Description
Coquito is a creamy and rich Puerto Rican holiday drink made with a blend of evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, and coconut milk, infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and optionally spiked with white rum. This delectable beverage is traditionally served chilled and garnished with cinnamon sticks, perfect for festive celebrations or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Milk and Cream
- 12 oz evaporated milk
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 15 oz cream of coconut
- 13.5 oz coconut milk
Flavorings and Spices
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg (optional, for garnish)
- Cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Alcohol
- 0.5 to 1 cup white rum (optional)
Instructions
- Blend the Milks and Cream: Add the evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, and coconut milk into a blender. Blend until fully smooth, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Add Flavorings and Alcohol: Pour in the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and white rum if desired. Blend briefly again to thoroughly combine all ingredients.
- Chill the Mixture: Pour the blended coquito mixture into a pitcher or sealable bottles. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld and the drink to become refreshingly cold.
- Serve and Garnish: Before serving, shake or stir the coquito well. Pour into small glasses and garnish each with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of ground nutmeg or additional cinnamon for a festive touch.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of white rum based on preference or omit entirely for a non-alcoholic version.
- Chilling the drink overnight enhances the flavor and texture.
- Use a good quality cream of coconut for the best smooth, sweet coconut flavor.
- Coquito can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week; shake well before each serving.
- For a thicker consistency, some recipes add egg yolks, but this is omitted here for simplicity and safety.
