Painkiller Cocktail Recipe
This delicious Painkiller Cocktail recipe is fruity, creamy, and loaded with tropical flavor. Made with Malibu Rum, the best rum for a refreshingly tropical boozy beverage, this is the ultimate island escape in a glass.
If you’re craving a drink that instantly transports you to a sunny beach, the Painkiller Cocktail is exactly what you need. This fruity, creamy rum drink feels like a tropical vacation without leaving your kitchen. It’s made with sweet pineapple juice, smooth coconut cream, and just the right hint of tangy citrus.
And let’s talk about that rum! This isn’t just any boozy beach drink. Our painkiller cocktail recipe is made with Malibu Rum, which I use in my Malibu Pina Colada and my amazing Goombay Smash.
This legendary cocktail was first mixed at the Soggy Dollar Bar on the island of Jost Van Dyke, where the name “Painkiller” came from its ability to melt your stress away with every sip. One taste, and you’ll see why this drink has become a tropical classic. We think it’s even better with Malibu coconut rum.
To round out the whole island experience, you can serve these tasty cocktails with these Easy Grilled Shrimp Tacos, Hot Crab Dip, or my Old Bay Crab Cakes. Because it’s always a good idea to serve food when you’re having adult beverages!
Why You’ll Love Our Painkiller Recipe
- Tropical flavor explosion: Pineapple, orange, and coconut cream blend together for the ultimate fruity, refreshing drink.
- Delicious Coconut Rum: The rich, bold flavor of this tropical version of rum is unbeatable.
- Easy to make: Shake, pour, and sip, it’s that simple! Perfect for any party or relaxing night in.
What You Need To Make It
- Rum – A traditional Painkiller cocktail is made with Pusser’s Rum, but we prefer Malibu coconut rum. I mean, what tropical cocktail isn’t better with a little coconut? If you’re not a fan of coconut, go with Pusser’s.
- Pineapple juice – Fresh or canned, just make sure it’s 100% pineapple juice for the best flavor.
- Orange juice – Freshly squeezed orange juice takes this drink from good to next level refreshing.
- Cream of coconut – Gives the drink its signature creamy, tropical vibe.
- Fresh garnishes – Pineapple wedges, orange slices, and a maraschino cherry add a fun, festive touch.
- Ice – Crushed or ice cubes
Additions and Variations
Have fun and make it your own with these ideas:
- If you’re not a fan of coconut but love rum, try El Dorado 15-Year for a deeper rum flavor.
- Add a splash of coconut milk for a lighter, less sweet twist.
- Mix in a dash of lemon juice for a sharper citrusy flavor profile.
- For a hint of spice, sprinkle in a pinch of cinnamon, allspice, or a little fresh nutmeg.
- Want something extra tropical? Add a splash of passion fruit juice.
- Add a splash of Demerara dark rum for extra depth and a molasses-like richness.
- Try garnishing your rum cocktail with a sprig of fresh mint for a fun and fresh touch.
How To Make A Painkiller Drink
Add about 1 cup of ice and rum to a cocktail shaker.
Next, add the orange juice.
Next, add the pineapple juice.
Finally, pour in cream of coconut.
Give it a good shake just until everything is perfectly mixed and chilled. Fill a tall glass (like a highball or tiki mug) with fresh ice. Trust me, this makes all the difference!
Strain the cocktail over the fresh ice.
Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges, fresh orange slices, and maraschino cherries for the perfect tropical tiki bar vibe.
Perfect Painkiller Cocktail Recipe Tips
- Chill the glass: Pop your glass in the freezer for a few minutes before serving. It helps keep the cocktail colder and extra refreshing.
- Shaken not stirred: A vigorous shake in your cocktail shaker blends everything together, creating that perfectly creamy, tropical texture.
- Try different rum blends: Mix in a little Guyanese rum, Demerara rum, or Pusser’s Rum for a richer, more complex flavor. Just be careful to keep the amounts in check, as the tropical flavor can disguise the amount of alcohol.
- Make it extra creamy: Add a splash of coconut milk or use extra cream of coconut for an ultra-smooth, velvety texture.
- Turn it into a frozen Painkiller: Blend all the ingredients with ice for a boozy, tropical slushie that’s perfect for hot summer days.
You can use any rum you’d like, but if you want a truly tropical-tasting drink, stick with Malibu coconut rum for the best flavor.
Cream of coconut is sweetened and thicker, giving the cocktail its rich, creamy texture, while coconut milk is thinner and less sweet.
Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need and mix in a large pitcher instead of shaking individually.
They’re similar in tropical vibes but different in texture and taste. The Painkiller is less sweet and has a bolder rum flavor.
Traditionally, it’s served over fresh ice in a tall glass or a fun tiki mug, garnished with a pineapple wedge and an orange slice. Don’t forget a sprinkle of ground nutmeg on top!
Light rum is milder and often used in other tropical cocktails like the Piña Colada. Dark rum is stronger tasting and is often used as a floater on top of cocktails like the Mai Tai.
More Tropical Cocktails
Painkiller Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 ounces of rum- a traditional Painkiller cocktail is made with Pusser’s Rum
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 ounce orange juice – fresh squeezed is best
- 1/2 ounce cream of coconut
- Fresh orange slices pineapple wedges, and maraschino cherries for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Add about 1 cup of ice, rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut to a cocktail shaker.
- Shake well, but just long enough to combine and chill the mixture.
- Fill a highball glass or another tall cocktail glass with fresh ice. Don’t just pour the drink into a glass. The fresh ice makes all the difference!
- Strain the cocktail over the fresh ice.
- Garnish with fresh pineapple wedges, fresh orange slices, and maraschino cherries.
Notes
Nutrition
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