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Painkiller Cocktail Recipe

This delicious Painkiller Cocktail recipe is fruity, creamy, and loaded with tropical flavor. Made with Pusser’s Rum, the best rum for a refreshingly boozy beverage, this is the ultimate island escape in a glass.

Orange colored cocktail with cherry and pineapple slice in a tall glass on a white counter with ingredients in background.

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 Pusser’s Rum, the official rum of the British Virgin Islands. 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.

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.

Why You’ll Love Our Painkiller Recipe

  • Tropical flavor explosion: Pineapple, orange, and coconut cream blend together for the ultimate fruity, refreshing drink.
  • Authentic Pusser’s Rum: The rich, bold flavor of this British Virgin Islands classic 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

Mason jar of orange juice, shot of rum, fresh orange, coconut cream, fresh pineapple, pineapple juice, and maraschino cherries on a white counter.
  • Rum – A traditional Painkiller cocktail is made with Pusser’s Rum. Its bold, rich flavors are what make this cocktail truly authentic.
  • 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:

  • Swap Pusser’s Rum for a blend of Smith & Cross or 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 or allspice or a little fresh nutmeg.
  • Want something extra tropical? Add a splash of passion fruit juice.
  • Add a splash of demerara 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 the Pusser’s Painkiller Drink


Add about 1 cup of ice and rum to a cocktail shaker.

Pouring rum into a cocktail shaker.

Next, add the orange juice.

Pouring orange juice into a cocktail shaker.

Next, add the pineapple juice.

Pouring pineapple juice into a cocktail shaker.

Finally, pour in cream of coconut.

Pouring cream of coconut into a cocktail shaker.

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 or Demerara rum with the Pusser’s Rum for a richer, more complex flavor.
  • 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.
Orange colored cocktail with cherry and pineapple slice in a tall glass on a white counter with ingredients in background.
Can I use a different type of rum?

You can, but if you want an authentic Painkiller, stick with Pusser’s Rum for the best flavor.

What’s the difference between cream of coconut and coconut milk?

Cream of coconut is sweetened and thicker, giving the cocktail its rich, creamy texture, while coconut milk is thinner and less sweet.

Can I make a batch for a party?

Yes! Just multiply the ingredients by how many servings you need and mix in a large pitcher instead of shaking individually.

Is the Painkiller like a Piña Colada?

They’re similar in tropical vibes but different in texture and taste. The Painkiller is less sweet and has a bolder rum flavor thanks to Pusser’s Rum.

What’s the best way to serve a Painkiller Cocktail?

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!

Is there a difference between light rum and Pusser’s Rum?

Yes! Pusser’s Rum is a premium dark rum known for its rich, full-bodied taste, unlike light rum, which is milder and often used in other tropical cocktails like the Piña Colada.

Orange colored cocktail with cherry and pineapple slice in a tall glass and silver shot glass on a white counter with ingredients in background.

More Tropical Cocktails

Frozen Pina Colada

Pineapple Margarita

Frozen Coconut Margarita

Frozen Strawberry Daiquiri

Orange colored cocktail with cherry and pineapple slice in a tall glass on a white counter with ingredients in background.

Painkiller Cocktail Recipe

This delicious Painkiller cocktail is made with Pusser’s Rum, the best type of rum for a fruity boozy beverage.
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Course: cocktails
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1
Calories: 295kcal

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

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 or Demerara rum with the Pusser’s Rum for a richer, more complex flavor.
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.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 | Calories: 295kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 62IU | Vitamin C: 26mg | Calcium: 18mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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