A Tale of Two Pina Coladas: The Funkin Mixer and Nitro Can
When exploring Funkin's Pina Colada offerings, you'll encounter two main options: the cocktail mixer and the ready-to-drink Nitro can. Both aim to capture the essence of a classic Pina Colada, but their formulations differ based on whether you're crafting your own drink or seeking immediate enjoyment.
The Ingredients in the Funkin Pina Colada Cocktail Mixer
The Funkin Pina Colada Cocktail Mixer is designed as a base for home mixology. Its ingredients focus on delivering the core pineapple and coconut flavors with a creamy texture.
- Key Components: The mixer contains water, sugar, skimmed milk, fruit juices from concentrate (24% pineapple, 14% coconut, 9% lemon), cream (milk), stabiliser (natural pectin), acidifier (lactic acid), natural flavouring, and acidity regulator (trisodium citrate).
- Purpose: This blend provides the sweet, tropical, and creamy foundation required for a Pina Colada when combined with rum and ice.
The Ingredients in the Funkin Pina Colada Nitro Can
The Funkin Pina Colada Nitro Can offers a complete, pre-mixed cocktail experience. It shares many ingredients with the mixer but includes alcohol and preservatives. The Nitro infusion is a key feature, providing a smooth, velvety texture.
- Key Components: The Nitro can includes water, sugar, rum, juice concentrates (pineapple, lemon, coconut), skimmed milk, cream (milk), stabiliser (pectin E440), acidifier (lactic acid E270), acidity regulator (trisodium citrate E331), natural flavouring, and preservatives (potassium sorbate, sodium benzoate).
- Purpose: This ready-to-drink version combines the tropical flavors and creamy base with rum and preservatives for convenience and extended shelf life.
Comparison: Mixer vs. Nitro Can Ingredients
Here's a comparison highlighting the primary differences:
| Feature | Funkin Pina Colada Mixer (Carton) | Funkin Pina Colada Nitro Can (Pre-Mixed) |
|---|---|---|
| Alcohol Content | None; requires adding your own rum. | 5% ABV, includes rum. |
| Preservatives | None explicitly listed. | Contains potassium sorbate and sodium benzoate. |
| Texture | Standard liquid; creamy texture achieved by mixing. | Nitro-infused for a silky, creamy texture. |
| Storage (Opened) | Refrigerate, consume within 10 days. | Extended shelf life due to preservatives; can be stored cool and dry before opening. |
Serving Your Funkin Pina Colada
For the mixer, combine it with white rum and ice in a shaker and strain into a glass. The Nitro can is best served chilled: rotate, open, and pour or drink directly. Both can be garnished with pineapple and a cherry.
Why the Specific Ingredients Matter
The careful selection and balance of ingredients ensure the consistent tropical taste and creamy texture that Funkin aims for in its Pina Colada products. The fruit juice concentrates provide the core flavor, while the dairy and stabilisers create the signature creamy mouthfeel. Acidity regulators balance the sweetness, resulting in a well-rounded cocktail experience.
Conclusion
Funkin's Pina Colada products utilize a blend of water, sugar, concentrated pineapple, coconut, and lemon juices, along with dairy for creaminess. The main distinction lies between the non-alcoholic mixer, which is a base for adding spirits, and the ready-to-drink Nitro can, which includes rum and preservatives. Both versions are crafted with stabilizers and acidity regulators to deliver a consistent and enjoyable tropical cocktail.
For more information on Funkin's cocktail range, visit their official website.
