Bring the taste of Puerto Rico to your holiday celebrations with this authentic Coquito Recipe (Coconut Eggnog). Coquito Puertorriqueño is truly a delicious blend of coconut, spices and holiday cheer!
Christmas truly begins in my home with the first batch of Coquito, a creamy and festive Puerto Rican coconut eggnog that’s a true holiday tradition. This rich and inviting drink, made with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, rum, and a touch of warm spices, captures the magic of the season in every sip. It’s that time of year when cherished traditions take center stage, and this Coquito recipe is always at the heart of my celebrations. One sip, and you will understand why this drink is loved by so many!
Although this classic version is always a favorite, its versatility also makes it ideal for Puerto Rico’s long holiday season. Celebrating with other coquito flavors too, like coquito de fresa (strawberry coquito), coquito de pistacho (pistachio coquito) and coquito de guayaba (guava coquito).
Jump to:
Reasons to Love this Recipe
- Holiday Tradition – Coquito is more than just a drink. It’s an integral part of the celebrations, bringing families together to relive cherished memories while creating new ones.
- Versatile – Just as easy as it is to create this original classic, it’s equally simple to make all the other yummy variations.
- Great for Gifting – Surprise someone with this yummy festive drink and I know they will be ever so grateful. It’s not only a thoughtful, festive gift but of course, delicious! Bottle in decorative bottles or mason jars, wrap a bow and just like that, you have a delightful gift that will thrill anyone who receives it.
- Make Ahead – Coquito recipes are ideal and convenient to make ahead of time especially when there are so many other festive dishes and drinks to prepare.
- Non-Alcoholic Option – Although, coquito is traditionally made with rum, its just as delicious without any alcohol. Making it ideal for anyone to enjoy and kid-friendly festive drink.
Ingredients
- Coconut Milk – Coconut milk brings that unmistakable tropical flavor.
- Cream of Coconut – Cream of coconut is sweeter and thicker than coconut milk which elevates the coconut flavor and richness.
- Evaporated Milk – Evaporated milk adds adds depth and a slightly caramelized taste.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk – Adds the perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess to coquito.
- Vanilla – Vanilla rounds out the flavors with a sweet undertone that compliments the coconut so well.
- Cinnamon – Cinnamon adds a comforting spiced flavor and gives it a festive vibe.
See my recipe card below for a complete list of the ingredients with measurements.
Substitutions and Variations
Non-Diary Options:
- Substitute the sweetened condensed milk with a plant based alternative like sweetened condensed almond milk.
- Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of evaporated milk.
Experiment with Rum
- Traditionally, coquito uses light or dark rum but feel free to experiment with coconut or spiced rum.
Instructions
Step 1: Add the cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon and rum to a blender.
Step 2: Blend well at high speed. Refrigerate for at least four hours or longer.
Expert Tips
- Chill Before Serving: Coquito is not only served cold but tastes best when it has time to meld the flavors, so make sure to refrigerate for at least 4 hours or better overnight.
- Shake Before Serving: Coquito tends to separate as it sits, so it is important to shake the mix before serving.
- Serve in Fun Glassware: Serve it in pretty glasses, mason jars or even perfect in shot glasses. Add a decorative festive touch by adding a cinnamon stick.
Recipe FAQs
Absolutely! Make a delicious alcohol free version by simply omitting the rum.
It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks if made with alcohol. Without alcohol, it’s best consumed within a few days.
Absolutely! As a matter of fact, it tastes even better if prepared a few days in advance to allow the flavors to blend together and intensify the flavors.
Coquito can be made with light or dark rum. The light rum offers a lighter more subtle rum flavor while the dark rum is richer and adds a more complex flavor.
Coquito will naturally separate in the refrigerator because of its creamy coconut ingredients. This is completely normal, simply shake well before serving to return it to its creamy consistency.
Although best when served fresh, if needed, you can freeze coquito. Just make sure to store in a freezer safe bottle. When ready to serve, let it thaw out in the refrigerator and shake well before serving.
Coquito is naturally enjoyed on its own, however, for a dessert idea, serve alongside holiday desserts. Some great ideas include, tembleque, arroz con dulce, and pastelillos de guayaba.
Did you try this recipe? Please leave a ⭐ review below!
Click any of the images in the post to PIN this Recipe and don't forget to follow along on Pinterest and Facebook.
Other Coquito Variations You Will Love
📖 Recipe
Coquito Recipe – Coconut Eggnog
Ingredients
- 1 15 oz can cream of coconut
- 1 13.5 oz can coconut milk
- 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 12 oz can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon start with two teaspoons, taste and see if you would like more ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon and rum to a blender. Blend for a minute.
- Refrigerate for at least an 4 hours or overnight.
- Shake well before serving.
- Serve cold in small glasses or mugs and garnish with cinnamon sticks.
Join the Discussion