Coquito

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Coquito is Puerto Rico’s creamy holiday cocktail that brings instant warmth and cheer to any gathering. This coconut-based drink, often described as Puerto Rican eggnog, is silky, sweet, and laced with festive spices and rum. It’s traditionally served chilled and is a must-have during Christmas, New Year’s, and other celebrations.

What makes Coquito so special is its comforting blend of coconut, cinnamon, and vanilla with a rich boozy undertone. Whether you’re sipping it by the fire or bottling it up as a homemade gift, this drink never fails to impress. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make in batches and keeps well in the fridge for days, letting the flavors develop even more.

Why You’ll Love This Coquito

You’ll love this Coquito recipe because it perfectly balances flavor and texture. It’s velvety smooth with just enough spice to warm your soul, and it has the perfect kick thanks to a good dose of white rum. It can be made in advance, which makes it great for holiday prep or parties. Plus, it’s easy to tweak the sweetness or booze level to your liking.

This version doesn’t use raw eggs, which means it’s safer and stores longer while still being decadently creamy. The blend of evaporated milk and cream of coconut is rich but not overly heavy, making it easier to go back for a second glass.

Do I Need Eggs to Make Coquito?

Nope! While some traditional Coquito recipes include egg yolks to add richness, this version skips the eggs entirely. That means no cooking or tempering, and it keeps much longer in the fridge. The creamy texture still shines thanks to coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk. If you prefer a classic custard-style Coquito, you can always whisk in tempered egg yolks, but it’s definitely not necessary for a delicious result.

Ingredients for the Coquito

The magic of Coquito is all about combining pantry-friendly ingredients into something luxurious and sippable. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Evaporated milk adds depth and helps thin out the sweetness from the condensed milk while still giving it body.

Sweetened condensed milk is where that silky sweetness comes from and balances the booze.

Cream of coconut (like Coco López) brings in that tropical coconut richness that defines Coquito.

Coconut milk lightens the drink while reinforcing the coconut flavor without being too thick.

White rum is the traditional spirit used, but feel free to adjust to your preference or even try spiced rum for a twist.

Vanilla extract enhances the aroma and ties together the creamy and spicy notes.

Ground cinnamon provides that warm, familiar holiday spice.

Ground nutmeg (optional) adds another layer of seasonal spice for those who like an extra kick.

How To Make the Coquito

Step 1: Gather All Ingredients

Before you start, make sure all your ingredients are room temperature. This helps them blend together more easily and smoothly.

Step 2: Blend Until Smooth

In a blender, pour in the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, and coconut milk. Blend on high for about 1 minute until everything is fully combined and creamy.

Step 3: Add the Flavor

Next, add the white rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and if using, a dash of nutmeg. Blend again briefly, just enough to mix.

Step 4: Chill the Mixture

Pour the Coquito into glass bottles or jars with a tight seal. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. The longer it chills, the better the flavors meld.

Step 5: Serve Cold

Give it a good shake before pouring since spices can settle. Serve in small glasses, chilled, and optionally garnish with a cinnamon stick or a sprinkle of nutmeg on top.

Serving and Storing This Holiday Coquito

Coquito is best served cold in small glasses or festive shot glasses. It’s rich and meant to be sipped slowly. This recipe makes about 6 to 8 servings, depending on your pour size. If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, you might want to double the recipe—it disappears fast!

Store your Coquito in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Since there’s no egg in this version, it keeps longer than the traditional version. Just make sure to shake it before each pour as the spices tend to settle at the bottom.

What to Serve With Coquito?

Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes

The warm cinnamon in these pairs beautifully with the creamy coconut flavor of Coquito. Perfect for a festive dessert table.

Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons

Double down on coconut with these chewy and sweet bites. They’re a natural partner for your drink.

Old-Time Oven Peach Cobbler

A Southern classic like this adds a cozy contrast to Coquito’s cool creaminess.

Red Lobster’s Cheese Biscuit Loaf

Savory meets sweet when you serve something buttery and cheesy next to a creamy cocktail.

Reindeer Chow

Crunchy, sweet, and endlessly snackable, it complements Coquito without stealing the spotlight.

Southern Honey Butter Cornbread Poppers

Just a little bit spicy and sweet, these go surprisingly well with the rich coconut drink.

Ooey Gooey Bars

For something ultra-decadent, these bars hold their own with the richness of Coquito.

Want More Holiday Drink Ideas?

If Coquito is your holiday must-have, try these cozy crowd-pleasers too:

• Orange Crush Sherbet: A fruity, frosty treat that refreshes on warm days or post-dinner.
• 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse: Perfect if you’re easing into the new year with a healthy reset.
• Creamy Broccoli Pasta: If you love creamy indulgence, try it for dinner before dessert drinks.
• Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup: Another creamy dish that makes a comforting dinner before a chilled Coquito nightcap.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest holiday board so it’s ready whenever you need a festive treat.

Have you made Coquito before or is this your first time trying it out? Let us know how it went and if you added your own spin. Did you try spiced rum or maybe added a little coffee liqueur? Share your twist!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

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