History & Heritage
“The Fat-Washed Painkiller is a modern innovation that emerged from the craft cocktail movement. It applies the technique of fat-washing—popularized in the mid-2000s—to the classic Painkiller cocktail, which was created in the 1970s at the Soggy Dollar Bar in the British Virgin Islands. By infusing the rum with coconut oil, bartenders can amplify the coconut flavor and add a luxurious, velvety texture to the drink.”
Ingredients
Quality ingredients make all the difference. Each component plays a crucial role.
Method
Technique transforms ingredients into something extraordinary.
Combine the coconut oil-washed rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut in a cocktail shaker.
Fill the shaker with ice and shake vigorously for 12-15 seconds.
Strain into a large, chilled tiki mug or a hurricane glass filled with fresh pebble ice.
Garnish with freshly grated nutmeg, a pineapple frond, and a dehydrated pineapple wheel.
Glassware
Served in a large, chilled tiki mug or a hurricane glass
Garnish
Freshly grated nutmeg, pineapple frond, and a dehydrated pineapple wheel
Generous grating of fresh nutmeg, a pineapple frond, and a dehydrated pineapple wheel
Master's Tips
Professional insights to elevate your craft
The fat-washing process for the rum needs to be done at least a day in advance.
Use freshly pressed pineapple and orange juice for a superior cocktail.
A vigorous shake is essential to properly integrate the cream of coconut and create the desired frothy texture.
Variations & Riffs
Classic cocktails inspire countless variations. Here are some popular riffs on the Fat-Washed Painkiller.
Other Variations
Brown Butter Painkiller
The rum is washed with browned butter instead of coconut oil, imparting nutty, toasty notes that complement the rum's aged character.
Changes
Clarified Painkiller
A highly technical variation where the entire cocktail is mixed and then clarified using milk or other clarifying agents, resulting in a crystal-clear drink with a surprisingly light texture and concentrated flavor.
Changes
More to Explore
If you enjoyed this cocktail, these similar creations might capture your interest.
Painkiller
Dark rum, pineapple, orange, and cream of coconut shaken over ice and dusted with nutmeg—the British Virgin Islands' signature sipper.
Passionfruit Painkiller
A modern tropical masterpiece that elevates the classic Painkiller with vibrant, tart passion fruit, showcasing sophisticated balance of rich rum, creamy coconut, and bright multi-dimensional fruit.
Virgin Piña Colada
Creamy pineapple and coconut served blender-smooth for a booze-free taste of the tropics.