Experience the rich and creamy flavors of Puerto Rico with this delightful coquito recipe. This traditional holiday drink combines the tropical essence of coconut milk with the sweetness of sweetened condensed milk and the warmth of spices. Perfect for festive gatherings, this beverage is sure to bring a taste of the Caribbean to your celebrations.
When preparing this coquito, you might find that coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk are not always staples in every household. These ingredients can usually be found in the baking or international aisle of your local supermarket. Additionally, make sure to pick up a good quality white rum to enhance the authentic flavor of this drink.

Ingredients For Coquito Recipe
Coconut milk: Provides a rich, creamy base with a distinct tropical flavor.
Sweetened condensed milk: Adds sweetness and a thick, luscious texture to the drink.
Evaporated milk: Contributes to the creamy consistency without adding extra sweetness.
White rum: Infuses the drink with a subtle alcoholic kick, enhancing the overall flavor.
Vanilla extract: Adds a warm, aromatic note that complements the other ingredients.
Ground cinnamon: Provides a warm, spicy flavor that is essential to the traditional taste.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of nutty spice, rounding out the flavor profile.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
To enhance the flavor of your coquito, toast the ground cinnamon and ground nutmeg in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes before adding them to the blender. This will release their essential oils and deepen their aroma, giving your coquito a richer and more complex taste.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
coconut milk - Substitute with almond milk: Almond milk provides a similar creamy texture and can be used for those who are allergic to coconut.
sweetened condensed milk - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream offers a rich, sweet flavor and thick consistency, making it a good alternative for sweetened condensed milk.
evaporated milk - Substitute with half-and-half: Half-and-half can mimic the creamy texture of evaporated milk, though it may be slightly less thick.
white rum - Substitute with coconut rum: Coconut rum adds a complementary coconut flavor, enhancing the tropical notes of the drink.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but pleasant nutty flavor that can add depth to the coquito.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks can be simmered in the mixture to infuse a similar warm, spicy flavor.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with allspice: Allspice offers a similar warm, spicy note and can be used in slightly smaller quantities.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Drink
How to Store or Freeze This Drink
- Store your coquito in a tightly sealed container, such as a glass bottle or a mason jar, to maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Keep the coquito refrigerated at all times. This delightful dessert drink is best enjoyed chilled, and refrigeration helps to preserve its creamy texture and rich flavors.
- Before serving, give the coquito a good shake or stir. The ingredients may settle over time, so a quick mix will ensure a consistent and smooth pour.
- If you plan to store the coquito for an extended period, consider adding a splash of extra white rum. The alcohol acts as a natural preservative, extending the shelf life of your coquito.
- For those who wish to freeze coquito, pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. This will prevent the container from cracking or breaking.
- When ready to enjoy your frozen coquito, transfer it to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. This gradual thawing process helps to maintain the drink's creamy consistency.
- Once thawed, give the coquito a thorough shake or stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. This will restore its smooth, luscious texture.
- Remember, frozen coquito may have a slightly different texture compared to its freshly made counterpart, but it will still be delicious and enjoyable.
- Always label your containers with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you consume it within a safe timeframe.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the coquito into a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can alter the texture and flavor.
- Alternatively, you can reheat individual servings in the microwave. Pour the coquito into a microwave-safe mug or glass, then heat on medium power for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking.
- If you prefer a more traditional approach, place the coquito in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir occasionally until it reaches the desired temperature.
- For a quick fix, you can also use a milk frother or handheld immersion blender with a heating function. Simply pour the coquito into a suitable container and heat while frothing to ensure even warming.
Best Tools for Making This Recipe
Blender: Used to combine all the ingredients until smooth, ensuring a well-mixed and creamy texture.
Large pitcher: Used to store the blended mixture in the refrigerator, allowing it to chill and the flavors to meld together.
Refrigerator: Essential for chilling the coquito for at least 2 hours before serving, ensuring it is properly cold.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the white rum accurately, ensuring the correct balance of flavors.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg accurately, ensuring the right amount of spices.
Can opener: Used to open the cans of coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk.
Serving glasses: Used to serve the chilled coquito, providing a pleasant presentation.
Spoon: Used to sprinkle cinnamon on top of the coquito as a garnish, if desired.
How to Save Time on Making This Drink
Use pre-mixed spices: Save time by using a pre-mixed blend of cinnamon and nutmeg instead of measuring each spice separately.
Batch preparation: Double or triple the recipe and store extra coquito in the fridge for future use.
Quick chill: If you're in a hurry, chill the coquito in the freezer for 30 minutes instead of refrigerating for 2 hours.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all ingredients beforehand to streamline the blending process.
Use a high-speed blender: A high-speed blender will mix the ingredients more quickly and smoothly.

Coquito Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Coconut Milk
- 1 can Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1 can Evaporated Milk
- 1 cup White Rum
- 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour into a large pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.
- Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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