Pina verde

Piña Verde

(0 ratings)

A modern tropical cocktail that replaces rum with Green Chartreuse, creating a vibrant, herbal twist on the classic Piña Colada.

SUGGESTED GLASSWARE

Collins Glass

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Recipe

1 cocktail (165ml)
  • Green Chartreuse 
    45 ml
  • Pineapple Juice 
    45 ml
  • Cream of Coconut 
    22.5 ml
  • Lime Juice 
    15 ml
  • Fresh Mint sprigs 
    1 sprig
  • Pineapple frond 
    1 piece
Recipe credit: Erick Castro at Polite Provisions, San Diego

Instructions

Step

Shake the can of cream of coconut thoroughly before measuring to ensure even texture. Juice the lime fresh for optimal brightness.

Step

Add Green Chartreuse, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of crushed or pebble ice.

Step

Whip shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill, aerate, and lightly dilute the drink while creating a frothy, creamy texture.

Step

Strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed or pebble ice. For silkier texture, double-strain through a fine mesh sieve.

Step

Garnish generously with fresh mint sprig and optional pineapple fronds. Lightly slap the mint before adding to release its aroma.

Equipment

Shaker
Fine Mesh Strainer
Jigger

Description

The Piña Verde is a contemporary classic that reimagines the tropical Piña Colada by substituting rum with the bold, herbal complexity of Green Chartreuse. This innovative cocktail delivers a sophisticated balance of tropical sweetness and French monastic tradition, resulting in a drink that is both familiar and entirely new.

Nutritional information

1 cocktail (165ml)
Calories
285
ABV
20.5 %
Alcohol
26.8 g
Carbs
18.2 g
Carbs from Sugar
16.8 g
Fat
3.1 g
Protein
0.8 g
Sodium
12 mg
Nutritional information is approximate and includes estimated 30% dilution from ice. Values may vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Tips & Notes

  • Use only real cream of coconut like Coco Lopez, not coconut milk or coconut cream, for the correct sweetness and creamy texture that defines this cocktail.

  • Green Chartreuse is essential and irreplaceable - its 55% ABV and complex herbal profile are what make this drink unique. Yellow Chartreuse or other herbal liqueurs will completely change the character.

  • A blend of fresh and high-quality canned pineapple juice (50:50 ratio) delivers the best flavor balance according to the cocktail's creator, combining brightness with consistency.

  • Crushed or pebble ice is crucial for proper dilution and the signature frosty texture. Regular ice cubes won't provide the same mouthfeel or visual appeal.

No, Green Chartreuse is essential to this recipe. It has a higher alcohol content (55% vs 40%) and a more intense, complex herbal profile that defines the Piña Verde. Yellow Chartreuse would create an entirely different, much milder drink.

Cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) is sweetened and has a syrup-like consistency, while coconut cream is unsweetened and thicker. Only cream of coconut will provide the correct sweetness and texture for this cocktail.

Yes! Blend all ingredients with a handful of ice until smooth, then pour into your glass. This creates a frozen version similar to a frozen Piña Colada but maintains the unique herbal character of the Green Chartreuse.

Once opened, cream of coconut should be refrigerated and used within a week. Always shake or stir before using as it tends to separate. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for future cocktail making.

Related Creamy, Herbal, Sweet, Tropical cocktails

Emerald Swizzle

A rich, tropical swizzle showcasing green Chartreuse with pineapple, coconut, almond, and lime in perfect harmony.

Emerald swizzle

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Cocktail Difficulty Levels

We’ve added a difficulty rating to every cocktail so you’ll know what to expect before you start mixing. It’s not about being “hard” or “easy” in the strict sense—it’s about how much preparation, skill, and hunting for ingredients you’ll need.

  • Beginner – Quick builds or simple shakes with common ingredients you’ll likely already have at home. Perfect for beginners or a casual evening.

  • Intermediate – A bit more technique (stirring, shaking, muddling, layering) and a few extra ingredients. You might need to buy one or two bottles or garnishes you don’t already stock.

  • Advanced – Multiple steps, specialty techniques (infusions, syrups, foams), or rare ingredients. These drinks take more effort and planning, but reward you with something truly impressive.

The rating is based on things like the number of ingredients, how rare they are, and the skills needed to bring the cocktail together.

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Recipe notes

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Quick recipe

Ingredients

  • Green Chartreuse
    45 ml
  • Pineapple Juice
    45 ml
  • Cream of Coconut
    22.5 ml
  • Lime Juice
    15 ml
  • Fresh Mint sprigs
    1 sprig
  • Pineapple frond
    1 piece

Method

  1. Shake the can of cream of coconut thoroughly before measuring to ensure even texture. Juice the lime fresh for optimal brightness.
  2. Add Green Chartreuse, pineapple juice, cream of coconut, and lime juice to a cocktail shaker. Add a scoop of crushed or pebble ice.
  3. Whip shake vigorously for about 10 seconds to chill, aerate, and lightly dilute the drink while creating a frothy, creamy texture.
  4. Strain into a Collins glass filled with crushed or pebble ice. For silkier texture, double-strain through a fine mesh sieve.
  5. Garnish generously with fresh mint sprig and optional pineapple fronds. Lightly slap the mint before adding to release its aroma.