"Look at me and tell me if I don't have Brazil in every curve of my body."
- Carmen Miranda

Ooh la la! Even though her first language was Portuguese, Carmen Miranda definitely had a way with English words. The actress, (born Feb 9, '09 - died Aug 5, '55) made famous by her sultry Latin performances and tutti-frutti headgear also had a way with fame and fortune. After becoming a star in Brazil during the 1920's and 1930's, she was invited to perform in New York City, quickly taking Broadway by storm. Between 1940 and 1953, she went on to conquer the silver screen, making 14 films and becoming the highest paid actress in Hollywood and the highest paid woman in America. Not bad for the daughter of a barber.

During the 1940s and '50s, largely due to the vibrant performances of Miranda, American interest in all things Latin was at an all time high. As such, it comes as no surprise that it was at the same time that the most famous of all Latin American beverages, the Piña Colada was invented. Although the exact origin of the Piña Colada is disputed, the exotic drink is generally accepted to have first been mixed in Puerto Rico in the mid 1950's. The drink is made by blending a light rum with coconut cream and pineapple juice - que rico! On a hot day relaxing poolside, or bellied up to bar in Rio or San Juan, there's absolutely nothing finer.

So, what did Carmen Miranda have to say about them?

"I say 20 words in English. I say money, money, money, and I say hot dog! I say yes, no and I say money, money, money and I say turkey sandwich and I say grape juice."

Hmmmmm -  well, we know what we'd say about this fabulous herb and fruit tea blended in her honour - magnifico!  Dried fruit, herbs and all natural flavouring create a herbal blend that'll make you want to get up and dance.