Before we go any further with this Coquito post, I want to remind you that I’m a married woman. I’m won’t tolerate any disrespect to the Soldier. So, that means no marriage proposals, no sending flowers (especially orchids or lilies), and no diamond rings in size seven. I won’t stand for it. Pontificate on how much of a blessing I am to you, though. Oh! And make sure tell me I’m pretty throughout your speech.
What is Coquito?
Coquito translates to “little coconut” in English. So, basically, it’s a drink with a lil’ bit of coconut and a whole lotta rum, LOL!!! No…well, yes…it is. Especially when it comes to my coquito. Puerto Ricans serve this creamy libation during the holiday season. Technically, you can make it whenever you want to; but, traditionally, it’s served beginning at Thanksgiving through to Three King’s Day on January sixth.
Of course, with the migration of Puerto Ricans to the mainland, coquito was brought to the cities where they settled. My mami (my mother, Luisa) had her first taste of traditional eggnog and gagged. She enjoyed how creamy it was compared to coquito, but hated the bourbon and nutmeg. Mami began adding eggs to her coquito and that’s how I was raised making it. I consulted the Soldier (a born and bred Puerto Rican), but since he was raised in a family of teetotalers, he was worthless to my research. His Tia (aunt) Ada, though, she confirmed that traditional coquito is, in fact, NOT made with eggs. So, I’m giving you both.
If you have a Puerto Rican friend in your life, and you’ve never tasted coquito lay on the guilt trip heavy. You’ll notice I said, “tasted.” My personal friends bet’ NOT say a word, because I’ve supplied you with abundant amounts of coquito throughout the years.They have deprived you. Once again, I expect copious amounts of adoration and shares now that I am generous enough to pass it on.
Do I have to use fresh coconut for Coquito?
Traditionally, coquito contains freshly-squeezed coconut milk, made from grated and soaked coconut flesh. Um…advancement in the field of culinary arts has made life a lot easier for me than it was for my grandmother- so…cream of coconut from a can it is! Cream of coconut, or crema de coco, is similar to heavy cream. The the grated coconut separates with the heavier cream rising to the top of the can, and you’re left with a very concentrated coconut cream. But! Since I LOOOOVE my coquito to be very coconutty, I also add coconut milk to my version.
I think by now, you know that I’m extra- in my recipes, in my writing, and in my life. Following protocol, instead of adding just one type of rum- the commonly used white Barcardí- I add three. Don’t get excited. I used to add Bacardí 151 rum, bourbon, brandy, AND vodka; so, I basically made coconut moonshine. I’ve settled down a lot in my older years, though. Now, I just add a variety of “calmer” rums: white, spiced, and gold. You can use my three or just go with your favorite. Try to stick with a Puerto Rican rum, or a Caribbean one, at the very least. It’s just traditional.
What’s the easiest way to make Coquito?
Start by pouring a can of coconut milk into the carafe of your blender. You’ll need a large blender for this recipe. My Kitchenaid has a sixty ounce carafe, which is perfect for the eggless version.
Now, please, promise me three things: first, that you will use full-fat coconut milk. This recipe is a full-body, creamy drink. You won’t accomplish that with low-fat coconut milk. Second, that you won’t bother with trying to find out the calorie count of this drink. I mean, let’s be honest, it’s the holiday season and we’re all bound to put on a little weight. Embrace it. Third, don’t use refrigerated coconut milk. This is piggy-backing on the full-fat requirement. Refrigerated coconut milk contains water and carrageenan (seaweed) to thicken it; whereas canned coconut milk is more concentrated.
Add the cream of coconut to the blender as well. That fat cap is something you can just poke with a rubber spatula to break apart. When the coquito has been mixed (and settles) you may, or may not, you may also have a thin layer of the cream on top of your coquito. That’s just some of that heavier cream rising to the top of the drink.
Follow the cream of coco (I’m just going to refer to it by its Spanish name since I’m lazy) with the sweetened condensed milk. This not only makes it creamy, but sweetens the coquito as well. Make sure to use your rubber spatula to get all of the thick, syrupy milk out.
The last type of milk you’re going to add is evaporated milk. This creamy milk makes the coquito really decadent and gives great mouthfeel to the drink. Again, don’t use low-fat, that just won’t do.
How do I make dairy free or vegan Coquito?
It’s quite simple to make this coquito dairy free, and thereby making it vegan at the same time. Replace the sweetened condensed milk with sweetened condensed coconut milk and replace the evaporated milk with evaporated coconut milk. Of course, to make it vegan, you won’t be able to make the eggnog version if you were thinking of doing so, but this coquito will be amazing. The additional coconut is a bonus.
Praise the heavens, alcohol is vegan and dairy free, so long as you don’t use one that is creamy.
Flavor it
Again, me being extra, I like to give my coquito additional flavor, which makes people rack their brains to figure out it is. Now, that cat’s coming out of the bag. I add a teaspoon of pure vanilla extract to the milks in the blender.
Also, add a pinch of salt. I add salt to most of my recipes because, without it, they tend to taste bland. If you are on a low-sodium diet, just omit it. It’ll still taste great- the alcohol will make sure of that.
What kind of rum do I use to make Coquito?
Gold Rum
…the booze! Again, if you only have one type of rum, just use that. I keep a fully-stocked bar, so I have a few to choose from. As I mentioned before, I used to use 151, which is rum that is SEVENTY-FIVE POINT FIVE percent alcohol by volume. Most rums fall between thirty-five and forty percent. Soooooo…yeah, you needed a designated driver to sip my coquito. It’s the way my mother taught me, and the rum mellowed out after we let it cure, so I never had a complaint. But, it turns out Bacardí discontinued 151. Maybe people were going blind?
That’s none of my business- add a half-cup of Barcardí Gold rum to the blender. Gold is a style of rum that’s been aged in toasted oak barrels which mellows it out and darkens the color. You can buy a fifth or two mini bottles if you don’t keep it on hand normally.
Spiced Rum
Add the same amount of Spiced Rum. I like to use Captain Morgan, but any will do. I know, I know, it’s a Jamaican rum, but it’s the only spiced rum I enjoy. Spiced rum has a caramel-y flavor that adds a note to my coquito that reminds me of winter. As with the Gold rum, buy two minis or a fifth and you’ll have just enough for this recipe.
Aged White Rum
The final rum is a double-aged Barcardí Maestro, which I prefer over their Superior rum because it’s been aged longer. The longer it ages, the more mellow it tastes; it has a honey note to it. Like the aging of the rum, the coquito (when aged or cured), mellows out and all of this rum you’re adding is barely detectable. The jury’s still out on whether that’s a good thing or a bad one.
If you’re not into alcohol, substitute the rums for an equal amount of water. That heavy, cream mix needs to be diluted with something if you’re not using the liquor.
What kind of spices are in Coquito?
One of the main flavors in coquito, besides the rum and the coconut, is cinnamon. Those three combined scream “PUERTO RICO AT CHRISTMAS” to me. I add a half-tablespoon (one and half teaspoons) of ground cinnamon to the blender. Make sure to sprinkle it out over the surface of the mixture. If you dump it in one spot, you’ll end up with lumps of cinnamon in your coquito. It’s annoying.
I also add a quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and a pinch of ground allspice. Those two aren’t traditional, that’s just me being extra- again. It does, however, make my coquito different from the others, so there.
Are there eggs in Coquito?
Technically? No. Anytime you add eggs to a Puerto Rican drink, it becomes ponche. But, no one is going to call the coquito police on you if you want to add them to yours to make it richer and more eggnog-y.
So, now is the point, if you want to make an eggnog-type of coquito, to add four large egg yolks. Use the freshest eggs you have access to in order to avoid any illnesses. As with any recipe that includes raw eggs, the chance of contracting a foodborne illness is higher, especially if you don’t allow the coquito to cure long enough.
If you’re not adding eggs, just keep it moving.
Blend the mixture for a minute, stop the blender and scrape down any spices that have stuck to the sides of the carafe. Blend again for another thirty seconds to a minute. I tend to blend longer to break down that cream of coco.
Add two, or three, cinnamon sticks to two one-liter swing-top bottles. Again, cinnamon is a prominent flavor in coquito, so in addition to the ground cinnamon, I cure the coquito with two or three cinnamon sticks. You can omit them if you don’t keep cinnamon sticks on hand.
Grab a funnel and pour the blended coquito into the bottles. Leave a headspace of at least one inch at the top of each bottle for shaking later. This recipe makes just under one gallon of coquito. Cap the bottles and refrigerate.
You need to let the coquito cure for at least forty-eight hours to achieve that mellow, unsuspectingly-dangerous flavor. As the coquito mellows, that alcohol smooths out and is almost unnoticeable.
Why is my Coquito solid (not runny)?
After sitting in the fridge to cure, the fats in all the milks will solidify. Before serving you need to pull it out of the fridge and allow it to warm up on the counter for 20-25 minutes.
After your coquito has warmed a little, just give it a vigorous shake to mix the spices that will have settled, serve it, then sip. I mean, it’s a rich, dessert-like libation- and it’s potent- so, sipping seems like the right thing to do. The Soldier and I don’t, but you should do as I say, not as I do. I love to serve the coquito in these coupes from Crate and Barrel. They look classy, and you feel like you have a lot, which stops you from becoming the drunk aunt or uncle who embarasses the family at every holiday event.
How long does Coquito last?
The alcohol in this recipe will cure the coquito for a long time. Even with the addition of eggs, it’s good for at least a year. It may even be good for a longer period of time, I’ve just never had enough restraint to test the timeline. Last year’s batch, which contained eggs, lasted until last month. It tasted even smoother and more profound cured, as it was, for eleven months. However, the virgin coquito will only be good for about a week, or so. I would make it when you know you’re going to be able to finish it within that time.
Remember to share this recipe and shame the Puerto Rican friends who have withheld this from you. Pin this recipe to find it easily for your Christmas batch, too!
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Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut-Rum Cocktail)
This staple of the Puerto Rican holiday season needs to become a tradition of yours. Begin at least 2 days ahead (to allow for curing).
Ingredients
- 13.5 ounce can coconut milk
- 15 ounce can cream of coconut
- 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounce can evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- pinch kosher salt
- 1/2 cup Bacardí Gold rum
- 1/2 cup Spiced Rum
- 1 cup Bacardí Maestro white rum
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch ground allspice (optional)
- 6 sticks cinnamon (optional, used for bottling)
Optional Eggnog Version
- 4 large very fresh egg yolks
Instructions
In the carafe of a 60 oz. blender, combine the coconut milk, cream of coconut, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, salt, and all three rums.
Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice onto the surface of the ingredients in the blender, then blend for one minute on low speed.
Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the blender, then blend for an additional 30 seconds- 1 minute on medium speed.
Add 2-3 cinnamon sticks to each of the empty bottles.
Use a funnel to pour the blended coquito into the bottles, leaving at least 1" of headspace in each bottle.
Cap the bottles and refrigerate for at least 48 hours to age.
Twenty minutes prior to serving, remove the bottle of coquito from the refrigerator to allow the fat in the coquito to warm up.
Give the coquito a vigorous shake to mix the spices that will have settled.
Recipe Notes
The alcohol in this recipe will cure the coquito for at least a year- maybe longer.
If your coquito is still very thick after allowing it to warm, try to pour it into the blender to blend it again.
Vegan Coquito:
- Replace the sweetened condensed milk with sweetened condensed coconut milk
- Replace the evaporated milk with evaporated coconut milk.
- Do not use eggs.
- Mix as instructed.
Eggnog Version:
- Use the freshest eggs you have access to to avoid any illnesses. As with any recipe that includes raw eggs, the chance of contracting a foodborne illness is higher. Consume any coquito made with eggs at your own risk.
- Add the egg yolks to the blender just after adding the spices. Continue as instructed above.
Virgin Coquito:
- Substitute water for the rums. Make as instructed.
Because virgin coquito doesn't contain alcohol, it will only be good for one week after blending. Make it when you know you're going to be able to finish it within that time. Virgin coquito does not need to cure the 2 days.
Try these other festive libations:
Hot Truffle Chocolate Five Ways
Caramel Apple Vodka Martini
This was so creamy and so delicious, I think this will become a year around drink for us. We really liked learning about it’s history too!
I’m so glad to hear you enjoyed it, Mikayla!
I love that this recipe can be enjoyed all year round! Who wouldn’t want this ALL the time?? 🙂
Exactly!
This is a cocktail I need to try! I love every ingredient, I’m sure this will taste fabulous!
It is a huge favorite every time I’ve served it.
Low-fat coconut milk is so stupid. 😂 I don’t understand why it exists! And this looks AMAZING. I’d never heard of coquito before! It sounds delicious.
It’s totally stupid. Don’t waste my time!
Your photos are so beautiful! I’ve not heard of a coquito before but I love rum and I love coconut so this is definitely a cocktail to try this summer! 😀
For sure! Let me know how you like it.
You know, I was intrigued last week when I read your coquito cheesecake recipe, and I’m glad I ended up here today because I have been thinking of coquito since I first read about it in your cheesecake recipe. Too bad I can’t find evaporated milk here, but I can surely find a way around it to make my version.
You can make evaporated milk by cooking down 3 cups of whole milk on low heat until only 1 1/2 cups remain.
I am not Puerto Rican, I am Jamaican, and I am going to try both forms of this coquito! I see that you clearly served this the night hubby proposed lol!
Nope! Didn’t need alcohol for him to want to propose.
This looks insanely delicious and I would trade eggnog for it any day. I am for sure going to be making it in time for the holidays. Thank you for sharing!
My pleasure, Colleen!
That drink is just delicious! It brings me back good memories, I had a lot of Coquito in Punta Cana with my husband, couldn’t stop drinking it! So happy I finally found a recipe that tastes just like the one we loved!
So happy to hear this! Coquito is a great drink to enjoy.
What’s not to like with coconut and rum? This sounds truly decadent and a nice change of pace from the traditional eggnog. I love the way you add in all the extras and make it your own. Can’t wait to give this a try come cooler weather.
It really is perfect- especially if you blend it with ice as a smoothie.
Can you use coconut rum in this?
Yes, Janet, you absolutely can.
Just made a batch for Christmas presents and I have to tell you, not only is it so delicious, it was so easy to make! Had most ingredients just had to pick up the liquor! Will be making more of this!!!
I’m so glad! And, hello! How great a friend are you to gift this coquito!?
I don’t drink alcohol at all but the pictures make this look so nice :3 and it looks so easy to make. Thank you for sharing x
It’s my pleasure, Ruth! Hopefully you saw that this can also be made non-alcoholic easily. I make it that way for our kiddos all of the time.
I served coquito today at work after letting it cure for over a week – it was a hit!!! I’m also sharing your recipe along with the link to your blog.
Love you!!
I’m so glad it was a hit! I also love that you all can drink coquito at work! That’s so awesome!
If I close my eyes while drinking this, while it make me feel like I’m on the beach? Looks delicious.
Oh, for sure, Ashley!
This looks and sounds so amazing! I really want to try this! I’m always looking for new drink ideas and this looks so perfect!
I’m glad you think so!
Every year when my family gets together we need recipes for a good holiday drink! I absolutely LOVE this idea!! Thank you so much for sharing. I can’t wait to enjoy one of these. 🙂
Well, enjoy it in good health! ❤
Oh this looks BEYOND tasty!!
Thanks!
Oh yes please. I would love to sip on this during the holidays. Things can get crazy, and sometimes I need to relax with a drink and a book!
You and me both, Amber! It’s the perfect sipping cocktail…or chugging shot. LOL!!
This recipe is absolutely delicious! A true hit with friends and family! I’d make this for any occasion.
I’m so glad! It is definitely my show stopper when hosting.
This is our second year using your recipe – never disappoints! So sweet and smooth and cozy! Perfect for sipping during our holiday parties! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
I love sipping it with friends and family. It truly marks the holiday season.
Easy to follow recipe. Amazing recipe with great results thank you for sharing
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the easy prep and the taste! Happy Thanksgiving!
First of all this is the second year I have had the request to make “my” coquito for the holiday gatherings. I always say it is not mine it is Marta’s and it is so simple. I love this recipe, easy to make and tastes so good. I have an attachment to Cruzan white rum so sometimes I use it instead of Bacardi Maestro. Either way it is delicious. Love it!!
You’re a total Coquito VIP, Lara!! I love that you’ve adapted it to suit your favorite rum! Happy Thanksgiving, my friend!
The flavor is perfect! I’m having issues with mixing it up after refrigerating for 48hours. I will shake the bottle like crazy but I still have lumps in it. I think it’s the cream of coco. I tried leaving the bottle on the counter for 10mins to let it defrost a little bit lumps still remain after shaking. Do you think I did something wrong? Have you experienced this before? What do you suggest? I used every ingredient you suggested. Thank you!
I’m glad you’re enjoying the flavor! That pesky lumping is the result of the fat from the cream of coconut. You may have noticed, when you opened the can, the solid coconut fat on the top of the liquid. Well, the same thing happens when the coquito is refrigerated. The fat actually becomes more solid than it did in the fridge. It’s one of the only issues with making coquito. Thankfully, all you need to do is leave the coquito on the countertop 15-20 minutes before you plan to serve it and give it a VIGOROUS shake to mix everything together. It doesn’t hurt to leave it on the countertop that long. If you find you still want it even smoother, you can strain the coquito, but I find that’s a bit too overboard.
I’m so glad you tried it out!
We did this last year and it was delicious! I’m making it as gifts for my neighbors again this year!
You’re such a great neighbor!!
Love it 😍
It’s soooooo good!
Looks and sounds delish! Would like to bottle and give as gifts this holiday! What’s the shelf life once cured? Of course I will also make a few bottles for the house during the holidays.
Once cured, coquito will keep for up to a year in the refrigerator. Enjoy, Teri!
I need to make enough to fill just 1 Bacardi bottle. How do i adjust the ingredients?
Unfortunately there’s no real way to reduce the yield unless you can find smaller cans of coconut milk and cream of coconut. If so, just divide the amounts in half.
The coquito does keep for up to a year under registration, or you can gift the remainder. Hope this works for you!
I shared this post with friends and received a text to tell you how amazing the recipe is! The pics are amazing. I have my eye on the Brussel Sprouts recipe next! Thanks for helping us wannabe home chefs! 😉
I’m SO glad that it’s a help! I hope you love those Brussels!
It came out amazing and you weren’t lying it’s Dangerously good! Good stuff Marta (:
I’m so glad to hear you love it, Chelsea! It’s a subtly potent cocktail, isn’t it?
I made this coquito for my friends and co-workers and they loved it!
I’m so glad to hear it was a hit!!!
Y’all! This drink is absolutely wonderful! The cinnamon coconut mixture tickles the tastebuds at the beginning then the mixture of rum hits you last with this warmth that makes you go back for more. I kept having to pace myself on it because you really don’t taste the rum till the very end and you just feel warm. I will definitely be making this more and more.
I followed Marta’s instructions to the letter. I have learned if she has it written a specific way, it’s for a reason. The hardest part was waiting the 48 hours but it was so worth it. Thank you!
I LOVE this description, “You just feel warm.” That describes it perfectly! Following instructions is so underrated, so thank you for pointing that out, Keri! So glad you enjoyed it!
Made a double batch of this and it’s been my go to sweet treat when I’m feeling particularly indulgent 🙂 It was shared with friends and everyone loved the creamy texture. So good!
I’m so glad that a recipe that’s so meaningful to me is loved by others! Thank you for making AND sharing it, Marie!
Serve and sip we did! Love your coquito recipe. Our whole family gives it a 12 out of 10. The ingredients are easy to find and the recipe is easy to follow. I love your blog Marta, you sharing passion, love and history along all of these lovely recipes. I look forward to every new entry for so many reasons.
That means the world to me, Lara! Enjoy the holidays!
OMG FINALLY!! I can attest to drinking Marta’s Coquito and honestly IDK why she hasn’t bottled it and SOLD IT. IT IS AMAZING!!!! I LOVE that you’re EXTRA. THAT’S WHY EVERYTHING YOU TOUCH TURNS TO GOLD!!! KEEP ON KEEPING ON MAMA!! Proud of you can’t WAIT to make it.
AWWW!!! Yes, I’ve heard that for many years, “YOU should sell this!” So, now I share my secret recipe with the world. I hope you think of all the good times we’ve shared over a glass of coquito whenever you drink it, Ing!
Yum! We’re not really drinkers so I would go the water route, but I love the sound of the other flavors in this recipe!! Can’t wait to try this!
Whether it’s the virgin or alcoholic route, it tastes great, Jordan. I can’t wait for you to try it!
Would adding ice and crushing it be enough versus adding water?
You could, but I wouldn’t recommend it because there’s a better chance of curdling the whole fat milks in the blender. The water is the best option.
Oh my goodness, this looks absolutely amazing! Definitely saving this to make later!
Awesome, Amber! Enjoy it!
Oh my. Yes you don’t want to look at the calories. It’s the holidays though so it doesn’t count, right?
Life (and the holidays) is too short to worry about calories, Theresa!
Beautiful presentation! I love anything with coconut ingredients.
Thank you, Jackie!
I love this drink!!!! A friend from Puerto Rico came to visit a couple of months ago and she made this. Now I’m really excited for the weekend because I’ll be making this! 🙂
You have a good friend, Andrea! Now you can make “your version” for her!
Oh wow! I’m printing this one out for our holiday dinner. Such a great option.
Thanks, Heather! I hope you love it as much as we do!
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I love coquito! The Puerto Rican tradition of having coquito during every Christmas season is strong in this household ~Xoxo
Here too, Jenny! Isn’t it great to bring the traditions from home everywhere we go?
This looks delicious!! I am not a fan of eggnog, but I would definitely be a fan of this drink.
Yeah, I always pass on the eggnog, something is off-putting about the mix of bourbon and nutmeg. This on the other hand, Ayanna? I go through this wayyyyy too fast!
That looks so good! I need to try this!
I think you’ll love it!
I will be attempting this recipe!! Replace water with rum?! Hmm whoever tries that….let me know how that goes😉I’m excited for this!! I will be updating stars once attempted
I do it all the time for the kiddos, Danielle. It tastes amazing!
Update! This is amazing! Thank you for sharing,!
Thank you! I’m glad you like it!
One word…. AMAZING! Our holidays will never be the same! Thanks for a new family tradition!
Oh, it’s such a pleasure! I’m honored it’s a part of your traditions!