The Golden Colada takes the creamy base of a Piña Colada and dyes it golden yellow with fresh turmeric. The ginger adds a subtle heat that counters the sweetness of pineapple and coconut. The result is a drink that remains tropical but doesn’t just taste like a holiday – the earthy notes make it more complex than the original.
And here’s what you need for the Golden Colada
5 cl white Rum
10 cl pineapple juice
4 cl coconut cream
1 tsp fresh turmeric, grated
1 cm fresh ginger, peeled
1 cl lime juice
Crushed Ice
What matters here
Turmeric stains badly – if you don’t have fresh, you can use powder, but then only a knife tip is enough. Important: Don’t chop the ginger too coarsely, otherwise fibres will float in the drink. Some blenders do this better than others; if necessary, grate the ginger finely beforehand. The coconut cream shouldn’t be too thick – if it comes from a can, stir it well beforehand or warm it briefly. The lime juice brings the heat to the foreground and prevents the drink from tasting flat.
Variations
- Golden Colada with Mango — 5 cl mango purée instead of half the amount of pineapple juice – makes the drink thicker and adds a second layer of fruit.
- Golden Colada without alcohol — Omit the white Rum and replace it with 3 cl coconut water – stays creamy but loses the warmth of the Rum.
- Spicy Golden Colada — Add a slice of fresh chili pepper to the blender – enhances the spiciness of the ginger and makes the drink even less sweet.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use turmeric powder instead of fresh turmeric?
Yes, but only a knife tip – powder is more concentrated and stains even more. Fresh turmeric tastes slightly milder and earthier.
Which Rum goes best with the Golden Colada?
A light white Rum from the Caribbean – it stays in the background and lets the turmeric and ginger come to the fore. Dark Rum would overpower the spices.
How do I get the consistency right?
Don’t blend for too long – 20 seconds is enough. Too much ice makes the drink watery, too little makes it too thick. The coconut cream should be liquid enough to distribute evenly.
Can I prepare the Golden Colada in advance?
Turmeric and ginger oxidize quickly – better to mix fresh. You can liquefy the coconut cream beforehand, which speeds things up.
