Paul Kushner
Created in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar on the British Virgin Islands, the Painkiller is a rich and delicious cocktail that goes down well no matter where you are.
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With its exotic, fruity taste, it reminds the drinker of sun, summer and vacations at the beach, and is a spin on the classic Piña Colada.
As the name suggests, the mixture of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and cream of coconut is sure to make you forget whatever ails you.
Made with the rich and aromatic Pusser’s Rum, you can’t go wrong with this exotic cocktail created on the British Virgin Islands. Whether you enjoy your drink at home in your backyard or on your tropical vacation, the Painkiller cocktail is sure to cool you down and wash your worries away.
History
The Painkiller cocktail contains a type of dark rum that’s a recreation of what the British Royal Navy used to serve sailors until the 1970s.
Called Pusser’s Rum, it is blended directly on the British Virgin Island of Tortula. Its distinct aroma contains traces of molasses, toffee, honey, ginger and even cinnamon.
Pusser’s Rum was created using the Admiralty’s blending recipe and is bottled at 54.5% ABV, although it now often only contains 40% abv so that it can be distributed to Naval bases.
To achieve a refreshing taste in a Painkiller cocktail, several fruit juices are added: usually orange, pineapple and coconut flavored.
For best results, try to obtain freshly squeezed orange juice and add a fresh pineapple wedge. The traditional drink also comes with grated nutmeg.
In the 1980s, the Pusser company trademarked the cocktail, ensuring that it contains original Pusser’s Rum when it is served in restaurants or bars.
Although you can use a different ingredient, the rich and aromatic taste blended with the fresh juices won’t be quite the same.
How to Make It
Whether you’re on a sunny vacation or just dreaming of one, this drink is easy to make and delicious to drink. If you need a potent refreshment, you can’t do much better.
First, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients at hand. In addition to this list, don’t forget the ice.
Ingredients
- 2 oz rum preferably Pusser’s
- 4 oz pineapple juice
- 1 oz fresh orange juice
- 1 oz cream of coconut
- Pineapple wedge garnish
- Nutmeg to taste
Instructions
- Begin by adding all of the liquids to your cocktail shaker with ice, and shaking until you have a well-chilled mixture
- Strain your drink over the crushed ice into a hurricane glass or snifter
- Garnish it with the pineapple wedge
- Grate the nutmeg if necessary, then sprinkle it on top
- Serve your finished drink with a straw and enjoy the delicious refreshment
Variations
The Painkiller is a classic rum cocktail, but there are naturally variations on the original recipe! Here are a few of our favorite variations:
- The Painkiller #2 is made with the same recipe, but adds in lime juice and Angostura bitters for a more complex flavor.
- Make a Spicy Painkiller by adding a jalapeno to the cocktail shaker, or a pinch of chili powder to spice things up.
- A Painkiller Sunrise adds grenadine to the mix to create a sunrise effect and to add a sweet touch to the drink.
- The Piña Colada is not a variation but a famous cocktail on its own, but it’s made with a similar rum, pineapple, and coconut cream base, so it’s worth a try if you like Painkillers!
FAQ
What is in a Painkiller cocktail?
The Painkiller cocktail is made with rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut. It’s typically served with a pineapple wedge garnish and nutmeg sprinkled on top.
What is the difference between a Painkiller and a Piña Colada?
The Painkiller and the Piña Colada are similar, but they have important differences. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eThe Painkiller is not as sweet, and it contains orange juice that the Piña Colada does not. The Painkiller is made with dark rum, while the Piña Colada is made with white rum. Finally, the Piña Colada is blended with ice and served frozen, while the Painkiller is served over crushed ice.
What is the best rum for a Painkiller?
Pusser’s rum is the traditional rum that is preferred for a Painkiller. If you don’t have Pusser’s another aged rum like Plantation or Wray u0026amp; Nephew works as well!
Is Pusser’s rum light or dark?
Pusser’s is a dark, aged rum. It has tasting notes like molasses, toffee, honey, nutmeg, and ginger.
