Name: Irresistible Coquito: A Treasured Recipe in Under 10 Mins
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 24 ounces evaporated milk; 14 ounces Cream of Coconut Coco Lopez or Coco Real; 14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk; 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk; 8 ounces Gold Rum; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves; 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg plus extra for garnish

Jump to Recipe

For Puerto Ricans, the holidays *aren’t* the holidays without coquito! Seriously, this creamy, dreamy coconut drink is like a liquid hug in a glass, and it tastes like pure celebration. I still remember the first time I tried it – my Titi Maria made a huge batch, and the whole house smelled like cinnamon and Christmas. Wow! The flavor was just… incredible. Rich, coconutty, with that little kick of rum? Perfection! Making coquito is a tradition that’s been passed down in my family for generations, and I’m so excited to share my version with you. Trust me, this recipe is special!

What Makes This Coquito Recipe Special?

Okay, so why should you make *this* coquito recipe? Well, let me tell you, it’s all about ease and flavor! Here’s the deal:

Quick and Easy Coquito

Seriously, you just dump everything in a blender! Prep time is practically zero. I mean, who doesn’t love that?

Authentic Puerto Rican Coquito Flavor

This recipe uses the *real* ingredients – the ones my grandma used! It’s that classic coquito taste you’re craving, promise!

Perfect for Holiday Gatherings

Coquito is *the* holiday drink. It’s festive, fun, and everyone will rave about it. Guaranteed!

Customizable Coquito

Want it stronger? Add more rum! Want it milder? Go easy on the rum (or skip it altogether!). It’s totally up to you!

The Ingredients You’ll Need to Make Coquito

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need:

24 ounces evaporated milk
14 ounces Cream of Coconut (Coco Lopez or Coco Real – both work great!)
14 ounces unsweetened coconut milk
14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
8 ounces Gold Rum (or more, I won’t judge!)
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (plus extra for garnish!)

Easy peasy, right?

How to Make Coquito: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, here’s the fun part! Making coquito is super simple. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping on holiday cheer in no time!

Blending the Coquito Ingredients

Seriously, this is the easiest step ever. Just grab your blender (any blender will do!), and dump in *all* the ingredients: evaporated milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, rum, vanilla, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. Then, blend it all up on high speed until it’s smooth and creamy. Maybe 30 seconds? You want everything nicely combined.

Coquito - detail 1

Chilling Your Coquito

Now, this is *crucial*: you *have* to chill your coquito! It needs at least 2 hours in the fridge for all those flavors to meld together and get happy. Trust me, warm coquito is just… not the same. Overnight is even better! I usually make it the day before I need it.

Serving the Perfect Coquito

Alright, the moment we’ve been waiting for! Before you pour, give your coquito a good shake or stir, because sometimes the spices settle a bit. Then, pour it into small glasses – coquito is rich, so a little goes a long way! Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg on top. It makes it look extra festive and adds a little extra flavor. And that’s it! Enjoy!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Your Coquito

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! Don’t stress if you can’t find *exactly* what I listed – we can make this work! Here’s the lowdown:

Choosing the Right Rum for Your Coquito

Gold rum is my go-to for coquito – it adds a nice warmth without being *too* overpowering. But hey, use what you like! White rum will give you a cleaner flavor, and dark rum will add a richer, molasses-y note. Experiment and see what *you* love! Just please use real rum, okay?

Coquito without Alcohol

Want to make a kid-friendly coquito? No problem! Just skip the rum altogether. Seriously, it’s still delicious! You can add a teaspoon of rum extract for that “something special,” but honestly, it’s great without it. It’s all about that coconutty, spicy goodness!

Variations on Coquito: Dairy-Free Options

Got dairy sensitivities? I got you! Just swap out the evaporated milk and sweetened condensed milk for coconut condensed milk and your favorite dairy-free milk. Almond milk works great, or even oat milk! Just make sure it’s unsweetened so it doesn’t get *too* sweet. Easy peasy!

Coquito - detail 2

Tips for the Best Homemade Coquito

Want to take your coquito to the *next* level? Here are my top tips for coquito perfection!

Achieving the Perfect Coquito Consistency

Is your coquito too thick? Add a little more coconut milk until it’s just right. Too thin? Blend in a few ice cubes to thicken it up! Easy fix!

Enhancing the Coquito Flavor

Want to get fancy? Try adding a pinch of ginger or a dash of orange zest! My favorite is a tiny bit of star anise. It adds a *wow* factor!

How to Store Your Coquito

Coquito needs to be in the fridge, *always*! It’ll stay good for about a week, maybe a little longer. Just make sure it’s sealed tight, okay?

Frequently Asked Questions About Coquito

Got questions about coquito? I got answers! Here’s the scoop on everything you need to know!

How long does Coquito last in the refrigerator?

Okay, so coquito is good in the fridge for about a week. Maybe a *little* longer, but honestly, it’s usually gone way before then! Just make sure it’s sealed up tight, okay?

Can I freeze Coquito?

You *can* freeze coquito, but fair warning: it might change the texture a bit. It can get a little icy. If you’re going to freeze it, put it in a freezer-safe container and leave a little room at the top, because it’ll expand. When you thaw it, give it a good shake or blend to get it smooth again.

Is Coquito gluten-free?

Yep! Coquito is naturally gluten-free, which is awesome! As long as you’re using gluten-free rum (most are!), you’re good to go!

Can I make Coquito ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, I *recommend* making coquito a day or two before you need it. It gives the flavors time to meld together and get even more delicious. Seriously, it’s even better after a day or two in the fridge!

What’s the best way to serve Coquito?

Serve coquito ice cold in small glasses. A little sprinkle of nutmeg on top is a must! And hey, if you’re feeling fancy, add a cinnamon stick or a star anise for garnish. Cheers!

Nutritional Information for Coquito

Okay, so here’s the deal: nutrition info can vary a *lot* depending on the brands you use. So, this is just an estimate, okay? Don’t come at me!

Give Your Coquito a Try!

Alright, what are you waiting for? Go make some coquito! And hey, if you try it, leave a comment and let me know what you think! Share it on Insta, too! I wanna see your coquito creations!