Much like the Tropical Escape Rum Cocktail, the Painkiller is a rich and fruity drink made with fresh orange juice, sweet pineapple juice, cream of coconut, Navy-Style rum, and grated nutmeg. It’s a spin on the classic Pina Colada, less sweet but rich in flavor.

You’ll love this cocktail because it’s perfect for hosting, easy to make, and can be enjoyed in the warm and colder months. Adding the nutmeg easily makes this cocktail perfect for your fall sipping.

Why is it called a Painkiller?

It originated in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands. An English lady, Daphane Henderson, owned the bar and was known to kill the pain with her secret recipe. The six-seat bar started on a long stretch of white sand beach at White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke. There was no dock, so the usual way in was to swim. Your dollars get wet, hence the name “Soggy Dollar Bar.” Daphane served this secret recipe to several patrons and boaters, including Pusser’s founder, Charles Tobias, who managed to recreate her cocktail using his “4-1-1-1” ratio.

He revealed his recipe at her bar one Sunday afternoon, and patrons preferred his version over hers. He then promoted the Pusser Painkiller, which was later trademarked. They were good friends, and he made sure to credit Daphine in his media, “AS INSPIRED BY DAPHNE AT THE SOGGY DOLLAR BAR AT WHITE BAY ON JOST VAN DYKE.”

What’s in a Painkiller cocktail?

Orange juice

Pineapple juice

Cream of Coconut (not coconut milk)

Aged Rum

Grated Nutmeg

What’s the Difference Between a Painkiller and Pina Colada?

The main difference between the two cocktails is the rum. Pina Coladas are traditionally made with a light rum, although many recipes use light and dark rums. The Painkiller Cocktail recipe calls for Pusser’s rum which is a Navy-Style rum. It’s high-proof and made with a blend of aged rums from two or more Caribbean islands like Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad. The term “Navy-Style” refers to the strength of the rum; navy strength is 54.5 percent or 109 U.S. proof.

The best Rum to use in the Painkiller Cocktail

Certainly, Pusser’s is the traditional and preferred rum for a painkiller. If you don’t have Pusser’s, that’s fine, you can always use any aged rum, such as Appleton Estate or Plantation dark rum. Get creative and try splitting the base (using 2 different rums) to create a unique flavor.

How to Make the Best Painkiller cocktail

Add the orange juice, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, rum, and ice to a cocktail shaker and shake vigorously for 4-6 seconds. Pour everything into a hurricane or highball glass and add more crushed ice. Grate fresh nutmeg on top and garnish with a pineapple wedge. Add a straw, and enjoy!

I’m sure you will love this cocktail just as much as I loved it upon the first sip. If you make it, please come back and let me know your thoughts. Be sure to check these recipes out too:

PIN & SAVE FOR LATER!