Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that is rich, creamy, and infused with the flavors of coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Often enjoyed during Christmas, this festive beverage is a delightful alternative to eggnog and is sure to bring a tropical twist to your holiday celebrations.
Some of the ingredients in this recipe might not be commonly found in every household. For instance, coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk are essential for achieving the creamy texture and tropical flavor of coquito. Additionally, white rum is a key ingredient that adds a distinct kick to the drink. Make sure to check the international or baking aisle for these items when you visit the supermarket.
Ingredients For Coquito Recipe
Coconut milk: Provides a rich and creamy coconut flavor that is essential for the base of the coquito.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a thick, creamy texture to the drink.
Evaporated milk: Contributes to the smooth and rich consistency of the coquito.
White rum: Adds a traditional alcoholic kick to the beverage, enhancing its festive nature.
Vanilla extract: Infuses the drink with a warm, aromatic flavor.
Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy note that complements the sweetness of the drink.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy spice that enhances the overall flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To achieve a smoother and creamier coquito, ensure that all your ingredients are at room temperature before blending. This helps the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk to combine more seamlessly, reducing the risk of separation. Additionally, consider using a high-speed blender to fully incorporate the spices and rum, ensuring a well-balanced flavor throughout the drink.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk can provide a similar creamy texture, though it will have a different flavor profile. Add a few drops of coconut extract to mimic the coconut flavor.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut cream and sugar: Mix coconut cream with sugar to achieve a similar sweetness and consistency.
evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half can provide a similar creamy texture and richness.
white rum - Substitute with coconut rum: Coconut rum will enhance the coconut flavor while still providing the alcoholic content.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract can offer a different but complementary flavor to the coquito.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with cinnamon sticks: Use cinnamon sticks for a more intense and aromatic cinnamon flavor. Simmer them in the mixture and remove before serving.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice can provide a similar warm, spicy note that complements the other flavors in the coquito.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Drink
How to Store or Freeze This Drink
- To store your coquito, pour it into an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This will help maintain its rich, creamy texture and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Keep the coquito refrigerated. It will stay fresh for up to one week. Make sure to give it a good shake before serving, as some ingredients may settle at the bottom.
- If you want to extend the shelf life of your coquito, consider freezing it. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion.
- When you're ready to enjoy your frozen coquito, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. This will help preserve its creamy consistency.
- For a quicker thaw, place the container in a bowl of cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can alter the texture and flavor of the coquito.
- Once thawed, give the coquito a good stir or shake to ensure all the ingredients are well combined before serving.
- If you prefer individual servings, pour the coquito into ice cube trays before freezing. This way, you can easily pop out a cube or two whenever you crave a chilled, creamy treat.
- Remember, coquito is best enjoyed cold, so always serve it straight from the fridge or with a few ice cubes for that extra refreshing touch.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Gently warm the coquito on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure it heats evenly without curdling.
- Use a double boiler to reheat the coquito, which helps maintain a gentle heat and prevents the mixture from separating.
- If you prefer using a microwave, heat the coquito in short bursts of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between to avoid overheating and ensure an even temperature.
- For a more luxurious touch, place the coquito in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
- If you have a sous vide machine, seal the coquito in a vacuum bag and immerse it in a water bath set to a low temperature (around 140°F or 60°C) until it reaches the desired warmth.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Blender: To combine and blend all the ingredients until smooth.
Large pitcher: To store the mixture in the refrigerator for chilling.
Measuring cups: To measure the rum accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Can opener: To open the cans of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Refrigerator: To chill the mixture for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving glasses: To serve the chilled coquito.
Cinnamon shaker: To sprinkle cinnamon on top of the coquito for garnish if desired.
How to Save Time on Making This Drink
Use a blender: Combine all ingredients in a blender for a quick and smooth mix.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk beforehand to save time.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to a week.
Chill faster: Pour the mixture into smaller containers to speed up the chilling process.
Garnish ahead: Pre-mix your ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg for easy garnishing.

Coquito Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Coconut milk
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can Evaporated milk
- 1 cup White rum
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
Instructions
- 1. In a blender, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
- 2. Blend until well combined and smooth.
- 3. Pour the mixture into a large pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- 4. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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