Description
This creamy, spiced coquito is a Puerto Rican holiday tradition that comes together in under 15 minutes. With coconut cream, cinnamon, and rum, it’s the perfect festive drink for parties or cozy nights by the fire.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut (e.g., Coco López)
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk, shaken well
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup cinnamon-infused rum (e.g., Don Q Cinnamon Rum) or dark rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 2–3 cinnamon sticks, for steeping and garnish
Instructions
- Steep the cinnamon sticks (optional but recommended): If using plain dark rum instead of cinnamon-infused, pour the rum into a small jar and add 2-3 cinnamon sticks. Let it sit for at least 2 hours, or overnight for a stronger flavor.
- Blend the base: Open the can of cream of coconut and scoop it into a blender. Add the full-fat coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend on low for about 30 seconds until combined and creamy.
- Add the spices and rum: Pour in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Add the cinnamon-infused rum (or plain rum if you skipped steeping). Blend again on low for 15-20 seconds, scraping down the sides if needed.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness or spices as desired. Remember, flavors will mellow as it chills, so make it slightly stronger than you think.
- Strain (optional): For a super smooth coquito, pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher or bottle to catch any clumps.
- Chill thoroughly: Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but overnight is best for flavors to meld.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, shake the bottle gently. Pour into small glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
Notes
Don’t over-blend to avoid frothiness. Shake well before serving as coconut cream settles. For best flavor, chill overnight. Can be made dairy-free by substituting evaporated milk with full-fat coconut milk and using dairy-free sweetened condensed milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 ounces (about 1/2
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 30
- Sodium: 80
- Fat: 16.5
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 32.5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 3.5
Keywords: coquito, Puerto Rican eggnog, coconut eggnog, holiday drink, Christmas drink, coconut rum drink, creamy cocktail