Pina Colada Day makes a splash

By Lethbridge Herald on July 10, 2025.

Joe Manio
Local Journalism Initiative reporter

When the words “pina colada” are mentioned, images of tropical beaches, creamy cocktails, and fruity garnishes often come to mind. 

The drink was also immortalized in the by British-American singer-songwriter Ruport Holmes in his 1979 hit song: “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” and the cocktail is celebrated annually with its own day on July 10. 

National Piña Colada Day honours the classic tropical cocktail and is observed in both the United States and in Canada. 

The holiday is believed to have originated in Puerto Rico, where the piña colada is also the national drink, to celebrate the drink’s creation. 

“I had no idea there was a national piña colada day! There is a day for everything. I don’t need a national day though to enjoy one, in fact, I just had one a week ago.” says Coaldale resident Ann Gierulski. 

“They are refreshing. I like the coconut and pineapple flavour, and of course the rum.”

The piña colada is a well-known and enjoyed cocktail in Canada, though its popularity may fluctuate depending on the season and setting. It’s a popular choice, particularly during the summer months and in vacation destinations, with pre-mixed versions also available. The piña colada is a very popular cocktail worldwide, consistently ranking among the top classic cocktails.

“They remind me of the beach! My very first pina colada was when I was 15 on a family vacation in Ixtapa Mexico…obviously a virgin pina colada at the time and I’ve been hooked ever since” says Lethbridge resident Cayla Haubrich. 

“When I turned 18 I upgraded to the adult version of the drink, they just hit the spot perfectly in the warmer weather. Last year when I was in Huatulco my mom and I tried one at every restaurant we went to on the beach, to compare and find the best! JessyMar at Santa Maria beach had the best one!”

While the exact origin of the piña colada itself is debated, it’s widely associated with the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero is credited with creating it in 1954. 

A classic pina colada is a creamy, white-colored cocktail with a tropical aroma, typically served in a tall glass. It has a smooth, velvety texture, and its flavor is a blend of sweet pineapple and rich coconut, with a hint of rum. Garnishes like a pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry are common additions. 

For non-alcohol drinkers, a piña colada can be enjoyed without rum, creating a delicious and refreshing mocktail known as a virgin piña colada. The key is to simply omit the rum and potentially adjust other ingredients like coconut cream or milk to maintain the desired balance and flavor.

“I love Pina coladas, but virgin only,” says Joanne Hazelaar. “The rum makes it taste weird.”

With or without the rum, Lethbridge residents can get their piña colada fixes at bars and restaurants including Hudsons Canada’s Pub, the Watertower Grill and Bar and Firestone Restaurant and Bar. Firestone offers two piña coladas in their cocktails menu, the Huckleberry Piña Colada and the Hawaiian  Piña Colada.

Word to the wise, however…while a pina colada’s flavor profile and association with tropical vacations are appealing, its high calorie and sugar content are significant drawbacks for those watching their diet or managing health conditions. 

The rich, creamy texture from coconut cream, along with pineapple juice, contributes to a high calorie count, often exceeding 400 calories per serving. Additionally, the sugar content can be substantial, potentially impacting blood sugar levels and contributing to weight gain. Like all good things…enjoy in moderation.