I'm all about saving the best for last. Sometimes that gets me in trouble, like on Thanksgiving when I decide to eat my ham last, but by the time I get to it I'm already bursting so I just force it down my throat because I'm determined to enjoy it, but I just end up making myself sick and the entire experience is ruined. *sigh* But today, it just means that I've saved the best drink for last. At least in my opinion, it's the best of the 4.
So, the "dry bar" I worked at. I actually started working there when it opened. It was the first restaurant the owner had ever been involved with, and we were playing a lot of things by ear. I remember working a day shift once, and it was particularly slow. I had cleaned every inch of the place and asked the owner what else I could help with. He said, "We need to have a better Pina Colada. Can you test some things out?" Oh man. I was giddy with excitement. I rushed to the bar and started trying different combinations. On my 4th try, I tasted the drink and knew I'd found it. I gave some to my boss who took a drink, stared at the wall for a moment, then looked at me and said, "That is so fresh. Let's do that one."
I guess it was too much for some of the bartenders, because the next week we started just using a Pina Colada mix. Ice, and the mix. That was it. In my opinion it tasted like pure syrup and was incredibly unappealing, but the decision was made so I went with it. But I still remembered my own recipe, and I continued making them that way for myself. And now, it's your turn. Check it.
2 Cups Ice
1 1/4 Cup Pineapple Juice
1/2 Cup Cream of Coconut (*important - not coconut cream, not coconut milk. Cream. Of. Coconut. You can find it in the grocery store, usually where they have the margarita mixes)
1 Cup Frozen Pineapple
Put it in a blender, straight on 'till morning (to clarify, that means blend until smooth).
The reason I like this version so much is it's more on the pineapple side than the coconut. Jules hates Pina Coladas, because she says they taste like sun tan lotion. But she loves this one, because it's balanced and fresh.
Well, I hope these drink posts have been helpful, and even more I hope you actually make the drinks and enjoy them in real life! But if you, for some odd reason, find yourself only able to make one of the drinks I've shared this week, I hope it's this one. It's great for any summer occasion, and is super simple to make.
Peace out, internet friends. See ya next week (but I won't literally see most of you, since we really only know each other through that inter webs thing).
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Made these the other night for dinner guests and they were a huge hit! I added 1 C. frozen strawberries too and it was delicious. We also made the frozen hot chocolate, it was yummy. Thanks for the great recipes
Good call on the strawberries! I made one with blueberries and it was also delicious. :)
I think this is my first time commenting... Just wanted to say thank you! I am a non-drinker too, and it is so nice to have some EASY non-alcoholic drinks to try!
You bet, Julia!
Oh yum! That looks so delicious!
I did a speech my sophomore year of high school on how to make a dry piña colada. Mine includes vanilla ice cream! YUM!!
Hmm, that intrigues me. Of course, what's not made better with vanilla ice cream, right?
Great series this week, Chris! Have enjoyed reading about all of your concoctions!
Disclaimer- My husband is a LIGHTweight when it comes to alcohol (we make fun of him endlessly) and he LOVES pina coladas (which we also tease him about endlessly). I'm thinking this will be perfect for him! :)
(Oh, and I roasted some dry--not wet--potatoes this week like you suggested and they were fantastic. Lightweight, pina colada-loving husband approved!)
Have a great weekend.
Haha, glad to hear it, Rachel! It takes a real man to admit his affinity toward pina coladas. At least that's what I tell myself. :)
JULIA: You are totally, 100% correct about Pine Coladas. I cannot drink one without feeling like I am slurping down the stuff smeared all over those 35-yr-olds-who-look-like-65-yr-olds-because-they-roast-by-the-pool-and-smoke-a-carton-a-day. And that makes me want to barf.
On Julia's expert endorsement, I will consider trying this version.
Cheers to drinks week! We did the frozen hot chocolate the other night, really enjoyed it!
Haha. That's kinda what they tasted like at the bar, when they started using the mix. Not my thing, either. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with this one. :)
I love Pina Coladas but I do get what Julia is talking about with the coconut. Sometimes I smell a whiff of coconut or cocoa butter and it reminds me of the tanning beds I used to frequent as a young dumbdumb and then I think about burning flesh...so yeah, not appetizing.
I would like to share my Thanksgiving eatin' strategy with you for next year. Although why you think ham is the best part is beyond me. Some people (or amateurs as I like to call them) think you shouldn't eat all day in preparation for the big finale that is the Thanksgiving meal. Oh no, big mistake. I like to eat big the day before, and eat medium the day of (if Thanksgiving meal isn't served at lunch. Ours ends up being at 3 or 4 because my family can't do anything on time). That way your stomach is stretched out and can handle massive quantities of food you'll be shoving in your pie hole. I'm going to obese soon, aren't I?
Yes, yes, I've heard this strategy. I'll have to employ it this year so I can really enjoy the HAAAAAAAAM! :)
I think I missed it....is this week themed a week of summer drinks? If not it should be!
It is, indeed. :)
that looks amazing!! I totally remember that place that you worked at! What was it called........I can't remember! But I DO remember seeing bands play there and go to lounge on the cool couches.
Heart, Mind & Soul. Really dumb name, but it was fun working there. :)