COQUITO
A PUERTO RICAN HOLIDAY DRINK

This holiday season I was introduced to Coquito—a festive Puerto Rican holiday drink.  I call it a Christmas cocktail, however, it can be made without booze.

Some folks refer to the lovely libation as Puerto Rican coconut eggnog, however, the eggnog comparison isn’t quite right. It’s more, at least the way I make it, boozy coconut milk. Either way, think of it as Christmas in a bottle.

Coquito, which means little coconut, is a creamy coconut milk treat that is very popular over the holidays. Research coquito and you will find a bevy of recipes. The core ingredients tend to include rum, coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Some recipes call for eggs and other call for cooking certain ingredients. I instead opt for a very simple, and very boozy, recipe that is super easy to make. Basically, just combine all the ingredients and blend them together. Then refrigerate and enjoy. 

Pro tip: I recommend using Don Q Puerto Rican white rum.  Do make sure to you use white rum and don’t use overproof rum unless you want a one-and-done experience.

Ingredients:

2 cans of evaporated milk
2 cans of coconut milk
1 can of condensed milk
1 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of white rum (Don Q recommended)
Cinnamon powder
2 cinnamon sticks
Shredded coconut for glass rim (optional)

Directions:

Mix together all ingredients
Blend for two minutes
Pour into container
Refrigerate for at least a few hours or a day before serving

Garnish with cinnamon sticks and a coconut rim