Introduction
Coquito is Puerto Rico’s famous Christmas drink, often described as the egg-free version of eggnog. Rich, creamy, and infused with warm spices, coconut milk, condensed milk, and optional white rum, this festive beverage is perfect for holiday gatherings and makes a wonderful make-ahead party drink.
Ingredients
- 12 oz can evaporated milk
- ½ inch ginger
- 1–2 cinnamon sticks
- 1–2 cloves
- 1 star anise
- 13.5 oz can unsweetened coconut milk
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 15 oz can cream of coconut
- DIY Cream of Coconut (if unavailable):
- 400 ml coconut milk
- 1½ cups sugar
- Pinch of salt
Warm together for 2–3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes translucent.
- 1–1½ cups white rum (optional for an alcoholic version)
- Ground cinnamon, for garnish
- Cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, ginger, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
- Heat gently for 3–4 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Allow the mixture to cool completely.
- Strain and discard the whole spices.
- Add the infused evaporated milk, coconut milk, condensed milk, cream of coconut, and white rum (if using) to a blender.
- Blend on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the Coquito into clean glass bottles.
- Refrigerate overnight for the best flavor.
- Serve chilled.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick.
Salud… Happy Holidays!
