How to Make the Coquito

The Coquito cocktail is a rich, creamy, thick, and comforting drink perfect for the holidays. This traditional Puerto Rican drink is loaded with flavor from warm spices, rum, to coconut cream. Serve it in large mason jars with a cinnamon stick if you have!

What is a Coquito?

The word Coquito comes from the Spanish language and means “little coconut.” It is a traditional drink widely used in Puerto Rico and other Caribbean countries during Christmas. Coquito, in simple words, is the Caribbean or the Puerto Rican eggnog. This festive serve is made from coconut cream, coconut milk, rum, condensed milk, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. This Puerto Rican version of eggnog is creamy, rich, and boozy with a pronounced coconut flavor perfect for the holiday season. Of course, the amount of rum you add to the original recipe might add to the holiday spirit!

Where does the Coquito come from

The original coquito originates from Puerto Rico. Although you can find similar versions of this drink all across the Caribbean, this particular drink has its roots in Puerto Rico. The answer to how it came into being is a bit debated. This drink came to Puerto Rico through Spanish people during colonization of Latin America.

It is believed that they mixed the local rum with the Spanish eggnog, which resulted in the Coquito. Whatever the story, it’s now a traditional Christmas drink and part of Puerto Rican culture. All Puerto Ricans even have their own recipes with their own twist full of holiday spirit.

What’s in a Coquito

• Rum: Traditionally, Puerto Rican rum is used to create this drink, but you might not find it in your area, even though Bacardi White Rum is practically found everywhere. Try out all different types of rum from any part of the world, white or dark rum. You can also use spiced rum for that extra punch of flavor. Just make sure you use the best rum you can find for all your rum cocktails.
• Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk is milk that has less water content in it. It is thicker and has a slightly sweet flavor. Using evaporated milk will make this drink super creamy. Although traditionally coconut milk is used, I like adding evaporated milk. You can use coconut milk or whole-fat dairy milk as well.
• Condensed milk: Condensed milk gives a creaminess and richness to this drink. Using sweetened condensed milk will give sweetness that will warm your heart.
• Cream of coconut: This is a critical ingredient for this recipe. Cream of coconut is easy to find and is thick. Coc Lopez is the most famous brand in the USA. You can always add fresh coconut or fresh coconut milk as well.
• Ground Cinnamon: A sprinkle of cinnamon has this warm, woodsy and comforting flavor and aroma. It is just the perfect ingredient to spice up this recipe. Adding a cinnamon stick and letting it sit overnight will aid in infusing the flavors. Cinnamon’s sweet and woody flavor offers comfort and warmth
• Cloves: Cloves have a slightly sweet flavor. It offers warmth and spice. Star Anise is divine as well.
• Nutmeg: It has a woody flavor and hints of clove as well.
• Vanilla extract: Adding vanilla extracts to this recipe elevates the flavors many folds.

What tools you need to make the Coquito

You won’t be needing a cocktail shaker for this one! Grab a jigger, a blender, measuring spoons and cups, and rocks glasses or glass tumblers or glass bottles.

The best thing about Coquito is that it is super easy to make. Here is what you have to do to make this drink:

Step 1: Firstly, add all the ingredients except for cinnamon stick in a high-speed blender jug and blend.

Step 2: Once you get a creamy mixture, pour it into a serving jug.

Step 3: Add cinnamon sticks to this mixture and sit overnight. You can place it either in the refrigerator or let it sit on your kitchen counter.

Step 5: Serve the next day.

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• Top Tip(ple)🍸:
  • Can you serve a Coquito cold or warm: Coquito is served chilled. Even when it is chilled, it gives warmth.
  • Are Coquito and eggnog the same? Coquito is made from coconut cream, whereas eggnog uses egg yolks. Coquito is egg-free. But it can be used instead of eggnog.
  • Can you make Coquito without rum? Although the true coquito recipe uses rum, sure, if you want to try it without alcohol, go ahead.
  • Can you make Coquito in advance? Absolutely! What I love about this drink is that you can prepare it, store it in bottles and forget about it. It will last in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. If you see that the liquid and water separate from each other, it’s probably because of the coconut milk and cream of coconut. Just give it a shake, and everything will be fine.

Where to find ingredients for the Coquito

You can find all the ingredients at Spirits Kiosk (10% off the entire site by quoting this code: ALushLife10SK.) in the UK; or Saucey.com in the USA!

Where to find more Eggnog recipes

You can find loads of eggnog recipes to try! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Boozy Eggnog
• Black Cow eggnog
• Gingersnap Punch
• Classic Snowball

Here is the recipe:

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