The holiday season brings a certain magic, especially in Puerto Rico, where no celebration is complete without a glass of Coquito. This creamy coconut-based drink, spiced with delightful flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg, is often referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog. Coquito is a cherished tradition that perfectly captures the festive spirit with its rich texture and smooth coconut taste, making it ideal for sharing with family and friends.

This non-alcoholic recipe ensures that everyone can take part in the celebration—a perfect blend for family gatherings, as a dessert drink, or as a thoughtful homemade gift. Join us as we explore this beloved Puerto Rican tradition and learn how to whip up this delicious drink in a few simple steps!

What is Coquito?

Coquito, meaning “little coconut” in Spanish, is a festive Puerto Rican drink made from coconut milk, cream of coconut, and sweetened condensed milk. This indulgent beverage is harmonized with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, creating a rich and satisfying taste. While many might add rum, this non-alcoholic version preserves all the creamy goodness, allowing everyone to enjoy it.

In Puerto Rican culture, Coquito is much more than just a drink—it symbolizes togetherness and joy during the holiday season. It’s commonly prepared in large batches to share among loved ones during Christmas, New Year’s, and even Three Kings Day celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Rich and Creamy

The irresistible combination of coconut milk, cream of coconut, and sweetened condensed milk creates a decadently smooth texture that you’ll find hard to resist.

2. Festive Flavors

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg meld beautifully with vanilla, giving this drink the taste of the holidays in every sip.

3. Family-Friendly

With no alcohol included, this family-friendly version ensures that both kids and adults can indulge in this festive treat.

4. Easy to Make

In just 10 minutes of prep time, and with no cooking required, this recipe is a breeze—perfect for the busy holiday season!

5. Perfect for Sharing

Traditionally served in small portions, Coquito is an excellent addition to holiday parties, family feasts, or as a delightful homemade gift.

Ingredients

To create this delicious drink, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut
• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (plus extra for garnish)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

These ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores and blend brilliantly to form the rich, flavorful base that is Coquito.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Blend the Ingredients

Start by placing the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a blender. Blend on high for about one minute or until the mix becomes smooth and creamy. This step ensures that all the spices are thoroughly mixed and gives the drink its luxurious texture.

2. Chill

Pour the blended Coquito into a large pitcher or an airtight container. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least four hours, or overnight for the best flavor. Chilling allows the ingredients to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall richness and complexity of the drink.

3. Serve

Before serving, give the Coquito a good shake or stir to ensure everything is well combined. Pour the drink into small glasses, sprinkle with a bit of ground cinnamon, and serve chilled. For an added festive flair, adorn each glass with a cinnamon stick or an extra sprinkle of nutmeg.

Tips for the Perfect Coquito

Adjust the Thickness

If you adore a thicker consistency, consider mixing in 1/2 cup of coconut cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream while blending. This alters the texture, making it even richer and more decadent.

Sweetness Level

This recipe is inherently sweet due to the sweetened condensed milk and cream of coconut. To make it less sweet, feel free to reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or enhance the spice level with an additional pinch of nutmeg.

Serve Small Portions

Given its rich nature, Coquito shines when served in small, elegant glasses. Opt for shot glasses, petite tumblers, or decorative glassware to highlight its festive appeal.

Storage

Store any leftover Coquito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Always give it a shake or stir before serving, as the ingredients may separate naturally over time.

Serving Suggestions

Coquito is a versatile drink that pairs wonderfully with various holiday treats. Here are some tasty serving ideas:

Pair with Desserts

Complement Coquito with traditional holiday desserts like flan, tres leches cake, or assorted Christmas cookies for a lovely dessert pairing.

Host a Tasting Bar

Set up a festive drink bar at your gathering featuring Coquito, hot chocolate, and spiced apple cider. Include garnishes like cinnamon sticks and whipped cream, letting guests customize their drinks.

Gift It

Pour Coquito into small glass bottles, tie a colorful ribbon around the neck, and attach a handwritten tag with serving instructions. It’s a heartfelt and delicious homemade gift for friends, family, or colleagues.

FAQs

1. Can I make Coquito without a blender?

Yes! If a blender isn’t available, you can whisk the ingredients in a large mixing bowl until smooth. It’s important to ensure the cream of coconut is fully mixed in for consistency.

2. What’s the difference between Coquito and traditional eggnog?

Coquito is a coconut-infused drink that does not use raw eggs, while traditional eggnog is made with milk, cream, and eggs. Coquito brings a tropical touch to the holiday drink scene.

3. Can I use fresh coconut milk?

Certainly! Fresh coconut milk can be substituted for canned coconut milk if you’re seeking a more authentic taste. Just make sure it’s thick and creamy for the best results.

4. How can I make it less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the sweetened condensed milk or replace it with an unsweetened version. Increasing the amounts of cinnamon or nutmeg can also balance out the sweetness.

5. Can Coquito be frozen?

Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture upon thawing. However, you may pour small portions into ice cube trays to chill and infuse various beverages, like iced coffee or cocktails.