What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This coquito recipe is perfect for anyone looking to bring a touch of sweetness and holiday cheer to their kitchen. You’ll love how simple and rewarding it is to make this flavorful drink at home. First, it’s easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients that mix together quickly, making it a stress-free treat. Second, the rich, creamy blend of coconut, rum, and spices creates a festive flavor that feels cozy and indulgent. Finally, it’s a crowd-pleaser—whether you’re sharing it at a holiday party or enjoying it by the fire, everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Recipe
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink, often referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog.” This creamy, coconut-based beverage is flavored with spices and rum, making it a festive favorite during Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients:
- 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
- 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (15 oz) can cream of coconut
- ½ cup white rum (or to taste)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
Instructions:
- In a blender, combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, and cream of coconut. Blend until smooth.
- Add rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Blend again until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into a glass bottle or airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow flavors to meld.
- Shake well before serving. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Notes:
- Adjust rum quantity to taste or omit for a non-alcoholic version.
- For a thicker consistency, refrigerate longer before serving.
Equipment:
- Blender
- Glass bottle or airtight container
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
- Total time: 2 hours (chilling)
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Serving: 8-10 servings
Nutrition
Homemade Coquito is a rich and creamy drink with a balance of flavors. Below is the nutritional breakdown per serving.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Sugar | 24 g |
| Protein | 4 g |
| Cholesterol | 45 mg |
| Sodium | 60 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving coquito with traditional holiday pairings like pasteles or arroz con gandules—they bring out the drink’s rich flavors. For a lighter option, I’ll set out festive snacks like cheese platters or spiced nuts, which balance the sweetness perfectly. Trust me, these combos make any gathering feel extra special.
Traditional Holiday Pairings
When you’re sipping on coquito, it’s fun to have something tasty alongside it to make the moment even better. I love pairing mine with holiday desserts like flan or tres leches cake—their creamy sweetness complements the rich coconut flavor perfectly. If you’re feeling fancy, try it with festive cocktails like a spiced rum punch or a gingerbread martini for an extra kick. The warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg in the coquito blends beautifully with these treats, creating a cozy holiday vibe. Don’t forget a plate of buttery cookies or chocolate-dipped fruits for a simple yet satisfying match. Cheers to delicious pairings!
Festive Snack Ideas
There’s nothing like gathering around the table with friends and family, sharing laughter and bites of delicious snacks that perfectly complement your coquito. I love serving party appetizers like mini empanadas, toasted coconut shrimp, or crispy plantain chips—they’re savory, crunchy, and pair so well with the creamy sweetness of the drink. For holiday desserts, I always include classics like flan or tres leches cake, but a tray of spiced cookies or chocolate-dipped guava pastries adds a festive touch. Don’t forget a cheese platter with cured meats and nuts—it’s simple yet always a hit. These bites keep the celebration flavorful and fun!
