Coquito is a traditional Christmas cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. Most people think of it as the “Puerto Rican Eggnog” although it’s coconut-based and has no eggs.
But this delectable drink soon became popular in other Caribbean countries such as Cuba, which is where I’m from! As a Cuban girl myself I can say that this drink is a staple in our Cuban culture today.
Coquito For The Holidays
Making Coquito is a Holiday tradition that begins as early as Thanksgiving and goes on past the New Year!
Sharing it with friends and neighbors is our way of showing love and appreciation. Gifting and receiving Coquito is a tradition like no other. There may be slight variations in color or texture but they are always delicious. It literally wouldn’t be the Holidays without it!
My Specific Coquito Recipe Variation And Why It’s So Good!
Oftentimes, Coquito can be a little too sweet. And it’s only natural that this would happen considering all of the sweet ingredients being added!
Which is why my recipe is so good! Don’t worry I keep all of the delicious main ingredients but I also “water it down” a bit by incorporating my own “tea” of sorts.
To make this “tea” I pour 1 1/2 of water into a saucepan with some cinnamon sticks and anise and bring it to a boil. The flavors of the cinnamon and anise melt into the water giving it a beautiful honey brown color. Then I drain the tea into a measuring cup and set it aside while I make my Coquito recipe.
Once I blend all of the other ingredients in a blender I pour both mixtures into a large bowl and add rum. I whisk it all together to create a delicious Coquito concoction that is simply irresistible!
NOTE: Another step I take to make sure my Coquito is not too sweet is to only add 1/2 a can of sweetened condensed milk as you will note in the recipe below.
Rum in Your Coquito
Many Coquito recipes will specify what rum they like the best. Others will say it doesn’t matter. I personally like Don Q the best. This is a white rum that I can enjoy neat which is not the case for other white rums I have tried.
How much rum?
Now for the big question… how much rum should you add to your Coquito? How much is too much?
Well it really depends on personal preference and how much Coquito you are working with! I like to set aside some of the mix before adding the rum to have as a mocktail. This way everyone can enjoy it, including children, pregnant women, or adults who don’t drink!
I’ve had all of the above at my Christmas parties and as a hostess it’s very satisfying that they can all enjoy this delicious drink as well.
But since I set aside some of the mix the ratio of my rum to Coquito has changed. Now I am not the kind to say less is more when it comes to alcohol. But I do suggest starting with a cup and going from there. I add about 2 cups of rum to my coquito after I set it aside (depending on how much I set aside). But if you don’t set any aside you can probably go for a third cup of rum!
My Famous Coquito Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Small Sauce Pan
- 1 Blender
- 1 Large Bowl
- 1 Air-Tight Bottle(s)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 Cups Water
- 3 Cinnamon Sticks
- 3 Anise Stars
- 1 15 oz Can Cream of Coconut (Coco Lopez is my Favorite)
- 1 13.5 oz Can Coconut Milk
- 1 12 oz Can Evaporated Milk
- 1/2 14 oz Can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/8 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 1 1/2 Cups White Rum Preferably Don Q Rum
Instructions
- Add water, cinnamon sticks and anise into a small sauce pan and boil. Once the water is boiling lower the temperature to medium and continue to boil until the water turns into a honey brown color. Drain the tea into a large cup and set aside.
- Add the cream of coconut, coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract in a blender and blend until well combined.
- Pour your coquito mix into a large bowl. Add the tea that you set aside and rum and whisk until well blended.
- Pour the cocktail into your favorite glass or shot glass, sprinkle some cinnamon on top and enjoy!
Notes
- The tea helps to water down the sweetness from all the other main ingredients and at the same time it adds a little flavor.
- Before the final step of adding the rum to the bowl, I like to set aside some “Virgin Coquito” for the kids, pregnant women, or adults who don’t drink alcohol. That way everyone can enjoy the deliciousness of the Holiday season!
- Rum is to taste. I suggest starting with one cup and going from there. Since I separate some of the mix before adding the rum the ratio changes. But I still usually add about 2 cups of rum to my mix. So if you decide not to separate any before adding the rum then you might go for 3 cups of rum! It’s really up to you!
- Shake or stir the coquito every time before pouring.
- You can store this cocktail in an air-tight bottle for up to 10 days.
- In our culture, we like to make Coquito and pour it into smaller containers to give to friends, neighbors, and co-workers during the Holidays. Top it off with a bow and you have the perfect gift!
I hope you enjoy this recipe! Please let me know in the comments below if you tried it! And if you’re looking for a perfect year-round dessert recipe make sure to check out my 5 Ingredient Berry Cobbler recipe! It’s so good people request it during the Holidays!
I hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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