What Is Pitorro?

Since Bad Bunny’s sixth studio album Debì Tirar Más Fotos (I Should Have Taken More Photos) was released this January, it has been lauded as both a celebration of Puerto Rico and a statement of resistance against forces that threaten the island’s independence, such as gentrification and colonialism.

There are personal and political messages to be gleaned throughout the album’s vibrant songs, but one delicious point of Puerto Rican pride that Bad Bunny illuminates in his song “Pitorro de Coco” is an alcoholic drink often referred to as the island’s unofficial national spirit: pitorro.

While appearing on an episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon earlier this year, Bad Bunny brought a bottle of pitorro for the host to try, complete with pieces of coconut still infusing inside. After taking a sip, Jimmy Fallon exclaims, “That’s delicious!” — and it’s likely you’ll exclaim the same thing after sampling this strong spirit.

For anyone who is still unfamiliar with the joys of pitorro, here’s everything you need to know about the liquor and what it means to Puerto Rico.

What is pitorro?

In addition to other nicknames ranging from pitrinche to lágrima de monte (“mountain tears”), pitorro is often referred to as “moonshine rum,” a moniker that highlights how the spirit is made. Just like other rums, pitorro is distilled from molasses.

Pitorro is also often homemade in Puerto Rico, hence the term “moonshine.” It’s this homemade quality that has likely contributed to the many variations of pitorro, and it’s the customization of this spirit that makes it so special. Pitorro is aged with fruits that infuse the liquor with their flavor, and the spirit can be infused with ingredients ranging from coconut to mango, prunes, pineapple, guava, and more. (Bad Bunny’s song “Pitorro de Coco” translates to “coconut pitorro.”) Pitorro can be additionally flavored with spices, nuts, or coffee, depending on your preference.

Puerto Rico Distillery, a Maryland-based distillery that produces the pitorro its founders, father-daughter team Angel Rivera and Crystal Rivera, wanted to see on liquor store shelves, uses raisins, prunes, and cranberries to flavor its traditional pitorro. But the distillery also offers a variety of pitorros, including a pineapple-infused spirit and an almond version flavored with almond extract, local honey, and brown sugar. 

The Riveras note that there are two key differences between pitorro and other Puerto rican rums or American moonshine, telling Food & Wine “What sets pitorro apart from other rums is that it is not aged in wooden barrels. Rum is best known for the practice of aging it in wooden barrels for years and even decades. Pitorro is aged in dark glass containers that only serve to protect the rum from excessive light.

“What sets pitorro apart from American moonshine is that the fruits used to infuse flavor into pitorro are tropical fruits that have historically not been available in the United States.”

What does pitorro taste like?

The wide array of ingredients you can use to infuse pitorro means that its flavor profile can vary significantly. Per Angel and Crystal Rivera, “The craft of pitorro flavoring truly has limitless flavoring combinations that are squarely in the hands of those flavoring their pitorro.”

Like rum, the molasses used as the base for pitorro provides a slight sweetness. The Riveras explain that “Common tasting notes associated with pitorro include those of a strong yet smooth rum with a sweet nose and the character of molasses on the palate. This delicious clear rum then serves as a blank canvas that is infused with natural fruits flavors.”

Pitorro tends to be stronger than other rums and often has a higher alcohol content. This is not only true for homemade versions of the spirit: Puerto Rico Distillery’s pitorros are 100 proof, or 50% alcohol by volume (ABV).

What does pitorro mean to Puerto Rico?

Although pinpointing an exact origin is difficult, multiple sources say that the first references to pitorro can be traced back to the 18th century. Not only has the liquor been part of Puerto Rican culture for roughly two centuries, but it’s also been a staple in people’s homes. Many families may have their own recipes that have been passed down through generations.

When the United States passed the Jones Act in 1917, it extended Prohibition to Puerto Rico, banning alcohol on the island. Consumers were already crafting their own moonshine rum, but this escalated their efforts. As Atlas Obscura reports, making pitorro was both a practical way to acquire alcohol and a means of expressing political resistance against the U.S. government.

Pitorro is a celebratory beverage. It is especially popular during the Christmas season, and coquito — a creamy, spiced, coconutty, Puerto Rican holiday drink — was originally made with pitorro, although most recipes you’ll find online now simply call for rum.

For the Riveras, “Pitorro is Puerto Rican culture, because culture includes everything that defines a group of people. It encompasses everything from art, music, foods, beverages, and traditions. Pitorro is the national spirit of Puerto Rico and is regularly highlighted in Puerto Rican art, music, and present in Puerto Rican social gatherings and traditional practices.”

How to drink pitorro

You can certainly use pitorro to create cocktails — if coquito doesn’t interest you, Puerto Rico Distillery has plenty of recipes for pitorro-based drinks — but this strong spirit is often enjoyed on its own in a small glass or cup. You can drink it straight, over ice, or with a wedge of lime. However, keep in mind that this liquor is likely higher in alcohol content than other rums you’re familiar with, which mostly clock in at 80 proof, and you might feel its effects quickly.