Coquito Recipe

When the holiday season rolls around, each culture brings out its special traditions and festive drinks. In Puerto Rico, one such cherished tradition is the preparation of Coquito, a creamy coconut-based beverage that’s often referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog. This delightful drink is rich, flavorful, and perfect for spreading holiday cheer. Let’s dive into how you can make this festive drink at home.

What is Coquito?

Coquito, which translates to “little coconut,” is a traditional Puerto Rican drink typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. It’s made with coconut milk, coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, spices, and rum. Unlike traditional eggnog, Coquito does not always contain eggs, though some recipes include them for added richness.

Ingredients

To make your own batch of Coquito, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (15 ounces) cream of coconut
• 1 can (12 ounces) evaporated milk
• 1 can (13.5 ounces) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup white rum (adjust to taste)
• Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)

Optional Ingredients

• 2 egg yolks (for a thicker, richer texture)
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract (for an extra coconutty flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Ingredients

1. Combine the milks: In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, evaporated milk, and coconut milk. Blend until smooth and well combined.
2. Add the spices: Add the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves to the blender. Blend again to incorporate the spices evenly.
3. Incorporate the rum: Pour in the rum and blend until everything is well mixed. If you prefer a stronger drink, feel free to add more rum to taste.

Step 2: Thicken with Egg Yolks (Optional)

1. Prepare a custard base: If using egg yolks, heat them gently with a bit of the milk mixture in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens slightly. This step is crucial to avoid curdling the eggs.
2. Blend the custard: Once the egg yolk mixture has thickened, let it cool slightly and then blend it with the rest of the Coquito mixture.

Step 3: Chill and Serve

1. Chill the mixture: Transfer the Coquito to a glass bottle or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the drink to chill properly.
2. Serve: When ready to serve, shake the bottle well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. Pour the Coquito into small glasses, garnish with a cinnamon stick, and sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top if desired.

Storing Coquito

Coquito can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a month, thanks to the preservative qualities of the rum. Just remember to give it a good shake before serving, as the spices and coconut solids can settle over time.

Tips for the Perfect Coquito

• Adjust sweetness: If you find the Coquito too sweet, you can balance it with a bit more evaporated milk or a splash of coconut water.
• Non-alcoholic version: For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum. It’s just as delicious and suitable for all ages.
• Spice it up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste. Some people like to add a pinch of allspice or use freshly grated nutmeg for a more robust flavor.

Conclusion

Coquito is more than just a drink; it’s a festive tradition that brings friends and family together to celebrate the joy of the holiday season. Whether you’re enjoying it for the first time or it’s a beloved staple in your household, this creamy, coconutty concoction is sure to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. So gather your ingredients, blend up a batch, and toast to the holidays with a glass of homemade Coquito. ¡Salud!

---

I hope you enjoy making and drinking Coquito as much as Puerto Ricans do. If you have any variations or tips of your own, feel free to share them in the comments. Happy Holidays!