Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that brings a tropical twist to the festive season. This creamy and rich beverage is often enjoyed during Christmas and New Year's celebrations, offering a delightful blend of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and white rum. It's a perfect treat to share with family and friends, adding a touch of island warmth to your holiday gatherings.
While most of the ingredients for Coquito are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to visit the supermarket for a few specific items. Coconut milk is essential for that tropical flavor, and you might not always have it on hand. Additionally, white rum is a key component that gives Coquito its signature kick. Make sure to pick up these items if you don't already have them at home.

Ingredients for Coquito Recipe
Coconut milk: Provides the rich, creamy base with a tropical flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and thickness to the drink.
Evaporated milk: Contributes to the creamy texture without adding extra sweetness.
White rum: Gives the Coquito its traditional alcoholic kick.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the drink.
Ground nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon with a subtle, nutty flavor.
Technique Tip for Making Coquito
When blending the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, make sure to start on a low speed to prevent splattering. Gradually increase the speed to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. This will help the spices like ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg distribute evenly throughout the mixture, enhancing the flavor profile of your coquito.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar creamy texture and mild flavor, though it lacks the distinct coconut taste.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut cream and sugar: Coconut cream adds richness and a coconut flavor, while sugar provides the necessary sweetness.
evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half offers a similar creamy consistency and richness.
white rum - Substitute with coconut rum: Coconut rum enhances the coconut flavor while still providing the alcoholic content.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract offers a different but complementary flavor profile.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice provides a warm, spicy flavor that complements the other ingredients.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground mace: Ground mace has a similar flavor profile to nutmeg, making it a suitable alternative.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to Coquito
How to Store or Freeze Coquito
To keep your coquito fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container or a glass bottle with a tight-fitting lid. This helps maintain its creamy texture and rich flavors.
Place the container in the refrigerator. Coquito can be stored in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors will meld together beautifully over time, making it even more delightful.
Before serving, give the coquito a good shake or stir. The ingredients may separate slightly during storage, but a quick mix will bring it back to its smooth consistency.
For longer storage, consider freezing your coquito. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Seal the container tightly to prevent freezer burn.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen coquito, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. This gradual thawing process helps preserve its creamy texture.
Once thawed, give the coquito a thorough shake or stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. Serve chilled, and enjoy the same rich, festive flavors as when it was freshly made.
If you prefer individual servings, freeze the coquito in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily thaw just the amount you need without defrosting the entire batch.
Remember, coquito contains alcohol, which helps preserve it, but always check for any off smells or changes in texture before serving, especially if it's been stored for an extended period.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the coquito into a saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can alter the texture and flavor.
- Alternatively, you can reheat the coquito in the microwave. Pour a serving into a microwave-safe mug or bowl, then heat it in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
- For a more luxurious experience, consider using a double boiler. Fill the bottom pot with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the coquito in the top pot and heat gently, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
- If you prefer a cold drink but want to take the chill off, let the coquito sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving. This method preserves the creamy texture while slightly warming the drink.
Best Tools for Making Coquito
Blender: To combine all the ingredients and blend them until smooth.
Pitcher: To pour the blended mixture into and refrigerate.
Refrigerator: To chill the coquito for at least 2 hours before serving.
Measuring cups: To measure the white rum accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg.
Can opener: To open the cans of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Spatula: To scrape down the sides of the blender if needed.
Serving glasses: To serve the chilled coquito.
Cinnamon shaker: To garnish the coquito with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
How to Save Time on Making Coquito
Use pre-mixed spices: Save time by using a pre-mixed blend of ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg instead of measuring each spice individually.
Batch preparation: Double or triple the recipe and store extra coquito in the fridge for future use, reducing the need for frequent preparation.
Quick chill: Speed up the chilling process by placing the pitcher in the freezer for 30 minutes before transferring it to the fridge.
Ready-to-use ingredients: Opt for canned coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk to avoid the hassle of preparing these components from scratch.

Coquito Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Coconut Milk
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 can Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup White Rum
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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