National Pina Colada Day

July 10 is National Piña Colada Day, a fun and tropical celebration of one of the world’s favorite summer cocktails. This sweet, creamy drink is traditionally made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice. Whether blended or shaken with ice, it’s often garnished with a cherry, a pineapple slice—or both! If you’re looking for a reason to unwind, this holiday invites you to kick back and sip like you’re on vacation.

History

The origins of the piña colada are a mix of mystery and legend. One of the earliest accounts dates back to the early 1800s, when Puerto Rican pirate Captain Roberto Cofresí allegedly served his crew a morale-boosting mix of coconut, pineapple, and white rum. After his death, the recipe was lost for decades.

In 1954, bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero revived the cocktail at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Faced with a coconut shortage, bartender Ricardo Garcia reportedly served the drink in a hollowed-out pineapple. That same year, Marrero perfected what we now know as the modern piña colada.

Interesting Facts

• “Piña colada” is Spanish for “strained pineapple.”
• The piña colada has been the official drink of Puerto Rico since 1978.
• Variations include the lava flow, King Henry, Caribou Lou, piñita colada, and iguana colada.
• At Rumfest 2010, five bartenders attempted to make the world’s largest piña colada—mixing 100 liters each of rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice in a cement mixer.

How to Take Part

Make yourself a homemade piña colada or visit your favorite tropical bar. For a creative twist, carve out a pineapple and use it as a glass. If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, enjoy a virgin piña colada. Listen to the classic song Escape (The Piña Colada Song) by Rupert Holmes and imagine yourself on a beach. However you celebrate, sip responsibly and share the tropical vibes with friends.

National Piña Colada Day Jokes

• I only drink piña coladas twice a year: on National Piña Colada Day and when it’s not.
• A horse walks into a bar and orders a piña colada. The bartender says, “Why the long face?”
• “Do you want to grab a piña colada?” asks a Mayan wife. “Sure,” replies her husband. “If I don’t finish this calendar, it’s not the end of the world.”

Quotes About Piña Coladas

• “My point is, life is about balance. The good and the bad. The highs and the lows. The piña and the colada.” — Ellen DeGeneres, Seriously… I’m Kidding
• “If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain…” — Rupert Holmes, Escape (The Piña Colada Song)
• “This time next week, I’ll be sucking down piña coladas in a hot tub with six girls named Amber and Tiffany.” — Clive Owen as Dalton Russell, Inside Man (2006)
• “Excuse me? I asked for a mai tai, and they brought me a piña colada!” — Stephen Root as Milton Waddams, Office Space (1999)

Piña Colada Day Destinations

• Visit the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, Puerto Rico—home of the original piña colada.
• Buy ready-to-drink piña colada cocktails from a local liquor store.
• Order a piña colada at your favorite restaurant or beach bar.
• Stay in, mix your own cocktail, and relax with tropical music.

This holiday is also known as: Piña Colada Day, National Piña Colada Day, International Piña Colada Day, Pina Colada Day, and National Pina Colada Day.

National Piña Colada Day is celebrated in July, which is also: National Ice Cream Month, National Grilling Month, National Blueberry Month, and National Anti-Boredom Month.

When is National Piña Colada Day in 2025?

National Piña Colada Day is observed on July 10 each year.

Observations