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My friends from Puerto Rico celebrate the holiday season with a delicious drink called Coquito, made with rum, coconut milk, condensed milk and spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg. However, it’s so much more than a holiday drink. It’s a tradition and many will make extra bottles of coquito to hand out to their closest friends. 

Many even call it Puerto Rican eggnog, but in my opinion, this is even better! That is why I was on a mission to get the best traditional recipe for this creamy drink. There are many online debates, about whether to add white or dark rum, raw egg yolks or no eggs, and I will just say that you can always customize this classic and easy recipe to your own liking.

If you want everybody to be able to have a taste of creamy Coquito, you can leave the rum out, and it doesn’t make it any less delicious. To decorate your drink, you can use cinnamon sticks, just like you see in the picture.

Keep reading to discover my easy coquito recipe and let me know if it becomes one of your holiday traditions.

What is Coquito

Called the Puerto Rican version of eggnog, Coquito is a delightful and creamy coconut-based alcoholic beverage that holds a special place in the hearts of many, especially during the Christmas season. This sweet, tropical concoction hails from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico and has become a beloved tradition not only on the island but also among the Puerto Rican diaspora worldwide. 

Coquito, which means “little coconut” in Spanish, is thought to have originated in Puerto Rico, a Caribbean island with a rich culinary heritage. Its roots can be traced back to the blending of native Taíno traditions with Spanish, African, and other European influences, creating a unique and diverse culture that is reflected in its cuisine.

While the exact origins of Coquito are somewhat shrouded in mystery, it is believed to have evolved from various coconut-based drinks found across the Caribbean. These early versions of coconut-based beverages were often mixed with native ingredients and spirits, like rum.

Coquito truly began to take shape as a distinct Puerto Rican drink in the 20th century. The addition of condensed milk, coconut cream, and a generous pour of Puerto Rican rum transformed it into the creamy, boozy concoction we know and love today. Its popularity surged during the holiday season, especially around Christmas, when Puerto Ricans would gather with friends and family to celebrate and share a glass of this delicious elixir.

Puerto Rican Coquito is more than just a festive drink; it’s a symbol of togetherness, hospitality, and Puerto Rican identity. It’s a tradition that brings people closer, whether they are enjoying it in the warmth of their homes on the island itself or in a far-off place, keeping their heritage alive during a holiday party. It is the traditional Christmas drink and is shared among loved ones as a gesture of hospitality during the holiday season. 

Classic Coquito Recipe

Makes about 6 – 2.5 oz shots

Prep time: 5 min

Ingredients:

• 4 oz cream of coconut
• 3 oz sweetened condensed milk
• 3 oz evaporated milk
• 3 oz Puerto Rican rum, or any white rum
• ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp ground cinnamon
• Dash of ground cloves
• Optional: cinnamon sticks for decorating

Directions:

1. Add ingredients to a blender, and pulse until smooth.
2. Transfer to glass mason jar, and screw the lid on.
3. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours.
4. Shake before serving. Garnish with a cinnamon stick or coconut flakes to be festive!

Mistakes To Avoid When Making Coquito

When making Coquito, this traditional Puerto Rican cocktail, it’s important to be mindful of potential mistakes to ensure your beverage turns out as creamy and flavorful as intended. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

1. Using Low-Quality Ingredients: The quality of the ingredients you use can significantly impact the taste of your Coquito. Opt for high-quality coconut cream, condensed milk, and rum for the best results.
2. Not Adjusting the Rum: The amount of rum in Coquito can vary based on personal preference. However, adding too much rum can overpower the flavors and make the drink too strong. Start with a moderate amount and taste as you go, adding more if needed.
3. Skipping the Blending Step: Properly blending all the ingredients is crucial to achieving a creamy and well-mixed Coquito. Don’t rush this step, and ensure all the components are thoroughly combined for a smooth texture.
4. Neglecting the Spices: Coquito gets its distinctive flavor from spices like cinnamon and cloves. Avoid omitting or skimping on these spices, as they contribute to the traditional taste profile.
5. Overloading with Sweeteners: While Coquito is sweet, it’s essential not to go overboard with sweetened condensed milk or other sweeteners. Overly sweet Coquito can be cloying. Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness accordingly.
6. Ignoring Dietary Restrictions: Be mindful of dietary restrictions or allergies when making Coquito for a diverse group of guests. Consider using lactose-free or vegan alternatives for condensed milk and evaporated milk if necessary.
7. Not Chilling Before Serving: Coquito is best enjoyed when chilled. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight to enhance its flavors and create a refreshing, cold drink.
8. Improper Storage: After preparing Coquito, store it in clean, airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps maintain freshness and prevents contamination.
9. Rushing the Process: While Coquito is relatively easy to make, rushing through the steps may result in an uneven mixture or inconsistencies in taste. Take your time to ensure every ingredient is well incorporated.
10. Not Personalizing: Coquito recipes can vary from one family to another, and personalization is part of the charm. Feel free to adjust the spices, rum, or other ingredients to match your own taste preferences.

By avoiding these common mistakes and paying attention to the details, you’ll be well on your way to creating a delightful batch of Coquito that captures the essence of this beloved Puerto Rican holiday tradition.

How To Store Coquito

Proper storage is essential to maintain the freshness and safety of Coquito, the Puerto Rican holiday beverage. Here’s the best way to store Coquito:

1. Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the Coquito into clean, airtight containers with secure lids. It’s a good idea to use glass bottles or jars, as they are less likely to absorb or transfer flavors compared to plastic containers.
2. Refrigerate Promptly: After preparing your Coquito, refrigerate it promptly. The cold temperature slows down bacterial growth and helps preserve the flavors. Store the Coquito in the main part of the refrigerator, not in the door where temperatures can fluctuate more.
3. Label and Date: To keep track of freshness, label the containers with the date you made the Coquito. This way, you’ll know how long it has been stored.
4. Keep It Cold: Coquito is best enjoyed chilled, so make sure it stays in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve it. Avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods.
5. Shake Before Serving: Before serving Coquito, give the container a gentle shake to ensure that any settled ingredients are evenly distributed.
6. Consume Within a Week or Two: For the best flavor and quality, consume your Coquito within a week or two of making it. While it may remain safe to drink for a longer period, the flavors may start to degrade over time.
7. Avoid Freezing: Freezing Coquito is not recommended. The high dairy content can cause the mixture to separate and change in texture when thawed, resulting in a less enjoyable beverage.
8. Check for Signs of Spoilage: Always check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, curdling, or unusual discoloration before serving. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the Coquito.
9. Serve Safely: When serving Coquito to guests, especially if it has been out of the refrigerator for some time, provide a cooler or ice bucket to keep it cold during the gathering.

Remember that Coquito is a dairy-based beverage that contains alcohol, so it should be handled with care to ensure its safety and deliciousness. Proper storage and timely consumption will help you enjoy this festive Puerto Rican drink to the fullest.

Have you ever tried coquito? Do you have a tip so it is even yummier? Make sure to leave me a comment or share your recipe.

More Holiday Recipes

• Traditional Christmas Panettone Recipe
• Holiday Appetizer: Christmas Tree Nachos
• How To Make A Berry Meringue Wreath, Perfect For The Holiday Season!
• The best no spread sugar cookies, perfect for the holidays

Encuentra esta receta de coquito en español aquí.

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