colada: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal / Culinary
Quick answer
What does “colada” mean?
A sweet cocktail made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sweet cocktail made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice.
Refers primarily to the drink 'Piña colada'. In Spanish, it can refer to a strained or purified liquid (e.g., agua colada) or the feminine past participle of 'colar' (to strain). This broader use is rare in everyday English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The drink is equally recognised. Spelling and pronunciation are identical.
Connotations
Both associate it with a tropical cocktail. Possibly stronger 'holiday' connotations in the UK due to less prevalent tropical climate.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency outside the context of bars, menus, or holiday discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “colada” in a Sentence
[Drink/V] a [Adj] coladaThe [N] serves excellent coladas.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colada” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality/tourism marketing.
Academic
Virtually never used.
Everyday
Used when discussing drinks, holidays, or bars.
Technical
In bartending/mixology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colada”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colada”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colada”
- Incorrect spelling: 'pinacolata', 'pina colata'.
- Using 'colada' as a countable noun without 'piña' in formal writing (e.g., 'I had two coladas').
- Mispronunciation: placing stress on 'co' (/ˈkoʊ.lɑː.də/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In informal spoken contexts, especially in a bar, saying 'a colada' might be understood. However, 'piña colada' is the standard and correct term.
Yes, the term is identical in both varieties. The pronunciation of 'colada' has a slight difference (/kəʊ-/ in UK vs /koʊ-/ in US), but the word is the same.
It is the feminine form of the past participle of 'colar' (to strain). It can mean 'strained' (e.g., 'caldo colado' - strained broth) or refer to a strained liquid. This meaning is not active in English.
Traditionally, yes, it contains rum. However, non-alcoholic or 'virgin' piña coladas are common mocktails made without the rum.
A sweet cocktail made with rum, cream of coconut, and pineapple juice.
Colada is usually informal / culinary in register.
Colada: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpiː.nə kəʊˈlɑː.də/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpiː.nə koʊˈlɑː.də/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “If you like piña coladas... (from song 'Escape')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
COLA + DA: Imagine a COLA can with a DA (Dad) on a beach, but it's a pineapple drink instead.
Conceptual Metaphor
LEISURE IS A TROPICAL DRINK (e.g., 'Let's get some colada vibes').
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'piña colada' primarily made with?