Coquito

The coquito recipe I used this year was passed on for generations and this stuff is strong! The kind that tastes really strong when you’re sober but tastes delicious when you’re tipsy which is after a few sips 😂😂 You might want to add less liquor to it. This recipe has more than I usually use. In my opinion, this is so much better than traditional egg nog.

What is Coquito?
Coquito is a Puerto Rican eggnog-like drink prepared with coconut milk that is traditionally served on Nochebuena (Christmas eve)
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 Rum.

For this recipe, I used evaporated milk, sweet condensed milk, coconut milk, coconut cream, Bacardi light rum and brandy.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 but most importantly, I didn’t want to get anyone sick. I couldn’t sample it then either because I think drinking raw eggs is kinda disgusting 😂
Some coquitos do use eggs. Omitting the eggs means that the drink also has a longer shelf life, so it’s perfect to enjoy across the holiday season.

Which rum should I use for this drink?
Light rum, also known as silver or white rum is ideal for this coquito recipe. It is filtered several times and is very light in color and flavor so it doesn’t overpower the flavor of the coconut and spices.

Can Coquito be made without Rum?
To make a virgin coquito, you can leave out the rum and brandy to make a kid-friendly holiday drink. It will still taste creamy and delicious, but without the alcohol.

How to store Coquito
Once you have blended together with your ingredients, pour the drink into sealable jars or bottles. Close the lid and keep refrigerated till ready to serve.

How long does Coquito last?
Because this is made without eggs, it has a longer shelf life and is a great make-ahead holiday drink. It will keep well in the fridge for up to a week or two so it’s a great make-ahead drink to enjoy throughout the holidays

COQUITO VARIATIONS
You can easily make different flavored coquitos. Make chocolate coquito by adding in some dark chocolate, or try making different flavors like pistachio or strawberry! My nephew just made a nutella coquito. You can even use different flavored rum. This is a great base recipe to add your own twist! I prefer not to add cloves, like some do, but add a little pinch if you like the flavor.
Some people also prefer to soak raisins in rum and add them.

INGREDIENTS

• [ ] 14 oz (1 can) sweet condensed milk
• [ ] 12 oz (1 can) evaporated milk
• [ ] 13.5 oz (1 can) coconut milk
• [ ] 15 oz (1 can) cream of coconut
• [ ] 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• [ ] 1 teaspoon nutmeg
• [ ] 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• [ ] 2 cups light rum
• [ ] 1/2 cup brandy

HOW TO MAKE THIS COQUITO DRINK

• combine condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk and coconut cream and mix well with a blender or whisk
• Add the cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
• Finally, add the rum and brandy. 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, if you prefer, garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg, or place cinnamon sticks into glasses.