Puerto Rican Coquito

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Creamy, rich, and bursting with holiday spirit, Puerto Rican Coquito is more than just a drink—it’s a cherished tradition. This festive coconut-based beverage, often referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog,” blends the tropical flavors of coconut milk and cream of coconut with warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, finished with a generous splash of rum. Served chilled and silky smooth, Coquito is a staple at Christmas gatherings across Puerto Rico and among Puerto Rican communities around the world.

What sets Coquito apart is its indulgent texture and perfectly balanced sweetness. It captures the essence of Caribbean celebration in a glass, offering both nostalgia and comfort with every sip. Whether you’re enjoying it by the fire or bringing a bottle to a holiday party, Coquito is guaranteed to impress with its bold flavor and smooth finish.

Why You’ll Love This Puerto Rican Coquito

• It’s incredibly easy to make with no cooking involved
• Perfectly creamy, sweet, and spiced
• A festive treat that can be made in advance
• Customizable with your preferred amount (or absence) of alcohol
• A unique and authentic alternative to traditional eggnog

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make Puerto Rican Coquito, you don’t need much, but the tools you do use are important for the best texture and flavor:

• Blender: Essential for combining the ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring cups & spoons: Ensure accurate ratios, especially when balancing the sweet and spiced elements.
• Fine mesh strainer (optional): If you prefer a super-smooth drink, straining removes any grainy bits.
• Glass bottles or jars with lids: For storing your Coquito in the fridge and for gifting.
• Funnel (optional): Helpful when transferring the Coquito to bottles without spills.

Preparation Tips

Use full-fat canned coconut milk and cream of coconut for the richest texture and most authentic flavor. Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before blending to prevent the fats from solidifying. Blend thoroughly for at least a minute to emulsify the mixture completely. If you’re serving this to a crowd, make it a day ahead—the flavor develops beautifully overnight. And remember, Coquito is meant to be enjoyed chilled, so allow at least 4 hours in the fridge before serving. For garnish, a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick adds visual charm and an aromatic touch.

---

Ingredients for this Puerto Rican Coquito

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut (such as Coco López)
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk (full fat)
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 to 1 cup white rum (adjust to taste, or omit for non-alcoholic version)
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (plus more for garnish)
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves (optional, for added warmth)
• Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients in a Blender

Pour the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, cream of coconut, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using) into a blender. Add the desired amount of white rum. Blend on high for 1–2 minutes until the mixture is completely smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Taste and Adjust

After blending, taste the mixture. Adjust the sweetness, spices, or rum level as needed. If it feels too thick, you can add a bit of milk (dairy or coconut) to loosen the texture slightly without diluting the flavor.

Step 3: Optional Straining

If you want an ultra-smooth consistency, pour the blended Coquito through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a large bowl or pitcher. This step helps remove any graininess from the spices or coconut solids.

Step 4: Bottle and Refrigerate

Use a funnel to pour the Coquito into glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids. Store them in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the drink to chill and the flavors to meld together. It tastes even better the next day.

Step 5: Shake, Serve, and Garnish

Before serving, give the bottle a good shake, as natural separation can occur. Pour into small glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a whole cinnamon stick. Serve chilled and enjoy this creamy Puerto Rican classic.

---

Notes

Puerto Rican Coquito is a festive favorite that adapts beautifully to your preferences. You can make it alcohol-free for a family-friendly version or spice it up with flavored rums like coconut or spiced rum for added depth. The longer it sits in the fridge, the better the flavor becomes, so it’s an ideal make-ahead drink for the holiday season. Always serve it cold and shake well before pouring, as some separation is natural due to the coconut fats.

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using low-fat coconut milk: It compromises the rich, creamy texture that’s essential to Coquito.
• Skipping the blending step: Simply mixing the ingredients won’t emulsify the fats properly, leading to a separated drink.
• Overdoing the spices: While cinnamon and nutmeg are key, too much can overpower the coconut flavor.
• Adding rum without tasting: Start with less and increase to taste. Overdoing it can throw off the balance.
• Not chilling enough: Coquito should be served very cold; don’t skip the refrigeration phase.

Storage Instructions

Store your Coquito in clean, airtight glass bottles or jars in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 1 week if made without eggs. If you add egg yolks (in a more traditional version), consume it within 3–4 days. Shake well before each serving, as separation is normal. You can also freeze Coquito in ice cube trays for boozy holiday smoothies or cocktails.

Estimated Nutrition (per 1/2 cup serving)

• Calories: 310
• Total Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 13g
• Cholesterol: 15mg
• Sodium: 60mg
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Sugars: 28g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 3g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Coquito without alcohol?

Absolutely! Just skip the rum and you’ll still have a rich, creamy, and festive drink everyone can enjoy.

How long does Coquito last in the fridge?

If made without eggs, it can last up to 7 days in a sealed container. With eggs, consume within 3–4 days.

Can I use different types of alcohol?

Yes, spiced rum, coconut rum, or even bourbon can be used for a twist on the traditional flavor.

Is it safe to add raw eggs?

If using eggs, be sure to temper them or use pasteurized eggs to avoid food safety concerns.

Why is my Coquito separating in the fridge?

Separation is natural due to the coconut fats. Just shake well before serving.

Can I make Coquito ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors have time to develop.

What’s the difference between Coquito and eggnog?

Coquito is coconut-based and typically does not contain eggs (though it can), while eggnog is dairy-heavy and always includes eggs.

Can I freeze Coquito?

Yes! Freeze it in portions to use later in cocktails, desserts, or boozy popsicles.

Conclusion

Puerto Rican Coquito is the ultimate holiday drink that brings warmth, flavor, and tradition together in one glass. With its silky texture, tropical richness, and warm spices, it’s no wonder this drink has become a seasonal favorite far beyond the island. Whether you’re sipping it at a party or gifting bottles to friends, this Coquito recipe is sure to become a treasured part of your holiday season.

---

Print