The Piña Colada is one of the most beloved and satisfying drinks on the planet.
The frosty mix of rum, pineapple juice, and coconut cream will transport you to a faraway paradise, no matter where in the world you are at the moment. While the classic co*cktail would fare well with just about any rum, some work better than others. Here are our seven favorite rums to use when making a Piña Colada.
BACARDÍ Gold
$12
BACARDÍ Gold is our go-to when making party-ready rum punches, and it also mixes an excellent Piña Colada. Rich, toasty flavors like creamy caramel, banana, and almond pair perfectly with coconut cream, while the light oaked finish cuts through the sweetness of the drink. When we’re batching Piñas for a crowd, this is our favorite bottling to grab.
Ron Barceló Gran Platinum
$19
Ron Barceló Dominican Rum is always on our shelf because it’s one of the smoothest, tastiest rums on the market. And while we couldn’t imagine a Daiquiri without Ron Barceló’s Gran Platinum expression, it also works very well in a Piña Colada. This rum is made by filtering Ron Barceló’s Gran Añejo to get a clear liquid while preserving the notes of white oak from the aging process.
Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum
$19
If you want to add some strength to your Piña Colada, this overproof Jamaican rum is a best bet. Flavorful and funky with rich molasses notes, it will add a deep, satisfying flavor to the classic co*cktail. Even if you mix your Piña Colada with a lower-proof rum, we suggest adding a floater of Wray & Nephew to give it an extra punch.
Mount Gay Eclipse
$18
Mount Gay Master Blender Trudiann Branker accounts for character, body, and aroma when she is blending the brand’s flagship rum, and the care that goes into making each batch is apparent upon first sip. Floral and fruity with flavors of apricot and banana, Eclipse adds depth and a subtle smokiness to a Piña Colada.
Malibu
$15
If you’re looking for an extra coconutty Piña Colada that’s lighter on the alcohol, Malibu is a solid rum choice. Because it’s only 42 proof, you can drink a couple without getting too tipsy. It’s also great for those who want to up the creamy coconut notes and downplay the fruity pineapple flavor.
STROH 160
$33
Sometimes we like our Piña Colada to have a little spice, and STROH 160 is the perfect way to give it some bite. The Austrian spiced rum is aged for three years in oak casks, and will add notes of butterscotch and vanilla to the classic drink. Not to mention it’s 160 proof, so it’ll add extra heat and a nice kick to the drink, too.
Santa Teresa 1796
$45
If you want to get a little bit fancy with your Piña Colada, Santa Teresa 1796 is a perfect bottling to buy. This elegant spirit is made using the solera method and blends rums that have spent up to 35 years aged in used bourbon barrels. When making a Piña Colada with this beautiful liquid, mix it into a shaken version of the drink rather than a frozen one, so the rum has a chance to shine.
