My Favorite Pina Colada

- Merrill

Yesterday morning when I woke up, it was 38 degrees Fahrenheit in Brooklyn. Hard to believe that just ten short days ago, I was in sunny Florida (the trip was a surprise birthday present from my thoughtful husband), lolling by the pool and sipping a pina colada. Now that there's a distinct chill in the air here in New York, I thought it could be time to share my recipe for said pina colada, painstakingly perfected over the course of the four day trip.

I like more pineapple than coconut in my pina coladas, so I thought I'd add some fresh pineapple as well as pineapple juice. And after a few experiments, I found that a combination of coconut milk and cream of coconut produced the right blend of sweetness and creaminess. A spritz of lime juice and a grating of fresh nutmeg were later additions.

Those of you living in more temperate areas can enjoy one of these poolside, and those who -- like me -- are on the verge of lugging your winter clothes out of storage can join me in a tropical fantasy, swathed in the warm cocoon of central heating.

My Favorite Pina Colada

Makes 4 cocktails

Combine all the ingredients in a blender (use a good, strong one that can crush ice) and blend until smooth. Add more ice or liquid to taste. Serve in a pretty glass with a shower of grated nutmeg, a lime wedge and maybe even a cocktail umbrella.