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Originating from the British Virgin Islands, this painkiller cocktail is a yummy mix of rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut.

If you’re dreaming of a tropical vacation but can’t make it to the beach, the Painkiller Cocktail is the perfect drink to transport you to an island paradise.

It’s known for its smooth, creamy texture and delicious tropical flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a girls’ night in or just want to relax with a refreshing drink, the Painkiller is a great choice!

The Painkiller was first created in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar on the island of Jost Van Dyke. This bar got its name because patrons would swim ashore, getting their dollars soggy in the process. Ha!

The bar’s owner, Daphne Henderson, crafted this delicious concoction, and it quickly became a favorite among locals and tourists. Ok, history lesson over, haha!!

This drink is similar to a Piña Colada but has a unique twist with the addition of orange juice and the option to use dark or spiced rum.

It’s traditionally made with Pusser’s Rum, a rich and bold navy rum, but you can use your rum of choice.

The Painkiller cocktail is best served in a tall glass, garnished with fresh tropical fruits, and topped with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg.

Some of our other favorite BEVERAGE RECIPES we have on our site include: How to Make Strawberry Acai Refresher, Passion Fruit Margarita Cocktail Recipe, and Easy Blue Hawaiian Cocktail Recipe.

overhead image of a painkiller cocktail on a marble table top

WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:

Tropical Flavors: The combination of pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut creates a delicious tropical flavor that’s both refreshing and satisfying.
Creamy Texture: The cream of coconut adds a rich and creamy texture, making this drink smooth and enjoyable.
Versatile: You can customize this cocktail with different types of rum and garnishes, making it perfect for any occasion.

INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):

Rum (traditionally Pusser’s Rum)
Pineapple juice
Orange juice
Cream of coconut
Fresh orange slices, pineapple wedges, and maraschino cherries for garnish
Ice

ingredients needed to make painkiller cocktail

HOW TO MAKE PAINKILLER COCKTAIL:

To a cocktail shaker, add about 1 cup of ice, rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut.
Shake well to combine and chill.
Fill a highball glass or another tall cocktail glass with fresh ice.
Strain the cocktail over the ice.
Garnish with fresh orange slices, pineapple wedges, or maraschino cherries if desired.

collage of images showing how to make a painkiller cocktail

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:

WHAT IS CREAM OF COCONUT?

Cream of coconut is a sweet, thick product made from coconut cream and sugar.

It’s often used in tropical cocktails like Piña Coladas and Painkillers.

If you’re a fan of a tropical drink now and then, it’s a great thing to have on hand. For me, it’s like adding a beach vacation to anything I use it with.

Trust me, your taste buds will enjoy it.

Make sure you do not purchase coconut cream – we are using cream of coconut.

WHAT KIND OF GARNISHES ARE THE BEST TO USE?

Fresh orange slices, pineapple wedges, and maraschino cherries are traditional garnishes.

You can also add a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top for extra flavor.

Really, you can do whatever sounds tasty with your own painkiller recipe.

painkiller cocktail served with garnishes

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ANY ADDITIONS?

The painkiller drink has a lot of different variations out there.

Here are just a few ideas to get you started.

Coconut Water: Add a splash for a lighter, more hydrating version.
Spiced Rum: Use spiced rum for a warm, aromatic flavor.
Lime Juice: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a zesty kick.
Coconut Milk: Mix in some coconut milk for an even creamier texture.
Mint Leaves: Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a refreshing aroma.
Ginger Beer: Top off your cocktail with ginger beer for a spicy twist.
Aged Rum: Use aged rum for a deeper, more complex flavor.
Coconut Cream: Add more cream of coconut for an extra creamy drink.
Fresh Nutmeg: Grate fresh nutmeg on top for a classic tiki bar touch.
Tropical Fruit: Add chunks of tropical fruit like mango or papaya for extra sweetness.

ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?

You betcha! Don’t forget to save the full recipe down toward the bottom of this post.

Pineapple Juice: Use mango juice or passion fruit juice for a different tropical flavor.
Orange Juice: Substitute with tangerine or blood orange juice for a unique twist.
Pusser’s Rum: Substitute with any bold rum or your favorite rum of choice.
Maraschino Cherries: Use fresh cherries or berries for a different garnish.
Graham Cracker Crumbs: Add a rim of graham cracker crumbs for a sweet crunch.

one painkiller cocktail served with garnishes on a table top

HOW TO STORE:

Refrigerator: Store any leftover Painkiller cocktail mix in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Stir well before serving again.

Best to store without ice.

Freezer: These are best enjoyed freshly made.

DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:

Use Fresh Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice makes a big difference in flavor.
Chill Everything: Keep your ingredients chilled before mixing to ensure a refreshing drink.
Mix Well: Shake the cocktail shaker well to combine and chill all the ingredients properly.
Garnish Generously: The garnishes not only look great but add extra flavor and aroma.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter drink, add a bit more cream of coconut.
Experiment: Don’t be afraid to try different rums and juices to find your perfect Painkiller.

up close overhead image of a painkiller cocktail

The Painkiller Cocktail is a delicious and easy way to bring a bit of tropical paradise into your home.

With its rich and creamy texture and refreshing tropical flavors, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Whether you’re enjoying a quiet evening at home or hosting a beach-themed party, this cocktail will transport you to the sunny shores of the British Virgin Islands. Cheers to tropical vibes and delicious drinks!

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If you’ve tried this PAINKILLER COCKTAIL, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!

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