Cozy Coquito: Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe for Holidays

My holiday gatherings always buzz with excitement when coquito, that creamy Puerto Rican coconut eggnog, makes its grand entrance.

Rum-soaked traditions dance through my kitchen, bringing memories of warm Caribbean nights.

Each sip tells a story of festive connections and cultural richness.

Traditional ingredients blend into a smooth, velvety embrace that whispers comfort and celebration.

Coconut milk and condensed milk create a luxurious backdrop for this spirited drink.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave magic into every crystalline glass.

We mix, we chill, we share – a ritual that connects generations through one delectable recipe.

How to Make Creamy Coquito at Home

Step 1: Blend Smooth Mixture

Drop all ingredients into blender. Whirl equipment at high speed until liquid transforms into silky, uniform texture. Watch mixture become creamy and consistent without lumps.

Step 2: Introduce Rum Magic

Pour rum directly into blended mixture. Mix gently using blender’s pulse function. Taste and adjust rum quantity for desired strength. Spin briefly to integrate alcohol thoroughly.

Step 3: Chill and Infuse Flavors

Transfer liquid into clean glass bottle or decorative jar. Seal container tightly. Slide into refrigerator’s coolest section. Allow mixture to rest and develop rich flavors for minimum two hours.

Step 4: Serve Festive Tropical Drink

Remove chilled bottle from refrigerator. Shake vigorously to redistribute settled ingredients. Pour into petite glasses. Optional: Garnish with cinnamon stick or dust with ground cinnamon for extra flair.

Tips for Blending and Chilling Coquito Just Right

• Optimize Rum Selection: Choose high-quality white or aged Puerto Rican rum for authentic flavor and smooth texture.
• Customize Alcohol Content: Adjust rum quantity to personal preference, from kid-friendly non-alcoholic version to strong traditional cocktail.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Toast ground cinnamon and nutmeg briefly before adding to enhance their aromatic qualities and intensify taste profile.
• Extend Storage Life: Keep coquito refrigerated in sealed glass container for up to 2 weeks, allowing flavors to develop and improve over time.
• Prevent Separation: Shake bottle thoroughly before serving to recombine ingredients and maintain consistent creamy consistency.

How to Store Coquito for Gatherings

• Store coquito in an airtight glass bottle or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, ensuring a tight seal to maintain freshness and prevent flavor absorption.
• If serving to guests with varying alcohol preferences, keep rum separate and add individually when serving to accommodate different tastes.
• Always give the chilled coquito a good shake before pouring to redistribute settled ingredients and restore its smooth, creamy consistency.
• Check occasionally for ingredient separation; if this occurs, simply shake vigorously to recombine the mixture before enjoying.

What Snacks Pair with Coquito

• Match coquito with traditional Puerto Rican pastries like quesitos (cheese-filled pastries) or coconut-based tembleque for a harmonious flavor explosion.
• Serve alongside Puerto Rican empanadas or alcapurrias to balance the drink's creamy sweetness with savory, spicy notes.
• Arrange aged Puerto Rican queso de hoja or mild white cheeses that highlight the coquito's rich, tropical profile.
• Pair with classic Christmas cookies or rum-soaked fruit cake to enhance the festive spirit and complement the rum's warmth.

Coconut and Rum Coquito Variations to Try

• Non-Alcoholic Coquito: Replace rum with additional coconut milk or vanilla extract for a family-friendly version that keeps the creamy texture and traditional flavor.
• Vegan Coconut Eggnog: Swap evaporated and condensed milk with coconut cream and maple syrup. Use coconut rum or skip alcohol entirely for a plant-based alternative.
• Spiced Tropical Coquito: Add a splash of coconut water, include fresh ginger, or mix in a pinch of cardamom for a more complex and exotic flavor profile.
• Low-Sugar Coquito: Use sugar-free condensed milk, replace cream of coconut with unsweetened coconut milk, and sweeten with stevia or monk fruit for a lighter version.

Coquito That Brings Island Flavors to Your Glass

• Easily whip up this Puerto Rican classic with minimal kitchen skills and maximum flavor impact.
• No complicated cooking steps required- just toss ingredients into a blender, mix, and let the refrigerator do the rest of the work.
• Prepare in advance and have a delicious, crowd-pleasing cocktail ready within hours, perfect for gatherings, holiday parties, and spontaneous celebrations.
• Experience a taste of Puerto Rican heritage through a rich, creamy drink that connects family and friends with its warm, comforting flavors.

What Goes in Coquito: Puerto Rican Eggnog

• Evaporated Milk: Classic creamy foundation for traditional Puerto Rican texture.
• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds rich sweetness and smooth consistency.
• Cream of Coconut: Provides authentic tropical richness and sweet coconut flavor.

• Coconut Milk: Creates smooth, creamy tropical base with authentic island character.

• Vanilla Extract: Brings warm, sweet undertone to balance coconut flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy note with traditional holiday essence.
• Ground Nutmeg: Delivers subtle, warm complexity to the drink's profile.

• White Rum: Traditional Puerto Rican spirit that gives festive kick and cultural authenticity. Choose high-quality Puerto Rican rum for best results.

Coquito Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe

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4.7 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Coquito, Puerto Rico’s festive coconut eggnog, blends creamy richness with holiday spirit in a glass. Smooth rum-infused flavors and silky coconut textures invite celebratory sips that connect you directly to Caribbean cheer.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Alcoholic Ingredient:

• ½ to 1 cup white rum

Main Dairy and Coconut Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounces or 340 grams) can evaporated milk
• 1 (14 ounces or 397 grams) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (13.5 ounces or 400 milliliters) can coconut milk
• 1 (13.5 ounces or 400 milliliters) can cream of coconut (e.g., Coco Lopez)

Spices and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Garnish:

• Cinnamon sticks

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Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients in a blender, ensuring they are at a consistent, cool temperature for optimal mixing.
2. Pour evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and cream of coconut into the blender, creating a rich, creamy base.
3. Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to infuse the mixture with warm, aromatic spices.
4. Blend the ingredients on high speed until the mixture transforms into a silky, homogeneous liquid with no visible lumps.
5. Introduce rum gradually, starting with a conservative amount and adjusting to personal taste preference, ensuring a balanced flavor profile.
6. Pulse the blender briefly to incorporate the rum evenly throughout the liquid, maintaining the smooth texture.
7. Transfer the coquito into a clean glass bottle or sealed container, selecting a vessel that allows room for gentle shaking before serving.
8. Refrigerate the mixture for a minimum of two hours, allowing the flavors to harmonize and the drink to reach an optimal chilled temperature.
9. Before serving, vigorously shake the container to redistribute any settled spices and ensure a consistent taste.
10. Pour the chilled coquito into petite glasses, creating an inviting presentation that showcases the creamy, spiced beverage.
11. Optional: Enhance the visual appeal by garnishing with a cinnamon stick or a delicate sprinkle of ground cinnamon atop each serving.

Notes

• Rum Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality Puerto Rican rum like Bacardi or Don Q for an authentic flavor profile that enhances the traditional coquito experience.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap dairy milks with coconut cream, almond milk, and coconut milk for a vegan-friendly version that maintains the creamy richness.
• Spice Intensity Control: Adjust ground cinnamon and nutmeg quantities to personalize the warmth and depth of the drink’s aromatic character.
• Storage Wisdom: Homemade coquito stays fresh in a sealed container for up to two weeks when refrigerated, allowing you to prepare batches in advance for spontaneous celebrations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Category: Drinks, Cocktails, Desserts
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 35 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg