Kitchn Love Letters

The 4-Ingredient Tropical Cocktail I Make All Summer Long (It’s Been Iconic for 40 Years!)

published Jun 11, 2024
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two painkiller cocktails with fruit on marble with a blue marble background
Credit: Photo: Lucy Schaeffer; Food Styling: Nicole Rufus

I’m a sucker for a tropical drink. Give me the paper umbrella, the maraschino cherry, the pineapple wedge — I want it all! (Heck, if I’m really in the tiki spirit, I’ll even take a mini bottle of booze on top as my garnish; there’s no holding back.) In my opinion after many years of enjoying tiki drinks, it’s just hard to not have a smile on my face when I’ve got a bright yellow cocktail in hand. And there’s no better way to celebrate the beginning of warm summer days than with a Painkiller.

Get the recipe: Painkiller Cocktail

If you’re already familiar with the piña colada, the Painkiller needs no real introduction. The two drinks are very similar. The real difference is that the Painkiller (my preference) is made with dark versus light rum and orange juice in place of the traditional lime. Both have pineapple juice and cream of coconut. (So if you’re not a coconut person, this is not a drink for you.)

Credit: Photo: Lucy Schaeffer; Food Styling: Nicole Rufus

The Painkiller’s flavors are what will really make you reach for a second (I love using freshly squeezed orange juice for bright, citrusy notes), but the real reason I think of them when the mood strikes for something refreshing is that they couldn’t be easier to make. You don’t even have to bust out the blender.

All you need to do is fill a cocktail shaker with the ingredients and ice, shake until frosty (like a solid 30 seconds), and then pour the mixture over crushed ice in a tall glass. The crushed ice is key; it’ll keep the drink nice and frosty until your last sip. The resulting concoction always lives up to its name — and is sure to cure whatever ails you this summer. Typically for me, it’s the perfect reprieve from the sweltering heat. 

Get the recipe: Painkiller Cocktail