A Cheddar’s Painkiller is like a beach vacation in a glass-smooth, fruity, and just the right amount of boozy. This tropical cocktail blends pineapple, orange, and coconut with a splash of rum and a pinch of nutmeg. It’s rich and refreshing all at once, perfect for hot afternoons, backyard barbecues, or whenever you want to feel like you’re on island time.
Cheddar's Painkiller
This has been my go-to cocktail for summer nights with friends. It’s easy to whip up, and once you’ve got the basics down, you can tweak it to your liking.
What You’ll Need
Prep time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 cocktail (easily scaled up for a pitcher)
Ingredients
– 2 oz (60 ml) white or dark rum (*Pusser’s is traditional, but any good-quality rum works*)
– 4 oz (120 ml) pineapple juice
– 1 oz (30 ml) orange juice (fresh-squeezed if possible)
– 1 oz (30 ml) cream of coconut (*such as Coco Lopez*)
– Ice (for shaking and serving)
– Pinch of ground nutmeg (for garnish)
Equipment
– Cocktail shaker (or a mason jar with a lid works in a pinch)
– Tiki mug or highball glass
– Jigger or measuring spoons
– Fine grater or microplane (for fresh nutmeg, optional)
Method
- Fill your cocktail shaker halfway with ice.
- Pour in the rum, pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut.
- Shake it well-about 15 seconds-until the outside of the shaker feels cold.
- Fill your tiki mug or highball glass with fresh ice.
- Strain the cocktail into the glass.
- Sprinkle a pinch of nutmeg on top. Freshly grated gives it a lovely aroma.
Tips & Tricks
– Chill your glass ahead of time to keep the drink nice and cold longer.
– Use freshly squeezed orange juice for a brighter, cleaner flavor.
– Shake hard-cream of coconut needs to mix well or it can separate.
– If you want a creamier drink, add a little more cream of coconut. For something lighter, cut it back or swap in a splash of coconut milk.
– Try different rums-dark rum gives a richer taste, while coconut rum amps up the tropical flavor.
Make-Ahead Tip
You can mix the pineapple juice, orange juice, and cream of coconut ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just add the rum and ice, shake, and pour. Great for parties!
Storage
Store any leftover juice and coconut mixture in the fridge for up to 2 days. Shake or stir well before using again, as the cream of coconut may separate.
Serving Suggestions
This cocktail pairs beautifully with:
Grilled Shrimp or Fish Tacos
The smoky char from the grill plays off the sweet and creamy drink.
Spicy Wings or Jalapeño Poppers
The tropical sweetness helps mellow out the heat.
Fruit Tarts or Coconut Macaroons
Perfect for dessert-the flavors echo the drink and round out the meal.
I’ve made this drink countless times, and here’s a tip I learned while perfecting the recipe: don’t skip the nutmeg. It might seem small, but that aromatic sprinkle really ties everything together and gives it that signature Painkiller touch.
Variations to Try
Tropical Sunset
– Add a splash of mango juice
– Top with a dash of grenadine for a layered sunset effect
Coconut Dream
– Use coconut rum instead of plain rum for extra coconut flavor
Virgin Painkiller
– Skip the rum and double the pineapple juice
– Still creamy and tropical-perfect for kids or non-drinkers
Ingredient Swaps
– No cream of coconut? Use coconut milk plus a dash of simple syrup
– Watching sugar? Use unsweetened pineapple juice and lighten up on the cream of coconut
– No nutmeg? Try cinnamon for a slightly different but still warm finish
FAQs
Can I make it without alcohol?
Yes! Just leave out the rum and add more pineapple juice or a splash of coconut water.
What kind of rum is best?
White rum is classic, but dark rum adds depth. Coconut rum is a fun twist.
Is it sweet?
Yes, it’s a sweet and creamy cocktail. You can adjust the sweetness by using less cream of coconut or opting for unsweetened juice.
Can I make a big batch?
Definitely. Just multiply the ingredients, mix in a pitcher (without ice), and shake individual servings to order.
Can I serve it in something other than a tiki mug?
Of course! A highball glass works great. The mug just adds fun island vibes.
Final Thoughts
The Cheddar’s Painkiller is more than just a cocktail-it’s a little sip of sunshine. It’s easy to make, easy to tweak, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends or just treating yourself after a long day, it’s a drink that never disappoints.
Serve it cold, garnish with a cherry or pineapple wedge if you’re feeling fancy, and let the island vibes roll in.
