This delicious and creamy Puerto Rican concoction has become a Christmas tradition all over the world.
One of my good friends, going all the way back to our college years in New York, is Victor Cruz. No, not the football player, the actor. As a performer, Victor has become one of those classic faces that always seem to pop up in television and movies. I’m sure you’ve had moments where you’re watching something and an actor you recognize from elsewhere enters the scene, and you shout “Hey, it’s that guy!” Well, my friend Victor Cruz is that guy. Look him up, and once you see his picture you’ll exclaim the same thing.
I’m not here to drop names, though. Not really. I’m actually mentioning Victor so that I can brag about his mom’s Coquito, the recipe we’re looking at today. Full disclosure, the mixture we have down below isn’t Victor’s mom’s… that’s a closely guarded secret, I believe. One Christmas season, when we all still lived in New York City, I was gifted with a bottle of this incredible and creamy drink. I had never had it before, but it looked like egg nog and I do love me some nog.
This is no nog, however. Its texture is smooth, and while not as thick as a milkshake, it’s not as thin as ordinary milk. Coquito is right there in the middle, with a consistency that’s just right. And the flavor knocked me off the couch and had me reaching for a second round. The tropical taste of coconut and rum mixed with the seasonal notes of cinnamon and nutmeg was transcendent. Before I knew it, the bottle was empty. Sad, yes. But boy was I glad I had that experience. Christmas is the time of miracles and, wouldn’t you know it, one of my best friends, Adriana, comes home one night with a freshly made bottle of Coquito from her family. Soon, that was gone too.
You do have the option to buy store-bought mixtures, and those are fine. Sometimes I’ll buy premade Negronis by Tanqueray because I just don’t feel like cleaning up my mixing glass and spoons or whatever. But around the holidays, there’s something special about making anything yourself, especially if it’s a gift. And this recipe is something you can share with friends and family, year after year. It’s how I was introduced to the magic of Coquito.
What is Coquito?
A traditional drink from Puerto Rico, Coquito is usually enjoyed between the Thanksgiving and New Year holidays. It’s a festive mixture that features white rum, condensed, evaporated and coconut milk along with cream of coconut. All of which is blended together with nutmeg, cinnamon and vanilla extract for a smooth and strong bit of Christmas cheer.
What is the Best Rum to Use in making Coquito?
Dark and spiced rums can work in this recipe, bringing a little extra flavor and complexity to it. I personally prefer white rum, as most of the versions of Coquito I’ve had were made using the clear-colored spirit. The drink tends to taste a little smoother, and the white rum punctuates the cinnamon and nutmeg by not overpowering them.
Ingredients
- 1 can coconut milk (around 14 ounces)
- 1 can cream of coconut (around 14 ounces)
- 1 can evaporated milk (around 14 ounces)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (around 14 ounces)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon plus extra for optional garnish
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 1/2 cups white rum
Instructions
- In a blender, combine coconut milk, cream of coconut, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into a large pitcher. Stir in the white rum until well combined.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Stir the coquito well before serving. Serve chilled in small glasses. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for garnish.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
When serving your Coquito, you can use some elegant crystal rocks glasses or even any holiday-themed mugs you have on hand. Sprinkle a little nutmeg on top for garnish, maybe even pop a cinnamon stick in there too.
What does “coquito” mean?
The translation of the word coquito is “little coconut”. Ironic, because the flavor of this drink is anything but.
Similar Drinks to Coquito
Before you know it, the winter holidays will be here. You’ll have to go shopping, buy presents, wrap them, decorate the house, put up a tree, make room for the relatives and come up with meals and snacks… all while being cheerful. Coquito will solve a lot of these problems, regarding what to serve your grown-up guests. It’ll also help with the cheer. So while you’re sipping on a few and wondering what else to make during the bevy of parties you have to throw, let Twist & Toast help out by giving you some recipe ideas right here.
- Christmas Martini – Creamy and chocolatey, this festive ‘Tini is a great party favor.
- Mulled Wine Sangria – This traditional tipple goes well with some carols.
- Sugar Cookie Martini – Here’s the cookie Santa really wants this year.
- Cranberry Whiskey Sour – This drink hits the spot if you need something tart and strong.
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