “Piña Alocada” recipe, a modern take on the classic, now available at the Moon Bar, considered the perfect spot to see and be seen in the center of the hotel lobby. Offering a unique spin on the classic coconut-pineapple delight, the Piña Alocada boasts surprising additions such as cinnamon syrup and is served on the rocks.
There are several stories of where the Piña Colada was invented in Puerto Rico… that’s another post to debate! However, in 1978 the Piña Colada was named Puerto Rico’s official national drink. Paying homage to this famous cocktail, the Piña Alocada was recently created as a modern addition on the specialty cocktail menu at the iconic Condado Plaza.
Summer Cocktail Recipes: The Condado Plaza Hilton’s Piña Alocada
Ingredients:
1 ½ oz. Coconut flavored vodka (such as Ciroc)
1 ½ oz. Coconut water
1 ½ oz. Pineapple juice
½ oz. Cinnamon syrup
Pineapple wedge (for garnish)
Mocktail version:
Ingredients:
1 oz Coconut Water with Coconut pieces
2 oz Pineapple Juice
1/2 oz Cinnamon Syrup
Method:
1. Add all the ingredients to a shaker and fill with ice.
2. Shake, and strain into a glass filled with fresh ice.
3. Garnish with a pineapple wedge.
4. Enjoy!
Verdict: I recently tried this recipe at home-both the alcoholic and non-alcoholic version. The cinnamon syrup was very easy to make per this recipe by Bon Appetit, recommend you make it the night before to give it enough time to cool and for the flavors to bind. I also made the pineapple juice at home with a juicer, which it’s hands down more delicious (and healthier) than the processed variety at the store. The cocktail is light, a bit overpowered by the pineapple, so you can play around with the measurements, but the perfect treat to have on a hot summer day. Do you have any favorite summer cocktail recipes?