Old Mission Tavern’s Off-Season Piña Colada

Bottoms Up

By Anna Faller | May 30, 2026

Whether you take yours blended, layered, or virgin, it’s never the wrong time for a piña colada. To go with spring’s not-quite-swimsuit weather, our go-to version is the Off-Season Piña Colada at Old Mission Tavern in Traverse City. This riff on the classic tiki drink combines both white and dark rums—Planteray 3 Stars and Original Dark, respectively—with pineapple juice, a squeeze of fresh lime, and the defining ingredient, scratch-made coconut crème (ingredients: coconut milk, sugar, a pinch of salt, and dehydrated coconut milk powder for that creamy texture). Shaken, served over ice, and topped with a molasses-y float of Cruzan Black Strap Rum and a plump Luzardo cherry, it’s all things caramelly, refreshing, and tropical, minus the sunburn. Belly up to the bar at Old Mission Tavern (17015 Center Rd.) in Traverse City. oldmissiontaverntc.com