From The Bahamas to St Thomas, the Caribbean’s Most Famous Cocktails

Some of the most famous cocktails in the world originated in the Caribbean, and while they come in a variety of tastes and traditions, they all share one common ingredient: rum. Here are some of our favorite Caribbean cocktails and how you can make them at home.

Piña Colada, Caribe Hilton

The Piña Colada is a midcentury classic that matches perfectly with its birthplace, San Juan’s Caribe Hilton hotel. Bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero invented the popular tropical drink in 1954, originally a non-alcoholic refresher blended in a shaker glass (it was years later that Marrero began adding rum to the mix (the frozen variety arrived even later). The government of Puerto Rico declared the Pina Colada the commonwealth’s official drink in 1978.

Caribe Hilton Piña Colada:

• 2 oz light rum (the resort uses Bacardi)
• 1 oz coconut cream (the resort uses Coco Lopez)
• 1 oz heavy cream
• 6 oz pineapple juice 
• ½ cup crushed ice       

Directions: Mix rum, cream of coconut, heavy cream and pineapple juice in a blender. Add ice and mix for 15 seconds. Serve in a 12 oz glass and garnish with fresh pineapple and a cherry.