Discover Puerto Rico, the Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for the Island, has announced a delicious collaboration with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream to celebrate National Piña Colada Day on July 10 across their New York City locations. Honoring the rich heritage of the Piña Colada, which originated in Puerto Rico and is claimed by the famed Caribe Hilton, this celebration marks the 70th anniversary of the classic drink and Van Leeuwen’s first-ever collaboration with a destination.

Ramon ‘Monchito’ Marrero at San Juan’s Caribe Hilton, crafting the famed Piña Colada

In 1954, Caribe Hilton’s bartender Ramón “Monchito” Marrero was tasked with creating a signature drink that captured the essence of Puerto Rico. He crafted the first Piña Colada using Don Q rum, which infused the cocktail with a distinctive Puerto Rican flavor.

Cristina Muñoz Laboy

To commemorate this special occasion, Van Leeuwen’s expert team, alongside Discover Puerto Rico, renowned Puerto Rican mixologist Roberto Berdecia and Don Q rum, have crafted an exclusive and delectable Piña Colada ice cream flavor. The limited-edition treat features vibrant packaging designed by talented local artist, Cristina Muñoz Laboy, whose stunning work can be found throughout the Island.

Roberto Berdecia

“Bringing the vibrant flavors of Puerto Rico to the streets of New York City with this exclusive Piña Colada ice cream is a true celebration of our Island’s rich heritage and culture,” said Leah Chandler, CMO of Discover Puerto Rico. “In collaboration with Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, we are thrilled to share a scoop of paradise, melding the legacy of Puerto Rico’s beloved cocktail with delicious creativity. By infusing the expertise of local mixologist Roberto Berdecia and the artistic vision of Cristina Muñoz Laboy, every spoonful promises an authentic taste of Puerto Rico. We can’t wait for New Yorkers to experience the tropical magic and rich cultural tapestry of Puerto Rico with us!”

On July 10, get ready to savor a taste of paradise right in the heart of New York City. The Discover Puerto Rico and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream truck will tour the city, distributing free scoops of the Piña Colada flavor and offering branded merchandise. For those who can’t catch the truck, pints will be available for purchase at most Van Leeuwen NYC locations (except for Hudson Yards, Union Square, Grand Central, 97th & Broadway, and Roosevelt Field) while supplies last. 

“We are excited to partner with Discover Puerto Rico to create an exclusive flavor that pays homage to the beloved cocktail and celebrates the Island’s beautiful culture,” said Ben Van Leeuwen, Co-Founder and CEO of Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. 

Don’t miss the chance to indulge in this limited-edition flavor and celebrate Piña Colada’s 70th anniversary with Discover Puerto Rico and Van Leeuwen. Stop by the truck at any of the listed locations for a free scoop and experience the tropical charm of Puerto Rico.

ICE CREAM TRUCK ROUTE:

First Stop: Bryant Park, Manhattan
Time: 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Second Stop: Union Square, Manhattan
Time: 1:15 PM – 2:45 PM

Third Stop: 787 Coffee, 204 W 10th St, Manhattan
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM

To learn more about Puerto Rico’s national drink, the Piña Colada, visit discoverpuertorico.com/pinacolada