Have A Piña Colada In Puerto Rico

Trying a Piña Colada at the Caribe Hilton

I love Piña Coladas and I fell in love with them even more after visiting Puerto Rico.  It really has some of my most favorite flavors of rum, pineapple, and coconut!  I found out through an episode of No Reservations that Piña Coladas were invented in Puerto Rico, so I knew I had to have some!  

My cousin trying a Piña Colada at Barrachina

While doing more research on the Piña Colada I found out that their has been a ongoing dispute over where it was first created.  It was either at the Caribe Hilton (where I was coincidentally staying!), or Barrachina.

I knew I had to try both, especially since one was so accessible to me.  So the verdict?  I liked both.  The one at Caribe had more alcohol, but it wasn't overpowering (which I like), but the one at Barrachina was refreshing after a long day of walking (I had to have two!).

Date Accomplished:  April 3rd, 2010

Drink A Refreshing Inca Kola

Inca Kola is a Peruvian soft drink with a really sweet flavor.  In Peru, this drink is more popular than any other type of soda (ironically it is owned by Coca Cola).   I knew I had to try it while I was in Peru.  I liked it (not loved it), and it definitely wasn't something I could drink everyday.   I ended up drinking most of it after my meal was done since it was almost like having dessert.

I recently found Inca Kola back home after my Peruvian friend posted a photo with a large bottle of Inca Kola on her Facebook.  I won't be purchasing it regularly, but I will be drinking it for that occasional Peruvian treat.

Date Accomplished: October 6th, 2009

Drink A Pisco Sour

A Pisco Sour is a South American cocktail that contains Pisco (a liquor distilled from grapes), sugar or syrup, lemon or lime, egg whites and a few other things.  It is a popular drink in both Peru and Chile, and there is an ongoing national debate to where the drink originated from.  Peruvian Pisco Sours use syrup, while the Chilean Pisco Sours use sugar.

I had the chance to try both the Peruvian and Chilean version.  The Winner?  I personally enjoyed the Peruvian one much better.  The drink is refreshing after a long day, and frothy at the top due to the egg whites.

In Peru I also got a chance to learn how to make a Pisco Sour at a local bar in Cusco....

Date Accomplished:  October 5th, 2009

Make Coffee With A French Press

Once upon a time I hated coffee. 

Then, I began working night shift and my hate evolved into a love.

Then somewhere in between I became a bit of a coffee snob.

One day, I went to a restaurant for brunch and was served a cup of coffee right out of a french press.  I was in love. 

In order to make coffee with a French Press you will need a....

1. French Press
2.  Whole Bean coffee
3.  Coffee Grinder
4.  Tea Kettle (to make hot water)

Then coarsely grind some whole bean coffee and plop a few scoops into the French Press.  Pour hot water into the French press, and let the water and coffee brew for a few minutes.  Then slowly push the plunger down.

Lastly, enjoy a delicious cup of coffee! 

Date Accomplished:  November 15th, 2006

Drink An L&P Soda In New Zealand

L&P Sodas or Lemon & Paeroa is a popular soda produced in New Zealand.  There ad states that it is "World Famous in New Zealand."  L&P was founded in 1904, and like it's name states it does have a lemon flavor.

My friend, Jen pondering the flavors

So what does it taste like?  I thought I would be able to relate it to a familiar soda back home, but it wasn't like any soda I have tasted before.   A refreshing, fizzy drink for sure!

Date Accomplished:  March 6th, 2009