The earliest known story states that in the 19th century, Puerto Rican pirate Roberto Cofresí, to boost the morale of his crew, gave them a beverage or cocktail that contained coconut, pineapple, and white rum.

[5] In 1922, Travel magazine described piña colada as sugar, lime, and ice mixed in with pineapple juice and Bacardi rum.

He patented the process and created Coco López, a sweet, creamy coconut cream, which was used in the invention of the Piña Colada in Puerto Rico.

According to this account, Marrero finally settled upon the recipe for the Piña Colada, which he felt captured the true nature and essence of Puerto Rico.

[12][13] Barrachina, a restaurant in Puerto Rico, says that "a traditional Spanish bartender Don Ramón Portas Mingot in 1963 created what became the world's famous drink: the Piña Colada.

The International Bartenders Association specifies it as: Ingredients Method Mix with crushed ice in blender until smooth, then pour into a chilled glass, garnish and serve.