Pina Coladas Around Los Angeles

 

Did you know there’s a pina colada takeover going on in Los Angeles? And I suspect other parts of the country? I didn’t notice at first. I innocently sipped on versions at Son of a Gun and Sunny Spot a few years ago delighting how this drink didn’t seem to fit the craft cocktail circles. But now we’re on a party train. First came the Mad Men drinks people rediscovered. While some still continue to love Pre-Prohibition drinks like Manhattans, tastemakers seem to be moving through the eras. It’s the 70s, but better! Or is it all about the 80s? It’s only natural the craft cocktail scene would take on tiki and other party drinks. The main difference is a combination of fresh juices, better spirits and no more high fructose driven syrups and mixers. We’re seeing Alabama Slammers and punch. I would not be surprised if someone starts trying to elevate other drinks of our youth. Ahem, oh wait, it’s happened. Here’s Jefferey Morgenthaler’s Amaretto Sour recipe.

But back to the Pina Colada. It’s rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice. It’s often blended and served with pineapple wedge and/or a cherry. It’s Puerto Rico’s national drink and it’s often debated who actually invented it. Prior to the Pina Colada, a popular drink was the Coco Loco, a drink of rum, coconut water and coconut cream. At least 3 people claimed they were the first then to add in pineapple to this drink. And of course, there’s this song that made it very famous.

At Honeycut, they have a Pina Colada machine. Initial taste transports one immediately to a hammock tied between two palms at the beach.

 

Honeycut

819 S Flower St (enter from the alley, accessible via 8th or 9th streets)
Los Angeles, CA 90017  —  (213) 688-0888

 

 

 

Over at the Eveleigh on Sunset, you can upgrade your Pina Colada to better rum but their basic one is pretty damn good. A wine drinker friend drank hers down quite happily. The Eveleigh uses their own house-made coconut cream. I got the revved up version with Banks 7 rum.

 

The Eveleigh

8752 W Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, CA 90069 — (424) 239-1630

 

One of my favorite versions so far is the one at Cana Rum Bar. They offer it both blended or shaken. Try both and you decide which is your favorite. I like mine blended. This one is made with Papa Pilar’s rum.

 

Cana Rum Bar

714 West Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90015 – (213) 745-7090

 

And shocking development! Pina Coladas are still at your favorite tiki bars. Here’s one from Tonga Hut in Palm Springs. This one is with Selvarey which adds a bit of flair to your standard Pina Colada. Can’t make it to Palm Springs? There’s the original Tonga Hut in North Hollywood.

 

Tonga Hut Tiki Lounge

12808 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA 91606  —  (818) 769-0708

 

© The Minty  2014