Coquito

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Creamy, rich, and absolutely irresistible, Coquito is Puerto Rico’s answer to eggnog. This holiday drink is a luscious blend of coconut, warm spices, and rum, making it a must-have for festive gatherings or cozy winter nights. Served chilled, it brings a taste of the tropics to your holiday season.

What makes Coquito so special is its velvety texture and layered flavors. It has just the right balance of sweetness and spice, with cinnamon and nutmeg dancing beautifully with coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. And of course, a generous splash of rum gives it that signature kick.

Why You’ll Love This Coquito

Coquito isn’t just a drink; it’s an experience. It’s indulgent without being overly heavy, festive without being fussy. You can make it ahead of time, which is perfect for entertaining. And if you love coconut, this might become your new favorite tradition. Each sip tastes like a Caribbean holiday wrapped in a creamy, boozy hug.

Can I Use a Different Kind of Rum in Coquito?

Absolutely! Traditionally, white Puerto Rican rum is used for a smooth, clean finish. But feel free to experiment. Spiced rum adds another layer of flavor, and dark rum gives a deeper, more robust note. The beauty of Coquito is how easily you can adapt it to your own taste.

Ingredients for the Coquito

The ingredients in Coquito come together to create a creamy, spiced, and sweetened drink that captures the essence of the holidays with a Caribbean twist.

• Coconut milk: Gives the drink its essential tropical flavor and creamy body.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and helps create that smooth, rich texture.
• Evaporated milk: Balances the sweetness and adds more creaminess.
• Cream of coconut: This adds a luxurious, sweet coconut flavor that’s thicker and more intense.
• White rum: The traditional alcohol base, but can be swapped for dark or spiced rum.
• Ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and a festive spice note.
• Nutmeg: A little goes a long way to deepen the flavor.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavor.
• Cinnamon sticks (optional): Great for garnish or infusing additional flavor.

How To Make the Coquito

Step 1: Blend the Base

Add the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and cream of coconut into a blender. Blend on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and uniform.

Step 2: Spice and Flavor

Add in the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the blended mixture. Give it another quick pulse to fully incorporate the spices.

Step 3: Add the Rum

Pour in the white rum (or your choice of rum). Blend one final time or whisk it in by hand, depending on how strong you want the alcohol to come through.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Pour the Coquito into a glass bottle or jar with a tight lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight. Shake well before serving, and enjoy chilled.

Step 5: Garnish (Optional)

Serve in small glasses with a dusting of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

How to Serve and Store Coquito for the Holidays

This recipe yields about 6 to 8 servings, depending on your glass size. Coquito is traditionally served chilled in small glasses or shot-sized portions. It’s a rich drink, so a little goes a long way.

To store it, keep it in an airtight bottle or jar in the refrigerator. It stays good for up to 1 week, though it’s usually gone long before that. Always shake before serving, as the ingredients can settle.

What to Serve With Coquito?

Spiced Nuts

A handful of roasted spiced nuts makes a salty contrast to the sweet creaminess of Coquito.

Coconut Macaroons

Lean into the coconut flavor and pair with chewy, toasted coconut cookies.

Cinnamon Sugar Churros

Dunking a warm churro into Coquito? Yes, please.

Rum Cake

The ultimate boozy dessert pairing to keep that rum theme going.

Tres Leches Cake

This milky cake complements the creamy richness of Coquito beautifully.

Chocolate Truffles

The deep cocoa notes bring out the warmth of the spices in the drink.

Cheese Platter

Go savory with sharp cheeses to balance the sweetness.

Want More Drink Ideas with a Holiday Twist?

If you’re hooked on the comforting kick of Coquito, here are some other festive sips to try:

• Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a savory change of pace.
• Frozen Banana Yogurt Pops if you’re in the mood for something light yet sweet.
• Refreshing Homemade Peach Sorbet when you want fruity and frosty.
• Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for dinner to serve before your Coquito dessert.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday drinks board so you can come back to it every year.

And let me know in the comments how you made it your own. Did you go heavy on the rum? Add some chocolate? Try it non-alcoholic?

I love seeing your holiday spins on traditional recipes. Ask questions and let’s perfect the pour together.

Explore beautifully curated holiday drinks and more comfort recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and find new ways to toast to the season!

Conclusion

Coquito is more than just a festive drink — it’s a holiday tradition with heart. Whether you stick to the classic or add your own twist, it never fails to bring joy to the table. Creamy, cozy, and just a little boozy, it’s the perfect companion for winter nights and warm gatherings.

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