My recent trip to Puerto Rico was primarily for relaxation… it was a very long school year!  While I did zipline, kayak to the bioluminescent bay, explore the UFO highway, and venture around every city I could, I still made time to try the recommended drinks at the different places I stayed.  They were pretty interesting, so I thought I’d share them with you!

First off, is the Pirate Punch, the specialty drink of Villa Confresi in Rincon, PR.  I tried one and was only able to finish 1/4 of it, and later that night I found out why!  One of the bartenders asked my boyfriend to help make a batch, and it was pretty crazy what was included.  The interesting thing is that they lop off the top of a coconut and serve the drink inside.  They then use the coconut juice from the coconut itself, mix it with equal parts white rum and dark rum, then add Carnation sweetened condensed milk.  Top with just a little cinnamon to get it just right!  They make it in bulk, so I saw them pour at least 8 bottles of rum into a big cooler.  This stuff was no joke!

Pirate Punch with the same drink on the side, just in case the coconut itself isn’t enough!

Second, I had the best pina colada I’ve ever had in my life!  Imagine my excitement when I stumbled across the San Juan Culinary Arts Festival they have each year in the street.  I tasted some of the local favorites, like mofongo, then came across this delicious drink.  They core an entire pineapple and use the pineapple itself to make the drink.  They place the pineapple into a blender, then add rum.  That is all!  Of course, like my Pirate Punch, it was served in the pineapple itself.  Turns out I have a bit of a drink-my-drink-out-of-the-mixer fetish.

Street venders make the pina coladas

So happy to enjoy my festive drink!