Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that brings a tropical twist to the festive season. This creamy, coconut-based beverage is often enjoyed during Christmas and New Year's celebrations, offering a delightful blend of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and white rum. It's a perfect way to bring warmth and cheer to any gathering.
While most of the ingredients for Coquito are commonly found in your pantry, you might need to make a special trip to the supermarket for coconut milk and white rum. Coconut milk is typically located in the international or baking aisle, while white rum can be found in the liquor section. Ensure you have these on hand to create the authentic flavor of this festive drink.

Ingredients For Coquito Recipe
Coconut milk: Provides the creamy, tropical base for the drink.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and richness to the Coquito.
Evaporated milk: Contributes to the creamy texture without adding extra sweetness.
White rum: Gives the drink its signature kick and depth of flavor.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a hint of vanilla.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and spice to the drink.
Ground nutmeg: Provides a subtle, nutty spice that complements the other flavors.
Technique Tip for Making Coquito
When blending the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk, make sure to blend on a low setting initially to avoid splattering. Gradually increase the speed to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency. This technique helps to fully incorporate the spices and rum, resulting in a well-balanced coquito.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar creamy texture and can be used for a lighter version of the drink.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream adds a rich, sweet flavor and maintains the tropical essence of the coquito.
evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half offers a similar consistency and richness, making it a good alternative.
white rum - Substitute with dark rum: Dark rum adds a deeper, more complex flavor profile to the coquito.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a nutty flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks can be steeped in the mixture for a more subtle and aromatic cinnamon flavor.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice offers a similar warm, spicy note that can replace nutmeg in the recipe.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
To keep your coquito fresh and flavorful, store it in an airtight container, such as a glass bottle or a mason jar, in the refrigerator. This will help maintain its creamy texture and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
For optimal taste, consume your coquito within 4-5 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, but after a week, the quality may start to decline.
If you want to extend the life of your coquito, consider freezing it. Pour the coquito into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen coquito, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly overnight. This gradual thawing process helps preserve the creamy consistency.
Give the thawed coquito a good shake or stir before serving to ensure all the ingredients are well-mixed and the texture is smooth.
If you prefer individual servings, you can freeze coquito in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can easily defrost just the amount you need.
Remember, coquito contains alcohol, which acts as a preservative, but always use your best judgment. If it smells off or the texture seems unusual, it's better to err on the side of caution and discard it.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the coquito into a saucepan and warm it over low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent it from curdling.
- If you prefer using a microwave, pour the coquito into a microwave-safe mug or bowl. Heat it on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature.
- For a more luxurious touch, heat the coquito in a double boiler. This gentle method ensures even warming without the risk of overheating.
- If you have a milk frother, you can use it to gently warm and froth the coquito for a creamy, café-style experience.
- To retain the drink's smooth texture, avoid boiling the coquito as it can cause the mixture to separate.
Best Tools for Making Coquito
Blender: To combine all the ingredients until smooth.
Pitcher: To store the coquito mixture in the refrigerator.
Measuring cups: To measure the white rum and evaporated milk accurately.
Measuring spoons: To measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg precisely.
Can opener: To open the cans of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Refrigerator: To chill the coquito mixture for at least 2 hours before serving.
Serving glasses: To serve the chilled coquito.
Cinnamon shaker: To sprinkle cinnamon on top of the coquito as a garnish if desired.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, white rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg before starting to save time.
Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender will mix the ingredients more quickly and smoothly.
Chill in advance: Prepare the coquito the night before and let it chill overnight for a ready-to-serve drink.
Batch preparation: Double or triple the recipe and store extra in the fridge for future use.

Coquito Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Coconut milk
- 1 can Sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup 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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