Puerto Rican Coquito Recipe
Introduction
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, rich, creamy, and bursting with warm spices and coconut flavors. This easy recipe brings the festive spirit to your kitchen in just minutes, perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Ingredients
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 to 1 cup white rum
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cloves (optional)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Pour evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and rum into a blender.
- Step 2: Blend for 1–2 minutes on high until completely smooth and creamy.
- Step 3: Taste and adjust sweetness, spices, or rum as needed. Add a splash of milk if the mixture is too thick.
- Step 4: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth.
- Step 5: Transfer Coquito into glass bottles or jars using a funnel.
- Step 6: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to develop the best flavor.
- Step 7: Shake well before serving and garnish with cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
- Step 8: Serve cold and enjoy this creamy holiday favorite!
Tips & Variations
- Use a quality cream of coconut for the best flavor and avoid substitutes like coconut cream.
- Adjust rum amount to taste, or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adding a small amount of ground allspice can enhance the warm spice profile.
- Shake the bottle before each serving as the ingredients may settle over time.
Storage
Store Coquito in sealed bottles or jars in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before serving each time. If the mixture thickens too much after chilling, add a splash of milk and stir or shake to loosen.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make Coquito without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the rum or replace it with vanilla extract to keep the flavor while making it suitable for all ages.
How long does Coquito last in the fridge?
Coquito stays fresh for up to one week when refrigerated in a sealed container. Always shake before serving, as separation is normal.
PrintPuerto Rican Coquito Recipe
Puerto Rican Coquito is a creamy, spiced coconut rum drink traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. This luscious, chilled beverage combines evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, warm spices, and rum to create a festive and smooth cocktail perfect for celebrations or cozy gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients
Liquids
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 to 1 cup white rum
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Spices and Garnishes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch ground cloves (optional)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Pour evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves (if using), and rum into a blender.
- Blend: Blend for 1 to 2 minutes on high speed until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy.
- Adjust Flavor: Taste the coquito and adjust sweetness, spices, or rum as desired. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- Strain for Smoothness: For an ultra-smooth texture, strain the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth to remove any solids.
- Transfer: Using a funnel, pour the coquito into glass bottles or jars for storage.
- Chill: Refrigerate the coquito for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
- Serve: Shake well before serving to remix any settled ingredients. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or a light sprinkle of cinnamon for an inviting presentation.
- Enjoy: Serve the coquito chilled and savor this creamy, festive Puerto Rican holiday favorite.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of rum to suit your preference for alcohol content.
- For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum and increase the vanilla and spices slightly.
- The drink tends to thicken when refrigerated—shake well before serving.
- Store coquito in the refrigerator and consume within 5–7 days for best freshness.
- Straining is optional but recommended for a silky texture.
- You can add a pinch of ground cloves for a deeper spice flavor or omit if preferred.
Keywords: Coquito, Puerto Rican Coquito, coconut rum drink, holiday drink, creamy cocktail, holiday cocktail, Christmas drink
