The Best Coquito Recipe (Puerto Rican Coconut Rum Cocktail)

Coquito is a favorite from Puerto Rico. This eggnog-like drink, prepared with coconut milk, is traditionally served on Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). It’s easy and quick to make, wonderfully creamy, and perfectly festive.

The festivities run all the way up to New Year, but my favorite of all is Nochebuena (Christmas Eve). On this day, families get together for a big home gathering with lots of food, drinks, music, dancing, and overall fun. This is one delicious sip with its creamy texture, warming flavors from the spices, and delicate coconut flavor. For more Latin Christmas recipes, be sure to check out my Pasteles en Hoja and Roasted Pork Shoulder!

What is Coquito?

Coquito is a Puerto Rican eggnog-like drink prepared with coconut milk that is traditionally served on Nochebuena. There are many variations to this drink, but the base ingredients are always the same: Coconut milk, coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, and Caribbean Rum.

For this recipe, I used evaporated milk, sweet condensed milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, and Bacardi light rum. For the spices, I used cinnamon and nutmeg and added a little vanilla extract for some extra flavor.

I did not use eggs because I wanted to keep the recipe light and simple.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

It’s incredibly easy to make, no cooking required, and comes together in just minutes, making it a hassle-free addition to your holiday festivities. This Puerto Rican coconut eggnog combines the tropical sweetness of coconut with aromatic spices and the warmth of rum, creating a luxurious beverage perfect for festive gatherings.

Its velvety texture and rich flavor make it an instant favorite, and you can easily tailor it to your taste, whether you prefer it extra creamy, spicier, or alcohol-free. With its ability to be prepared ahead of time, Coquito is a stress-free crowd-pleaser that will elevate your holiday celebrations while introducing a delicious piece of Puerto Rican culture to your home.

Ingredients

• Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and creaminess to the base.
• Evaporated Milk: Creates a smooth and rich consistency.
• Coconut Milk: Brings a light tropical flavor.
• Cream of Coconut: Intensifies the coconut sweetness, and makes this delicious cocktail creamier.
• Cinnamon: Infuses warm, holiday spices.
• Nutmeg: Adds a touch of earthy spice.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
• Light Rum: Provides a festive kick; optional for a non-alcoholic version.

How to make this coquito drink

In a blender, combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and coconut cream. Add the cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. Finally, add the rum. Blend until all is well combined.

Pour into glass bottles, seal tightly, and refrigerate. Shake the mixture well before serving. Serve cold in small drink glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or place cinnamon sticks into glasses.

Serving Coquito

Serve your coquito cold in small drink glasses, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg on the top, and enjoy. I prefer not to add ice as it dilutes the drink. If you are serving a larger crowd, you can pour it into a pitcher and let everyone help themselves!

Coquito Variations

You can easily make different-flavored coquitos. Make my chocolate coquito by adding in some dark chocolate, or try making different flavors like pistachio or strawberry! This is a great base recipe to add your own twist! I prefer not to add cloves to my coquito recipe, but add a little pinch if you like the flavor.

Storage Tips

Once you have blended together all your ingredients, pour the drink into sealable mason jars or bottles. Close the lid and keep it refrigerated until ready to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

Recipe Notes and Tips

• If your blender is a regular-sized blender like mine, you will have to separate it into two batches and pour it into a large pitcher as you go.
• Leftovers can be kept refrigerated for about a week.
• Use light rum in this recipe, not dark.

More Drinks Recipes

• Pomegranate Holiday Sangria
• Cranberry Mojito
• Grapefruit Lime Margaritas
• Black and White Bourbon Milkshake