What rum should I use to make a Painkiller cocktail?

A dark rum, Pusser's Navy Rum or aged rum is preferred because its richer flavour stands up to the pineapple and coconut.

What's the difference between a Painkiller cocktail and a [Piña Colada](/en/articles/Pina%20Colada.html) cocktail?

While they're tropical cousins sharing pineapple, coconut, and rum DNA, these drinks have distinct personalities. [Piña Colada](/en/articles/Pina%20Colada.html) is made with white rum, while the Painkiller is made with dark rum. The Painkiller also includes orange juice and that signature nutmeg garnish, giving it more depth than the sweeter, simpler Piña Colada.

How much rum should I use in a Painkiller cocktail?

The classic ratio is 4:1:1 for pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut. But rum amounts vary from 2 to 4 ounces depending on how much pain you're trying to kill. Two ounces makes a pleasant afternoon sipper, while four ounces creates what professionals call "a commitment to relaxation".

Do I really need to use Pusser's Navy Rum to make a Painkiller cocktail?

Despite the trademark situation, you absolutely do not need Pusser's Navy Rum to make a delicious Painkiller at home. In winning recipes submitted by expert bartenders, Jamaican rums frequently appeared as part of the base spirit blend, valued for boosting tropical banana and pineapple notes. Try dark rums from brands like Plantation, Mount Gay, Cruzan, or Myers.

Why is nutmeg so important for this drink?

Freshly grated nutmeg on top isn't just decoration; it's essential aromatics that transform each sip from merely good to genuinely memorable. The warm spice cuts through the sweet fruit and creamy coconut, adding unexpected sophistication.

Can I make Painkiller cocktails in advance for a party?

Absolutely! Batch your Painkillers by multiplying the recipe and keeping the 4:2:1:1 ratio (pineapple juice, rum, orange juice, coconut cream). Mix everything except the ice and nutmeg, then store in the refrigerator. When guests arrive, shake individual servings with ice and garnish fresh nutmeg.

What's the deal with cream of coconut versus coconut cream?

Cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez) is sweetened and thicker, specifically designed for cocktails. Coconut cream is unsweetened. For Painkillers, you want cream of coconut for that signature sweetness and texture.

Why is the cocktail called a "Painkiller"?

Legend suggests Daphne Henderson created the drink at the Soggy Dollar Bar specifically to cure hangovers for boaters visiting the island. Whether it actually kills pain is debatable, though the combination of hydrating fruit juice and "hair of the dog" rum certainly doesn't hurt. The name stuck because it perfectly captures the drink's purpose: making you forget whatever was bothering you after that first sip.