Classic Painkiller co*cktail Recipe (2024)

Get ready to dive into some tropical vibes with the Classic Painkiller co*cktail recipe – this yummy mix of dark rum, pineapple juice, OJ, and cream of coconut is perfect for your next get-together or just a chill night at home.

Full confession: there’s just nothing like a good co*cktail to make you feel like you’ve teleported to a tropical paradise. The Painkiller co*cktail is literally sunshine in a glass, ya know? We’re talking dark rum, tangy pineapple juice, a splash of citrusy orange, and a dollop of coconut cream. Take a sip and your taste buds will be doing the conga straight onto a sun-drenched beach. Seriously, this juicy co*cktail was THE highlight of my family trips to the Caribbean. As soon as our toes hit the sand, my dad would rush us to the nearest beach bar and order a round of Painkillers. It was our tradition, right up there with applying sunscreen and building sandcastles, and it pretty much signalled that vacay mode was in full swing.

Now, where do Classic Painkillers sit in the tropical co*cktail hall of fame? Let’s see… Think of them as fun and fabulous sister co*cktails to piña coladas and daiquiris. They share some fab ingredients – rum, pineapple, and a touch of coconut – and perfectly capture that vacay vibe. But what really makes the Painkiller a crowd-favourite is its secret weapon – orange juice – and a little sprinkle of nutmeg. That combo takes the flavour from wow to WHOA! So whether you’re planning a girls’ night in or just need a little alone time, there’s nothing like a homemade Classic Painkiller co*cktail to transport you straight to the beach. Sand not included!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• If you can’t afford to get away to a tropical paradise, this co*cktail is probably the next best thing. You won’t be able to enjoy the scenery but you’ll be able to savor the taste.
• It’s similar to the much-loved Piña Coladas and Mai Tais but with a hint of nutmeg, which sets it apart.

how to make a non-alcoholic painkiller co*cktail

You can make a yummy mocktail version of the Painkiller by ditching the dark rum and swapping it with a non-alcoholic rum alternative, coconut water, or just adding more pineapple and orange juices. You’ll end up with a delish tropical drink without any alcohol.

INGREDIENTS

• 2 oz. dark rum
• 1 oz. orange juice
• 4 oz. pineapple juice
• 1 oz. cream of coconut
• ice
• Garnish: nutmeg
• Garnish: pineapple wedge or cherry

Utensils Needed

• A co*cktail shaker – to mix the ingredients and cool the co*cktail
• A highball glass or tiki mug – for serving the co*cktail
• A strainer – to pour the co*cktail mixture from the shaker into the glass
• A grater – to grate the nutmeg
• A jigger – to measure the ingredients

INSTRUCTIONS

Add

In a co*cktail shaker, add ice cubes, dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut.

Shake

Shake the mixture energetically for about 20 seconds.

Strain

Fill a highball glass or tiki mug with fresh ice cubes. Strain the mixture from the shaker into your choice of drinking utensil.

Garnish

Garnish your co*cktail with a dusting of freshly grated nutmeg. You can also add a pineapple wedge or cherry for added flair.

Tips and Tricks

To make your Painkiller really authentic, go for a top-notch dark rum like puss*r’s Rum (the OG rum for this co*cktail). You need a rum with a rich flavor.

Using fresh pineapple and orange juice isn’t just about making your Painkiller taste sweeter; it also boosts those amazing flavors and smells that play up the drink’s tropical vibe. This is a recommendation I make for pretty much all the co*cktails I have on my site but I feel like it is even more true for the tropical fruit based ones.

Make sure your co*cktail gets totally mixed and chilled by shaking it like a polaroid (for about 20 seconds). This’ll make sure those ingredients blend together like BFFs and make everything taste better.

The garnish is also key. Fresh grated nutmeg, a pineapple wedge, or a cherry garnish can really make your Painkiller look (and taste) amazing!

For a more refreshing twist, try using crushed ice instead of cubed ice when serving.

Variations

• Healthier Low-Carb Version:Swap the pineapple juice with pineapple-flavored sparkling water and orange juice for fresh orange slices. I also sometimes replace the cream of coconut for unsweetened coconut milk.
• Spicy Kick:Try muddling a jalapeno slice or adding a couple dashes of hot sauce before shaking it all up, a bit like a distant tropical relative to a Spicy Margarita.
• Citrus Burst:Add some extra zing to your Painkiller by squeezing in half a lime or even a splash of grapefruit juice.

Serving Suggestions

If it’s island vibes you’re after, why not pair your beverage with these treats:

Mahi Mahi with Tropical Sauce: A healthy and tasty fish dish that only takes 5 minutes of prep time, and you’ll get ginger, onion, coconut milk, and pineapple juice in the tropical sauce.

Grilled Tropical Chicken Bowls: Want a delicious, gluten-free meal that is paleo and whole30 compliant? What if I told you that meal featured lime, honey, and mint?

Tropical Paleo Lemon Bars: Something sweet to have after your meal while you’re still sipping your Painkiller.

FAQs

See Also

How to Make a Watermelon Margarita: 3 Surefire Recipes for This Refreshing Classic

How to Store

Mix the dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut in a pitcher or airtight container. Pop it in the fridge for a few hours, or even up to a day, before you’re planning to serve it up. I wouldn’t freeze it, though; that could mess with the taste and texture.

When you’re ready to serve, give it a good shake since the ingredients might have settled a bit.

When it’s time to serve your pre-made Painkiller co*cktails, make sure you’ve got fresh ice cubes and your favorite garnishes (I love pineapple wedges) ready to go. Pour the mix over ice and add the garnishes. Your guests won’t even know you made it ahead of time!