July 10 recognizes a sweet, rum-based cocktail on National Pina Colada Day. Today, we are anxiously waiting for the end of the work day to enjoy the cream of coconut and pineapple juice with a dash of run cocktail. #NationalPinaColadaDay Pina Colada means ‘strained pineapple,' a reference to the freshly pressed and strained pineapple juice used in the drink. While pineapple has been a part of the distillation history of rum, coconut didn't show up until later. The first written reference to a pina colada was in 1922. However, two different claims to the invention of the pina colada in 1952 come from San Juan. Neither wavers from their story.