
Matteo Giannuzzi, bartender of the London Hilton on Park Lane, won the first place of the competition with his piña colada version called, "Nature". (Image courtesy of Bacardi).
To commemorate the anniversary of the piña colada, Bacardi in partnership with Hilton, held a global competition in which bartenders from around the world were challenged with reinventing our national cocktail.
Puerto Rico’s beloved cocktail, the piña colada, is turning 70 this year.
Caribe Hilton bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero created it in 1954, the product of three months of experimenting with Bacardi rum, coconut cream, and pineapple juice.
To commemorate the anniversary of the piña colada, Bacardi in partnership with Hilton, held a global competition in which bartenders from around the world were challenged with reinventing the iconic cocktail.
RELATED: Love Puerto Rican food? Try one of these must-have cookbooks.
The winning drink will be added to the menu at Hilton Hotels in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa throughout the summer season, beginning on National Piña Colada Day, on July 10.
A jury chose seven finalists from around the world, including Tokyo, Amsterdam, and Buenos Aires.
Matteo Giannuzzi, the bartender from the London Hilton on Park Lane, won with his version called “Nature.”
Here’s the winning recipe:
BACARDÍ Carta Blanca / BACARDÍ Superior: 50 ml
Lime juice: 12.5 ml
Flambéed pineapple juice (see below): 40 ml
Coconut syrup: 20 ml
Whole milk: 25 ml
Moscato D’Asti Pio Cesare / Martini Asti: 60 ml
Homemade ingredients – Flambéed pineapple juice
Pineapple: 5 pounds
BACARDÍ Reserva 8: 400 ml
Soft brown sugar: 350 g
Table salt: 3 g
Ingredients to garnish:
Use leftover fruit from the flambéed pineapple juice.
Support Our Cause
Thank you for taking the time to read our work. Before you go, we hope you'll consider supporting our values-driven journalism, which has always strived to make clear what's really at stake for Floridians and our future.
Since day one, our goal here at Floricua has always been to empower people across the state with fact-based news and information. We believe that when people are armed with knowledge about what's happening in their local, state, and federal governments—including who is working on their behalf and who is actively trying to block efforts aimed at improving the daily lives of Florida families—they will be inspired to become civically engaged.


Florida’s old-fashioned soda fountains will give you major nostalgia
Soda fountains have begun to experience a resurgence. These five nostalgic icons of Americana in Florida serve delicious treats and lovely...

5 Orlando restaurants open on Christmas
Many restaurants are open on Christmas Day in Orlando, providing a diverse range of dining options. No matter if you’re looking for family-friendly...

5 places in Florida to donate clothes, shoes, and more
Decluttering your home can provide such a satisfying feeling of accomplishment. After sorting through all of your belongings and determining what...

8 Orlando hotels that pack as much fun as the theme parks
With waterslides, family arcades, playgrounds for the kids, and spas for mom and dad, these Orlando hotels will make your vacation unforgettable!...