Some drinks are just drinks — cold, sweet, tropical. But some are something more. For Meri, the Piña Colada will always be a toast to her mother.
đź’› A Signature Sip, Served with Love
Meri’s mom, Helen, wasn’t much of a bar-goer. But if a tropical drink menu appeared in her hands, she had one rule:
“Only if it’s a Piña Colada — and only in a proper stemmed glass, with whipped cream and a cherry. No shortcuts.”
It was her one indulgence. Creamy, coconut-forward, always beautifully presented. Over the years, that drink became a signature — her go-to on vacations, her celebration in a glass. Even when she’d just take a sip or two, it was always that drink.
Helen passed away in June 2021, but her love for that frozen classic lives on as a legacy — in a chilled stemmed glass, topped with whipped cream and a cherry.
Where It All Began
On a short trip to San Juan, there was one mandatory stop during sightseeing of course, they visited the place where it all began:
Barrachina — the legendary birthplace of the Piña Colada. They ordered two piña coladas to toast to Helen. To love. To the sweetness that lingers.
✨ 2-Day Itinerary in San Juan: A Piña Colada Pilgrimage
Whether you’re celebrating someone special or just sipping your way through the city, here’s the Meri & Marcus-inspired way to see San Juan in 48 meaningful, memory-filled hours.
Day 1: Culture, Color & Barrachina
Morning:
- Start with Café con leche and mallorcas at Caficultura in Old San Juan.
- Explore Castillo San Felipe del Morro — walk the ramparts and take in sweeping coastal views and the amazing history of this fort.
- Meander through Old San Juan’s colorful streets, with time to shop local artisan boutiques.
Afternoon:
- Grab lunch at Cocina Abierta or La Casita Blanca for a taste of modern Puerto Rican fusion or homestyle classics.
- Visit La Fortaleza and Paseo de la Princesa, soaking in the art and history.
Evening:
- Dinner and drinks at Barrachina. Order their famous Piña Colada, made the original way. Sit in the courtyard and savor the moment.
- Take a sunset stroll along the city wall or relax at the rooftop bar at Hotel El Convento.
Day 2: Ocean, Art & Indulgence
Morning:
- Breakfast at Mallorcas Café & Bakery, then head to Condado Beach for sun and sand.
- Rent bikes or stroll Laguna del Condado for views of manatees and yachts.
Afternoon:
- Visit the Museo de Arte de Puerto Rico for a stunning portrayal of island culture.
- Grab a beachside lunch at Kiosko Luquillo or head to Santaella in Santurce for upscale Puerto Rican cuisine.
Evening:
- Toast the end of the trip with a final Pina Colada at La Placita de Santurce, where the nightlife buzzes under the stars.
- Reflect with a walk by Parque del Tercer Milenio and let the ocean breeze carry your memories home.
🍒 A Final Toast
Some drinks come with a story.
For Meri, it’s one of love, loss, and celebration. A mother’s favorite order — always with whipped cream and a cherry — turned into a family tradition and a cocktail that will never be just a cocktail again. Because the best drinks are the ones that come from the heart.
đź’› The Recipe
2 oz white rum
1 1/2 oz cream of coconut
1 1/2 oz pineapple juice
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