Coquito is a popular Christmas drink that's like a Puerto Rican Eggnog. If you're a fan of coconut and rum, you're going to love this authentic recipe! The easy-to-make drink is rich, coconutty, creamy, and absolutely delicious. It's a traditional staple during the holiday season.
When the holidays roll around, certain recipes are always on standby, and Coquito is one of them. It's similar to eggnog, but without eggs and is full of creamy coconut!
This Puerto Rican egg nog is a staple during the Christmas season, and for a good reason!
It's not only quick to whip up, but it's thick, creamy, and packed with flavor.
Make a change from traditional egg nog this year, and try a cold glass of coquito instead!
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What is Coquito?
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink that is made with coconut milk, condensed milk, rum, and spices and is served cold. It's similar to eggnog but doesn't contain any eggs.
Coquito is Spanish for “Little Coconut”. If you're a fan of coconut and rum, you're going to love Cowuito! This egg-free creamy coconut-based alcoholic beverage is a staple during the holiday season.
This makes it a great choice for those who are looking for an egg-free nog option. And since it's made with coconut milk, it's even more creamy and delicious!
It's made with less than 10 easy-to-find ingredients and comes together easily in a blender. Try something new this holiday season, coquito is your next favorite holiday treat!
We like to make up a huge batch, and bring bottles of coquito to Christmas parties.
Be sure to check out these other Puerto Rican recipes.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Coquito is a great dairy and egg-free alternative to traditional egg nog. Perfect for vegetarians or those with a dairy allergy.
This authentic Puerto Rican coquito recipe is made with just a few simple ingredients and is easy to assemble.
It can be made ahead of time, giving you time flexibility during the holidays.
It's thick, creamy, and packed with flavor from the rum, spices, and coconut milk.
Make up a big batch, pour it into pretty bottles, and give them as edible gifts for Christmas. You could also add some Icelandic Pepper Cookies, Ginger Pecan Brittle, Marzipan Chocolates, or Salted Chocolate Honeycomb.
Ingredients
- Coconut Milk & Cream of Coconut - These two canned ingredients make up the liquid base of the drink adding a rich creamy coconut flavor. I use Goya cream of coconut.
- Evaporated Milk & Sweetened Condensed Milk- Used to enhance the thick creamy texture and add sweetness.
- White Puerto Rican Rum - We like Puerto Rican rum such as Don Q, but Bacardi works well too.
- Vanilla Extract - Adds a light fragrant vanilla flavor throughout the drink.
- Ground Cinnamon - Helps add a warming flavor that pairs well with the creamy texture.
- Serving - Use cinnamon sticks and ground cinnamon to add a festive touch to the finished drink.
Please see the recipe card below for quantities.
Instructions
Wondering how to make this Coquito recipe? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.
Blend the ingredients: Add the rum, coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut cream, vanilla, and cinnamon to a blender and blend until fully combined.
Chill: Add the mixture to bottles or jars with a lid and chill for at least 3 hours to develop the flavors.
Stir and serve: When ready to enjoy, mix to evenly distribute the mixture. Pour into glasses with a sprinkle of cinnamon and top with a cinnamon stick. Enjoy!
Top tips
Chilling is important as it allows the flavors to blend and develop.
Use Puerto Rican rum for the authentic flavor or any white rum you have on hand. Other popular brands include Bacardi and Captain Morgan.
Stir before serving as some of the liquids can separate during storage.
Holiday Drinks
- Mulled Wine Spritzer
- Ginger Cranberry Kombucha Mocktail
- Easy Vegan Eggnog
- Hot Buttered Rum
- Mulled Wine
- Gluehwein
- Kir Royale
Variations & Substitutions
Use white rum for this recipe as it has a lighter flavor.
For a non-alcoholic version, omit the rum.
Make sure to chill the coquito for at least three hours so that all of the flavors have time to develop.
Add other spices, including nutmeg or cloves, for a different flavor profile.
Storage
Coquito can be stored in sealed jars with a lid for up to four days. Always give it a shake or stir before serving.
Freezing is not recommended as the coconut milk will separate from the water causing an unpleasant texture.
FAQs
Coquito translates to "little coconut" in Spanish. This drink is called coquito because it is traditionally made with coconut milk.
Yes, this coquito recipe can be made four days ahead of time. Keep it stored in a sealed jar or bottle with a lid in the fridge until ready to serve.
More Holiday Recipes
- German Marzipan Cookies
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts Christmas Tree
- Cavolo Nero Christmas Pudding
- Figgy Pudding
- Icelandic Christmas Cookies
- Christmas Cookies From Around The World
- Nut Roast
📖 Recipe
Coquito
Equipment
- Blender
Ingredients
- 14 ounces coconut milk (400ml)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk (400ml)
- 14 ounces evaporated milk (400ml)
- 14 ounces coconut cream (400ml)
- ½ cup white puerto rican rum (ideally Puerto Rican rum such as Don Q, but Bacardi works well)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
To serve
- Ground cinnamon
- Cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Add the rum, coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut cream vanilla, and cinnamon to a blender and whiz to combine.
- Pour into bottles and chill for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator.
- To serve, give it a stir, then serve cold in glasses and sprinkle with a little cinnamon (or nutmeg) and serve with a cinnamon stick.
- Coquito will keep in the refrigerator in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Notes
Nutrition
The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.
Kathleen
Oh my, this Coquito was absolutely marvelous. Creamy coconut and cinnamon with the delicious rum. I made it for a family get together and it went down so well! I lvoe dthat I could make it ahead of time.
Tayler
I love coquito but I've never made it myself! This looks so easy and I can't wait to make it for Christmas!
cam
I never cared for eggnog so when I first tried Coquito I was so excited! I have been searching for the best recipe ever since and I officially found it. I can't wait to make this all season long!!
dana
Absolutely love this and plan on making it again over the holidays!
Shadi
I was looking for a recipe like this, thank you for sharing! I can't wait to try it soon!
Tara
You had me at coconut and rum! This drink looks so good. Such a fantastic way to celebrate the holidays.