Made with Pusser's Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut, the painkiller cocktail is a creamy, fruity cocktail that offers a perfect balance of flavors-less sweet than a piña colada but just as tropical.
The Painkiller is a classic tropical cocktail made with Pusser's Rum, the trademark navy-strength blend that was originally created for the British Royal Navy. This iconic Caribbean cocktail was born in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke Island, famed for its laid-back beach vibes and great cocktails.
I live outside of Baltimore, Maryland, and Pusser's Caribbean Grille is a local favorite for their Painkiller. You can order it as a #2, #3, or #4-that's how many ounces of rum you'd like in the drink.
Painkiller Drink Ingredients
Watch for my tips for balancing flavors, choosing the best rum, and making a pitcher for a group.
Recipe Card?
To find the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions CLICK HERE to go to the recipe card.
How to Make a Painkiller Drink
This painkiller drink recipe comes together in minutes, and no bartending experience is required. It's the perfect tropical rum drink for summer parties, tiki nights, or any time you need a little Caribbean vacation in a glass.
Shake the Ingredients
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add 2 ounces of Pusser's Rum, 4 ounces of pineapple juice, 1 ounce of orange juice, and ½ ounce of cream of coconut.
- Shake vigorously for 15-20 seconds to chill and blend the ingredients.
Prepare the Glass
Fill a tall glass (such as a highball or Collins glass) with fresh ice cubes.
Strain and Serve
Strain the shaken cocktail mixture over the ice in the glass.
Garnish
Top with freshly grated nutmeg, and add garnishes like pineapple wedges, orange slices, and maraschino cherries for a festive touch.
Presentation Tip
Grate fresh nutmeg just before serving for the best aroma and flavor.
Did you make this recipe?
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Other rum suggestions instead of Pusser's:
If Pusser's Rum isn't available, these alternatives can work well in a Painkiller cocktail:
- Gosling's Black Seal Rum
A rich, dark Bermuda rum with bold molasses and spice notes. Bottled at 80 proof, it's a great substitute for Pusser's. - Kraken Black Spiced Rum
Known for its high proof (94 proof) and flavors of vanilla, cinnamon, and clove, Kraken adds a robust, spiced character to the cocktail. - Myers's Original Dark Rum
A Jamaican rum with molasses, banana, and spice notes. Bottled at 80 proof, it offers a comparable richness to Pusser's. - Coruba Dark Rum
This Jamaican dark rum has an intense molasses flavor, making it a strong match for Pusser's. - Sailor Jerry Spiced Navy Rum
With a higher proof (92 proof) and spiced profile, this rum is another excellent alternative.
How to Make a Pitcher of Painkiller Drinks
Making a pitcher of Painkiller cocktails is perfect for entertaining! Here's my method, which lets each guest customize the strength of their drink:
Ingredients (Serves 4):
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- ¼ cup orange juice
- ¼ cup cream of coconut
- Pusser's Rum (or substitute)
- Garnishes: fresh pineapple wedges, orange slices, maraschino cherries, and freshly grated nutmeg
- Ice
Large Pitcher Tip
For larger batches, simply double or triple the ingredients. Stir the base well before serving to ensure the cream of coconut is evenly distributed.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Base:
In a large pitcher, combine 2 cups of ice, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut. Stir vigorously until the cream of coconut is fully incorporated. - Serve:
Fill pilsner glasses halfway with fresh ice. Pour the cocktail base into each glass, filling them about ¾ of the way. - Customize:
Let each guest add their desired amount of rum. I recommend starting with 2 ounces, but they can adjust to their preference (1 ounce for a lighter drink or 3 ounces for a stronger one). - Garnish:
Top each glass with freshly grated nutmeg and garnishes like pineapple wedges, orange slices, and maraschino cherries.
Crystal Glass Pitcher
Features a sturdy handle and sleek spout, ensuring effortless, precise pours.
Tips for the Perfect Painkiller
- Use fresh pineapple juice for a brighter flavor.
- Shake the cocktail vigorously to fully incorporate the cream of coconut.
- Grate fresh nutmeg for a warm, aromatic finish.
Common Questions About Painkiller Cocktails
No, coconut cream and cream of coconut are not interchangeable. Coconut cream is unsweetened and pure, while cream of coconut is sweetened and syrupy, making it essential for the Painkiller's flavor.
If Pusser's Rum isn't available, try Gosling's Black Seal Rum, Kraken Black Spiced Rum, or Myers's Original Dark Rum for a similar flavor profile.
Replace the rum with pineapple or orange juice for a refreshing mocktail version.
A painkiller drink is made with Pusser's Rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut, topped with freshly grated nutmeg. It's a classic Caribbean cocktail that originated at the Soggy Dollar Bar on Jost Van Dyke Island in the British Virgin Islands.
Both are tropical rum drinks made with coconut and pineapple, but the painkiller drink also includes orange juice and uses dark navy rum like Pusser's instead of white rum. The result is a bolder, less sweet cocktail with more depth of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 Ounces Pusser's Rum
- 4 Ounces pineapple juice
- 1 Ounce orange juice fresh squeezed is best
- ½ Ounce cream of coconut
- Ice
Garnishes
- Fresh orange slices,pineapple wedges, and maraschino cherries for garnish pineapple wedges, and maraschino cherries for garnish
- nutmeg freshly grated
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and. cream of coconut. Shake vigorously to chill and blend ingredients.2 Ounces Pusser's Rum, 4 Ounces pineapple juice, 1 Ounce orange juice, Ice, ½ Ounce cream of coconut
- Fill a tall glass with fresh ice cubes. Strain the shaken cocktail mixture over the fresh ice in the glass.
- Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg on top along with fresh pineapple wedges, orange slices, and maraschino cherries.Fresh orange slices,pineapple wedges, and maraschino cherries for garnish, nutmeg
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