A delicious island cocktail, the Painkiller is known to be heavy on the rum, which could cure what ails you.
If there was ever a cocktail that had the perfect name, one that if it didn’t exist somebody would have to invent, it would be the Painkiller. And someone did indeed invent this drink. Of course, like many alcoholic beverages throughout history, the story behind the creation of tonight’s beverage is a hazy one. But not entirely a mystery.
The Painkiller is often closely associated with the British Virgin Islands, which is where the recipe was born. The Soggy Dollar Bar is a very, very small establishment in White Bay on the island of Jost Van Dyke. Said to only seat about five people, the Soggy Dollar was where bartender Daphne Henderson invented the Painkiller by combining dark rum, pineapple and orange juices along with cream of coconut for a robust and satisfying cocktail. Other stories tell of the bar’s owners George and Marie Myrick as being responsible for the drink’s existence. While the specifics have been debated over the years, whoever is responsible for this mixed drink’s birth deserves a toast. Or two. Maybe three.
When this recipe was first conceived during the seventies, it was originally made using Cruzan Rum. This spirit is the official drink of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands, and has been in official production since 1934. In 1989, Pusser’s Rum successfully trademarked the name “Painkiller”, going so far as to send a tiki bar in New York City during the mid-2000s a cease and desist letter for calling their tavern “Painkiller”. As a result, bartenders all over organized a boycott of the company.
Whichever rum you end up deciding to use, the Painkiller has a long tradition of satisfying many a cocktail enthusiast’s palate.
What is the Best Rum to Use in a Painkiller?
Our recipe calls for dark rum, and while you can play around with this drink using silver or spiced or gold or whatever rum you like, a dark style will hit just right. I also suggest using a navy or overproof rum in this elixir for a little extra bite.
Ingredients
- 2 ounces dark rum
- 4 ounces pineapple juice
- 1 ounce orange juice
- 1 ounce cream of coconut
- Grated nutmeg for garnish
- Pineapple wedge or cherry for garnish
Instructions
- Fill a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. Add the dark rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut.
- Shake the mixture vigorously for about 20 seconds to blend the ingredients and chill the cocktail.
- Fill a highball glass or tiki mug with fresh ice cubes. Strain the cocktail mixture from the shaker into the glass or mug.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of grated nutmeg on top. You can also add a pineapple wedge or cherry.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
A highball glass, tiki mug or even a hurricane glass filled with ice and garnished with a wedge of pineapple will make you a happy drinker once your Painkiller is poured into it. Sprinkle some nutmeg on top if you like.
What if you’re allergic to coconut?
You can always omit the coconut from the mix and still enjoy this recipe without having to go to the hospital.
Similar Cocktails to the Painkiller
Do you like a little tiki vibe to go with your tipple? Or just a beverage that’s a tad stronger than most? The Painkiller fits the bill, and this has certainly gotten you thinking about what similar drinks might be out there. Twist & Toast has a variety of biting sippers, so check these out and give them a try the next time you’re in the mood for a drink.
- Saturn – This gin-based drink has a taste that’s out of this world.
- Zombie – This potent potion will definitely open your eyes and wake the dead.
- Planter’s Punch – This fizzy, dark rum-based tropical treat will quench your thirst.
- Mai Tai – If you love an island getaway without the island or the getaway, you need a few Mai Tais.
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