Cowboy Colada Recipe

Name: Cowboy Colada
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: Fresh pineapple wedges; Chili-lime seasoning (such as Tajín); 2 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks (from 1 [16 ounce] package); 1/2 cup ice cubes; 6 tablespoons (3 ounce) pure pineapple juice; 4 tablespoons (2 ounce) mezcal (preferably Monte Alban); 1/2 cup canned cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez) (from 1 [15 ounce] can); 1/4 teaspoon seeded and finely chopped fresh habanero chile (from 1 small [1/2 ounce] chili); Maraschino cherry

This tropical cocktail might seem like your usual beach drink, but the smoky and spicy undertones bring it to a whole new level. Perfect for those scorching summer days, its the ideal way to balance out the heat. Serve it alongside a fresh cowboy caviar, and youve got yourself a flawless poolside experience. According to our Test Kitchen, this cocktail is well-balanced, offering a fun twist on the traditional colada style. The mezcal adds a smoky savoriness that beautifully cuts through the sweetness of the Coco Lopez and pineapple!

Ingredients

Yields 2 servings

Fresh pineapple wedges
Chili-lime seasoning (such as Tajn)
2 1/2 cups frozen pineapple chunks
1/2 cup ice cubes
6 tablespoons pure pineapple juice
4 tablespoons mezcal (preferably Monte Alban)
1/2 cup canned cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
1/4 teaspoon seeded and finely chopped fresh habanero chile
Maraschino cherry for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and prepare your workspace.

Step 2: Take 2 chilled rocks glasses and rub half of the rim of each with a pineapple wedge.

Step 3: Dip the rim of each glass into a plate filled with chili-lime seasoning, then set aside to prepare the glasses.

Step 4: In a blender, add the frozen pineapple chunks, ice cubes, pineapple juice, mezcal, cream of coconut, and the finely chopped habanero chile in the order listed.

Step 5: Blend everything until smooth, about 25 seconds, until you have a creamy, frosty consistency.

Step 6: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared glasses.

Step 7: Garnish with a fresh pineapple wedge and a maraschino cherry for that perfect finishing touch.

Nutrition Facts

Per serving (1 glass):

Calories: 663
Total Fat: 13g (17% of daily value)
Saturated Fat: 12g (58% of daily value)
Cholesterol: 2mg (1% of daily value)
Sodium: 258mg (11% of daily value)
Total Carbohydrate: 125g (45% of daily value)
Dietary Fiber: 5g (19% of daily value)
Total Sugars: 114g
Protein: 3g (7% of daily value)
Vitamin C: 76mg (84% of daily value)
Calcium: 61mg (5% of daily value)
Iron: 2mg (11% of daily value)
Potassium: 549mg (12% of daily value)

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

Cowboy Colada Recipe

The Cowboy Colada is a bold, smoky, and spicy twist on the classic pia colada, bringing together tropical flavors with a touch of the wild. Its a refreshing frozen drink that incorporates smoky mezcal, the tang of chili-lime seasoning, and the sweetness of pineapple and coconut. This drink is perfect for hot summer days when you're craving something both tropical and adventurous. But what exactly makes the Cowboy Colada unique? Lets take a deeper look at its origins, regional twists, and more.

History and Origins of the Cowboy Colada

While the pia colada itself traces its roots to Puerto Rico, the Cowboy Colada is a relatively new creation, inspired by the love for mezcal, a smoky agave-based liquor from Mexico. This cocktail is a modern American take on the classic, merging the tropical, fruity notes of the colada with a smoky kick. The addition of spicy habanero and chili-lime seasoning introduces a new layer of complexity that enhances the drinks bold character. It likely originated in the southwestern United States or other areas where mezcal is popular, drawing on the regions flair for integrating smoky flavors with tropical profiles.

Regional Features and Influence

The Cowboy Colada borrows heavily from the Southwestern U.S. and Mexican flavor profiles, especially the use of mezcal. Mezcal is a distilled alcoholic beverage made from agave, similar to tequila, but it has a distinct smoky flavor because of the way the agave hearts are roasted. The infusion of chili-lime seasoning, often seen in Mexican cuisine, gives the drink an added zing that contrasts beautifully with the creamy coconut and sweet pineapple. The drink also embodies the vibrant and adventurous spirit of cowboy culture, which is reflected in its fiery ingredients like habanero chile and its rugged, untamed flavor.

How the Cowboy Colada Differs from Similar Drinks

At its core, the Cowboy Colada is a variation of the pia colada. However, unlike the traditional version, which relies on rum, this drink uses mezcal, which brings a smoky, earthy flavor that is completely different from the smooth, sweet taste of rum. The addition of fresh habanero chile and chili-lime seasoning gives the drink a spicy kick, which sets it apart from more familiar tropical cocktails. Additionally, the Cowboy Colada often incorporates a creamy coconut base, balancing the heat from the peppers and the smokiness of the mezcal with a smooth, sweet undertone. This balance of flavorssmoky, spicy, sweet, and creamygives the Cowboy Colada its signature punch.

Where Is the Cowboy Colada Usually Served?

The Cowboy Colada is typically served in bars, outdoor patios, and tropical resorts, especially in places where mezcal is popular. Given its bold flavors, it is perfect for poolside parties, beach vacations, or BBQs, where guests are looking for something fun, refreshing, and a bit different. Its often served as a celebratory drink or as a way to cool off on hot summer days. The drink is garnished with a pineapple wedge and maraschino cherry, adding a festive, tropical touch that makes it visually appealing as well as delicious.

Interesting Facts About the Cowboy Colada

Smoky Mezcal vs. Tequila: While both mezcal and tequila are made from agave, mezcal is smoked during its production process, giving it a distinct flavor profile. This unique smokiness is one of the defining features of the Cowboy Colada.
Chili-Lime Seasoning: The chili-lime seasoning (like Tajn) is often used in Mexican cuisine to add a tangy, spicy kick to fruits, snacks, and drinks. It complements the sweetness of the pineapple and the richness of the coconut in this drink.
Not Just a Drink, But a Conversation Starter: The Cowboy Colada is an excellent conversation starter. Its a drink that pairs bold flavors with a story, making it a great option for social gatherings.
Variety of Mezcal: While any mezcal can be used for the Cowboy Colada, the Monte Alban brand is often recommended for its balanced smokiness and smooth finish.

The Cowboy Colada is a drink that embraces boldness and creativity, making it a must-try for those looking to venture beyond the typical tropical cocktails. Whether youre a fan of smoky drinks or just looking for something new and exciting to enjoy by the pool, this cocktail is sure to satisfy your taste buds and spark your adventurous side.

FAQ about Cowboy Colada Recipe

Yes, you can substitute mezcal with tequila if you prefer a less smoky flavor. However, the smoky undertone from the mezcal is one of the key characteristics of the Cowboy Colada.

If you have leftover Cowboy Colada, store it in an airtight container in the freezer. Since it contains a high amount of ice and pineapple, it will freeze into a slushy consistency. You can reblend it if needed before serving.

Yes, you can prepare the drink in advance and store it in the freezer. However, it's best to make it fresh, as the texture of the frozen ingredients may change over time.

If you can't find cream of coconut, you can substitute it with coconut milk or coconut cream. However, cream of coconut adds a thicker and sweeter consistency, so the taste and texture may vary slightly.

Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less habanero chile to your drink. If you want a milder version, start with a smaller amount or omit the habanero altogether.

This cocktail is best served fresh, but it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Keep in mind that the texture may change, as the ice will melt and the drink will lose its slushy consistency.

While frozen pineapple gives the drink its slushy texture, you can use fresh pineapple if you prefer. If using fresh pineapple, add extra ice to maintain the cold and thick consistency.

The Cowboy Colada can be made vegan by ensuring that the cream of coconut is dairy-free, as well as using a vegan-friendly mezcal. Check the labels of the products you use to ensure they meet vegan standards.

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by omitting the mezcal and using pineapple juice or a pineapple-flavored soda as the base. The drink will still be tropical and flavorful without the alcohol.