Coquito

Coquito is a rich, creamy, coconut-based beverage, spiked with white rum and enhanced with aromatic spices. This Puerto Rican drink is a holiday staple so gift it to friends or serve it chilled at parties.

Traditional Coquito

When I lived in New York, coquito was a given during the holiday season. Served chilled over ice, it’s an indulgent mesh of tropical coconut flavor and warm spices. I got this easy coquito recipe from my Puerto Rican friend, Nicole. It is her mom’s recipe (Lillian Ramirez).

Nicole said her mom made Coquito every year for family and friends until she passed. Now Nicole makes it for her family and friends. She felt it was a tradition she wanted to continue in honor of her mother especially now that she lives in Rotterdam and is away from her Puerto Rican Culture.

Looking for more Caribbean holiday drinks? Try my Sorrel recipe next.

Why You’ll Love This Coquito Recipe

• Quick & Easy: Before I made this for myself, I always assumed it took a lot of effort. But this recipe is as simple as combining pantry staples and letting it chill in the fridge. If you can open a can, you can make coquito!
• Decadent Treat: If you love coconut, then this thick, frothy drink is perfect for you! It’s a dessert cocktail for sure, in all its sweet, spiced glory.
• Perfect for the Holidays: Gift bottles to friends for Christmas or celebrate New Year’s with a glass of this boozy treat.

What is Coquito?

Coquito means “little coconut” in Spanish. It is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink made with coconut milk, evaporated milk, and plenty of warm spices like cinnamon, vanilla extract, and sometimes nutmeg.

Served chilled, coquito has become an essential part of Puerto Rican Christmas celebrations, starting from Thanksgiving and continuing through the holiday season until Three Kings Day in January.

Coquito vs. Eggnog

This coconut-based beverage is often referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog” or “coconut eggnog” but authentic coquito does not include eggs. It is a unique and beloved Puerto Rican rum and milk punch. Some recipe variations may include eggs but it is not typical.

Although both are thick, sweet, and creamy, the two popular holiday beverages have different flavors and textures. Eggnog does not include coconut but is made with raw egg yolks, milk, heavy cream, and sugar. Eggnog has the consistency of melted custard.

Coquito Ingredients

It should come as no surprise that this recipe mostly consists of coconut milk and dairy; that’s how you get that thick, luscious consistency.

• Coconut Cream: This provides the concentrated coconut flavor you expect. Coco Lopez brand is preferred.
• Coconut milk: Use this to thin out the drink a bit. It also adds more coconut to taste.
• Evaporated milk: This thick and creamy liquid enriches the drink so it’s nice and thick.
• Condensed milk: This sweetened milk makes this taste like dessert.
• Spices: Use ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg. Add cinnamon sticks to individual bottles (just for garnish).
• Vanilla extract: This complements the spices and adds warm vanilla flavor.
• Bacardi White Rum: Also known as light rum, white rum has a milder, smoother taste than darker rum. If you’re wondering what the best rum for coquito is, you might as well call this Bacardi coquito!

See recipe card for quantities.

How to Make Coquito

Combine all the ingredients (excluding the cinnamon sticks) in a blender and blend until thoroughly mixed.

Then transfer the mixture into sterilized bottles, preferably using an empty rum bottle.

Place a cinnamon stick in each bottle, seal them, and refrigerate. When you’re prepared to serve, either pour the concoction over ice or savor it chilled.

Recipe Variations

• Coquito with Eggs: Some variations of this recipe include egg yolks for added richness. Simmer the evaporated milk and 2 beaten egg yolks in a double boiler until the mixture thickens. Then, transfer the thickened mixture to a blender and blend it with the remaining ingredients. Once blended, pour the mixture into glass bottles and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve them.
• Dairy Free: Can’t have dairy? Make a dairy free and vegan coquito by replacing the evaporated milk and condensed milk with dairy free alternatives like coconut condensed milk and coconut evaporated milk. You can also try using oat condensed milk and oat milk.
• Non-Alcoholic Coquito: Make coquito without rum by simply omitting the rum and using more coconut milk to make up for it. If you want to still have the taste of rum, use a splash of rum extract instead.

Storage

It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 months. If your coquito contains eggs, consume it within 4 days.

Tips for the Best Coquito Recipe

• Ensure thorough blending to achieve a smooth and creamy texture. This step is crucial for a well-mixed drink.
• If storing this drink in bottles, ensure they are properly sterilized to maintain freshness and prevent any unwanted bacteria.
• For the best results, the coquito should sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours being it is served.
• The longer the drink sits, the stronger the drink becomes.
• Want to serve glasses at a party? Sprinkle individual glasses with cinnamon or freshly grated nutmeg.

Frequently Asked Questions