Piña Verde

Erick Castro, Polite Provisions | San Diego

Pina Verde Cocktail Recipe

Playfully dubbed the, “Greenya Colada,” by the staff at Polite Provisions, the Piña Verde was originally inspired by Erick Castro’s unorthodox addition of Green Chartreuse to his Piña Coladas years ago.

His aim was to create a drink rich with herbaceous flavor. When rum—and then later gin—didn’t cut it, Castro ditched the spirit altogether and upped the liqueur to pick up the slack. The additions of pineapple juice and lime add a fruity kick, while the Piña Colada staple, Coco Lopez, keeps it tethered to the original.

Ingredients

Serving: 1

  • 1 1/2 ounces Green Chartreuse
  • 1 1/2 ounces Green Chartreuse
  • 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 1 1/2 ounces pineapple juice
  • 3/4 ounce Coco Lopez
  • 3/4 ounce Coco Lopez
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice
  • 1/2 ounce lime juice

Garnish: mint sprig

Directions
  1. Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake until chilled.
  2. Strain into rocks glass over pebble ice.
  3. Garnish with a mint sprig.
Editor's Note

This recipe can also be made in the blender. Simply add all the ingredients to the blender and about 5 to 6 regular ice cubes, cracked. (Start with less ice; add more as you blend until you've achieved your preferred texture.) Blend until smooth, and pour into a glass or tiki mug.