A velvety blend of coconut milks, warm spices, and optional rum—this classic Puerto Rican holiday drink is rich, comforting, and effortlessly festive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Coquito is luxurious yet simple—rich, creamy coconut flavor blended with sweet condensed and evaporated milks, spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s customizable (non-alcoholic or boozy), prep-ahead friendly, and perfect for holiday gatherings with its cozy aroma and smooth texture. allrecipes.com+12mydominicankitchen.com+12thenovicechefblog.com+12
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
-
27 oz canned coconut milk (two 13.5 oz cans)
-
15 oz cream of coconut (e.g., Coco Lopez)
-
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
-
12 oz evaporated milk
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
½ tsp ground nutmeg
-
¼ tsp ground cloves
-
2 tsp rum extract (optional, for non-alcoholic version)
-
Optional: 1–2 cups white rum for classic version
-
Garnish: sprinkle of cinnamon or cinnamon stick
directions
-
Blend all ingredients: In a blender, combine coconut milk, cream of coconut, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, spices, and rum extract or rum. Blend until smooth. allrecipes.com+6simplyrecipes.com+6thenoshery.com+6senseandedibility.comthenoshery.commydominicankitchen.com+1epicurious.com+1
-
Chill: Transfer mixture into a pitcher or bottle. Refrigerate at least 4 hours—overnight yields best flavor melding. en.wikipedia.org+10simplyrecipes.com+10thenovicechefblog.com+10
-
Shake before serving: Stir or shake well to recombine any settled spices or coconut fat. thenoshery.com+2acozykitchen.com+2epicurious.com+2
-
Serve: Pour into small glasses; garnish with cinnamon, a stick, or coconut flakes for a festive presentation.
Servings and timing
-
Serves: 10–12 (about 5 cups) simplyrecipes.com+12allrecipes.com+12thenoshery.com+12
-
Prep time: ~10 minutes
-
Chill time: ≥4 hours, preferably overnight; some traditions recommend curing 2+ days for deeper flavor familiakitchen.comthenovicechefblog.com+3senseandedibility.com+3bonappetit.com+3
-
Total time: ~4 hours 10 minutes (or longer for mellowed flavors)
storage/reheating
-
Refrigerator: Store in sealed bottles or jars for up to 1 week (alcoholic) or 3–5 days (non-alcoholic) thenovicechefblog.com.
-
Shelf stability: Alcoholic versions can keep for months refrigerated; shake before serving if separation occurs .
Variations
-
Alcohol‑free: Use rum extract instead of rum for a family‑friendly version. mydominicankitchen.com
-
Egg‑enriched: Add egg yolks for extra richness and froth; shelf life reduced (~4 days) acozykitchen.com+10epicurious.com+10familiakitchen.com+10
-
Infused rum: Soak cinnamon sticks (or vanilla bean, star anise) in rum 24–48 h before blending for deeper spice notes senseandedibility.com
-
Flavor twists: Stir in barista-style coffee, chocolate, pistachio, guava, or masala chai for unique spins en.wikipedia.org+1simplyrecipes.com+1
-
Creamier texture: Blend warm ingredients gently before chilling (“cook” method) or simply blend cold—choose your style
FAQs
Can I skip the rum completely?
Yes—using rum extract gives flavor without alcohol, making it kid-friendly.
Is coquito like eggnog?
Similar in richness, but uses coconut milks instead of dairy and often omits eggs.
Can you use regular coconut milk instead of cream of coconut?
No—the cream of coconut adds essential sweetness and thickness; don’t substitute. thenovicechefblog.com+1thenoshery.com+1
How long does it last?
Alcoholic versions: up to 6 weeks or longer refrigerated; non-alcoholic: 3–5 days. familiakitchen.com+4thenoshery.com+4senseandedibility.com+4
Why does fat solidify on top?
Coconut fat firms when chilled—just shake or blend briefly before serving. simplyrecipes.com+8acozykitchen.com+8thenoshery.com+8
Can it be made ahead for a party?
Absolutely—coquito improves with time. Chill at least 24 h or even 2 days for depth. allrecipes.com+8thenovicechefblog.com+8acozykitchen.com+8
Should I strain before serving?
Not necessary unless spices are steeped whole; ground spices add texture and flavor.
What’s the ideal glass size?
Serve in small 2–3 oz cordial glasses—rich and satisfying in modest portions.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing isn’t recommended—it disrupts creamy texture. Refrigeration is best.
Can I garnish differently?
Yes—use grated nutmeg, toasted coconut, or a rum-soaked raisin for garnish. thenovicechefblog.com
Conclusion
Coquito is a creamy, spiced, and festive Puerto Rican classic that requires minimal effort but offers abundant holiday spirit. Whether served with rum, made alcohol-free, or infused with spices, it’s a versatile and comforting treat. Blend, chill, shake, and pour—a sip of coquito brings warmth, tradition, and celebration to every holiday moment.
Print
Coquito (Puerto Rican Holiday Drink)
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: About 6–8 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Coquito is a creamy Puerto Rican holiday drink made with coconut milk, spices, and sweet milk. Rich, spiced, and perfect for festive gatherings, this non-alcoholic or boozy version is a holiday must-have!
Ingredients
-
27 oz canned coconut milk (two 13.5 oz cans)
-
15 oz cream of coconut (such as Coco Lopez)
-
14 oz sweetened condensed milk
-
12 oz evaporated milk
-
2 tsp vanilla extract
-
1 tsp ground cinnamon
-
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
-
1/4 tsp ground cloves
-
2 tsp rum extract (optional)
Instructions
-
Blend the Ingredients:
In a blender, combine coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. -
Chill in the Refrigerator:
Pour the mixture into a sealed container or pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld. -
Stir Before Serving:
Shake or stir well before pouring to remix any settled spices. -
Serve and Garnish:
Serve chilled in small glasses. Garnish with ground cinnamon, a cinnamon stick, or sweetened coconut flakes for a festive touch.
Notes
-
Add ½ to 1 cup of white or spiced rum for a traditional alcoholic version.
-
A dash of almond extract can add an extra layer of flavor.
-
Adjust spice levels to taste for more or less holiday warmth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blended / No-Cook
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican