Authentic Coquito (Coconut Eggnog) Recipe
Authentic Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican coconut eggnog made with a rich blend of cream of coconut, coconut milk, evaporated and sweetened condensed milk, warm spices, vanilla, and rum. This creamy, festive drink is perfect for holiday celebrations, combining tropical flavors with the comforting essence of eggnog. Served chilled and garnished with cinnamon and nutmeg, Coquito offers a smooth, flavorful experience that’s both refreshing and indulgent.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 4 to 12 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 6 to 8 servings 1x
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients
Scale
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut (Coco Lopez brand preferred)
- 1 can (15 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz)
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz)
- ½ to 1 cup Brugal or dark spiced rum
- ½ to 1 cup Bacardi white rum or coconut rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 cinnamon sticks (for infusion)
Other
- 2 large egg yolks (optional)
- Cinnamon sticks, star anise, and ground nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Pour the cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, vanilla extract, and egg yolks (if using) into a blender.
- Blend the mixture: Blend all the ingredients on high speed for 2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and well combined, ensuring a creamy texture.
- Add rum gradually: Start by adding ½ cup each of Brugal or dark spiced rum and Bacardi white rum or coconut rum. Blend for about 30 seconds, then taste the mixture. If you desire a stronger alcoholic flavor, add up to an additional ½ cup of either rum, blending again and tasting. Do not exceed 2 cups of rum total.
- Infuse and chill: Pour the blended Coquito into an airtight bottle and add 2 cinnamon sticks for infusion. Refrigerate the bottle for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, or up to three days to allow all the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve: Serve the Coquito chilled in glasses. Garnish each glass with a cinnamon stick, a sprinkle of ground nutmeg, and optionally a star anise for an aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Egg yolks are optional; omitting them will result in a non-egg Coquito variation.
- The amount of rum can be adjusted to taste but should generally not exceed 2 cups total to maintain balance.
- Chilling the Coquito for several hours or overnight greatly enhances the flavor profile.
- Use an airtight container for storage to prevent absorption of refrigerator odors.
- This recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Keywords: Coquito, Coconut Eggnog, Puerto Rican Drink, Holiday Beverage, Creamy Coconut Cocktail
