National Piña Colada Day

Celebrated on 07/10/2026

Quick Fact

The Piña Colada was first created in 1954 at the Caribe Hilton hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, by bartender Ramón 'Monchito' Marrero. It was originally called 'Piña Colada,' which translates to 'strained pineapple,' and became Puerto Rico's national drink in 1978.

Origins and Establishment of National Piña Colada Day

The Piña Colada was invented on August 15, 1954, at the Caribe Hilton hotel’s Beachcomber Bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Bartender Ramón "Monchito" Marrero spent three months perfecting the recipe, which combined rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice. The drink quickly gained popularity and became a symbol of Puerto Rican culture. National Piña Colada Day was established to celebrate this iconic cocktail and its Puerto Rican heritage, though the exact year of its official recognition is unclear. It is observed annually on July 10, chosen to coincide with the peak of summer.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over time, the Piña Colada has evolved with variations such as frozen, non-alcoholic, and flavored versions (e.g., strawberry or mango). It has also become a staple at tropical-themed parties and resorts worldwide. Today, National Piña Colada Day is celebrated with special promotions at bars and restaurants, social media campaigns, and home mixology experiments. Many people recreate the original recipe or try creative twists, often sharing their creations online using hashtags like #NationalPinaColadaDay.

Facts & General Observations

• Approximately 1 in 5 Americans have tried a Piña Colada, making it one of the most popular tropical cocktails in the United States.
• The Piña Colada is the official drink of Puerto Rico, designated by law in 1978.
• July 10 was chosen for National Piña Colada Day because it falls during National Tropical Fruit Day celebrations and summer's peak.

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