History of the Pina Colada

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The piña colada is an internationally famous drink, but many may not know that it originated in Puerto Rico. However, it's at this point that the history of the piña colada gets a little complicated, because while it's agreed that the drink was created in San Juan, multiple people lay claim to its invention.

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The Caribe Hilton Hotel claims Ramón "Monchito" Marrero created the Piña Colada in 1954 while a bartender at the hotel. According to this account, Mr. Marrero finally settled upon the recipe for the Piña Colada, which he felt captured the true nature and essence of Puerto Rico.[6] The hotel was presented with a proclamation in 2004 by Puerto Rico Governor Sila M. Calderón celebrating the drink's 50th anniversary.

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Barrachina, a restaurant in Puerto Rico, says that "a traditional Spanish bartender Don Ramon Portas Mingot in 1963 created what became the world's famous drink: the Piña Colada."

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In 1978 Puerto Rico proclaimed the cocktail its official drink.