Creamy Painkiller in a tumbler with crushed ice and freshly grated nutmeg

Cocktail

Painkiller

How to make a Painkiller Cocktail - the creamy tiki drink of dark rum, pineapple, orange and coconut. The classic from the British Virgin Islands.

4 minPrep time
easyDifficulty
TumblerGlass
1Serving(s)

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The Painkiller is the laid-back cousin of the Pina Colada and a piece of Caribbean history. Born in the famous Soggy Dollar Bar of the British Virgin Islands, it combines dark navy rum with pineapple, orange and coconut. The freshly grated nutmeg on top is its unmistakable trademark.

Instructions

  1. Add rum, pineapple juice, orange juice and cream of coconut to the shaker.
  2. Fill up with ice cubes and shake vigorously.
  3. Strain into a tumbler filled with crushed ice.
  4. Grate fresh nutmeg generously over the top.
  5. Optionally garnish with a piece of pineapple and serve.

Garnish: Freshly grated nutmeg

Pro tip: Grate fresh nutmeg over the drink at the end - this hint of spice is essential to a real Painkiller and makes all the difference.

Frequently asked questions

Which rum belongs in a Painkiller?

Traditionally the dark rum from the Pusser's brand, which holds the trademark for the name Painkiller. But any strong dark navy rum works well.

What is the difference between a Painkiller and a Pina Colada?

Both are creamy and contain coconut. But the Painkiller uses dark rum instead of white, adds orange juice and is dusted with nutmeg.

Where does the Painkiller come from?

The Painkiller originates from the Soggy Dollar Bar on the island of Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands, where it was created in the 1970s.

Ingredients

  • Dark rum (Pusser's)6 cl
  • Pineapple juice8 cl
  • Orange juice3 cl
  • Cream of coconut2 cl