Coconut cream, pineapple juice, white rum, and ice... ingredients first mixed in 1954 in Puerto Rico, and later traveled the globe not only as an iconic drink, but as a catchy tune that got everybody wondering if they liked piña coladas.
The 1979 hit “Escape” by Rupert Holmes, also known as “The Piña Colada Song,” twice became number-one on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US charts making Puerto Rico’s national drink just as famous.
The piña colada, which translates as "strained pineapple," has been surrounded by controversy as to who was its original creator. Some say it was first concocted at the Caribe Hilton in San Juan, although the story goes that a similar beverage was served at Barrachina, another San Juan restaurant.
Some even dare to say that the refreshing cocktail dates to the 1800’s, citing that pirate Roberto Cofresí crafted it to boost his shipmate’s morale.
Regardless of its origin, one thing is clear: The piña colada was born in Puerto Rico.
Take a sip and discover it is a perfect match to the island's culture of carefree sunsets, cool breezes, warm sand, and relaxation!
Here are five top cocktail bars in Puerto Rico:
• La Factoría - Calle San Sebastián-1 #14R - voted one of the top 50 bars in the world.
• The Mezzanine - 156 Sol St. 2nd Floor - for authentic 1950s Old San Juan vibes.
• Gallo Negro - 1107 Avenida Juan Ponce de León - one of the best whisky selections in the city.
• El Bar Bero - 1507 Calle Loíza - good vibes and drinks with a barbershop themed decor.
• La Central - 35 Barbosa St., Isabela - a relaxed bar in a beautiful beachside town in the West
As well as cocktails, the island is, of course, famous for its culinary recipes which will surely transform your client’s palate.
The fusion of Puerto Rican culture with international cuisine, years of combining traditional and contemporary techniques, and reinventing recipes handed down from grandma are a guaranteed success.
The top five must-try Puerto Rican dishes are:
• Mofongo - deep-fried green plantain pieces mashed with garlic and either salt-cured pork or pork crackling, and oil. It is usually served with a choice of meat or seafood.
• Tostones and amarillos - plantain two ways: savory marinated and deep-fried green plantain wheels and fried sweet ripe plantains.
• Lechón asado - marinated and slow spit-roasted pork. Be sure to visit its route in Guavate, also known as “pork highway.”
• Arroz y habichuelas - Rice and stewed beans.
• Alcapurrias - Deep-fried fritters stuffed with ground beef, crab meat, chicken, fish, octopus, conch, or other types of seafood.
Is your mouth watering already? Then start planning your client’s escape!