Puerto Rican Coquito

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Rich, creamy, and undeniably festive, Puerto Rican Coquito is the ultimate holiday drink that instantly transports you to the Caribbean with every sip. Blended with coconut, spices, and a touch of rum, this luscious beverage is Puerto Rico’s answer to eggnog — but silkier, sweeter, and infused with island warmth.

Perfect for Christmas gatherings, cozy nights by the fire, or simply a tropical escape in a glass, this recipe delivers bold holiday flavor in the easiest way. If you’re a fan of coconut desserts or creamy cocktails, Coquito is your next must-try indulgence.

Why You’ll Love This Puerto Rican Coquito

This Coquito recipe is incredibly easy to whip up with pantry staples and just a blender. It’s smooth, perfectly spiced, and customizable to your taste. Make it boozy or keep it kid-friendly, it stores well for up to a week and tastes even better after a day of chilling. A true crowd-pleaser!

Do I Need to Use Eggs in Coquito?

Not in this version! Traditional Coquito sometimes includes eggs, similar to eggnog, but this egg-free version is safer for longer storage and just as creamy thanks to the coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. Plus, it saves you the hassle of cooking custard.

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Ingredients for the Puerto Rican Coquito

Coconut Milk – Adds the signature tropical base, rich and smooth.

Cream of Coconut – Brings sweetness and extra creamy texture.

Sweetened Condensed Milk – Sweetens and thickens the drink beautifully.

Evaporated Milk – Balances the sweetness and adds depth.

Ground Cinnamon – Gives the drink its warm, holiday spice.

Nutmeg – Enhances the seasonal flavor profile.

Vanilla Extract – Rounds out all the flavors.

White Rum – Optional, but traditional! Adds a festive boozy kick.

Cinnamon Sticks – For garnish and subtle infusion.

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How To Make the Puerto Rican Coquito

Step 1: Blend the Base

In a high-powered blender, combine the coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Blend on medium speed for about 1 minute until smooth and fully combined.

Step 2: Spice It Up

Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend again briefly, just until incorporated.

Step 3: Add the Rum (Optional)

Pour in the white rum and give the mixture one final blend, about 20 seconds. Skip this step if you want to make a non-alcoholic version.

Step 4: Chill Thoroughly

Pour the Coquito into glass bottles or jars with lids. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and the drink to thicken.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Shake well before serving. Pour into small glasses and garnish with ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for flair.

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How to Serve Puerto Rican Coquito

Serve Coquito cold, straight from the fridge, in small cordial or rocks glasses. This recipe yields about 7 cups, serving 6 to 8 people depending on glass size. It’s rich, so a little goes a long way. Perfect for holiday parties, cozy movie nights, or gift in bottles!

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Storing Coquito the Right Way

Store your Coquito in airtight glass bottles or jars in the refrigerator. It will keep well for 5 to 7 days. Shake before pouring, as natural separation occurs. If you used alcohol, it may last a few days longer. Always keep it chilled and use clean utensils for pouring to extend shelf life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use coconut cream instead of cream of coconut?
No, coconut cream is unsweetened and much thicker, while cream of coconut (like Coco López) is sweetened and perfect for Coquito’s rich texture.

2. What type of rum is best?
A good quality white Puerto Rican rum is traditional, such as Don Q or Bacardí. Dark rum works too for a deeper flavor.

3. Is Coquito gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your rum is certified gluten-free if needed.

4. Can I make it alcohol-free?
Absolutely. Just leave out the rum, and it will still be creamy and flavorful—perfect for kids or non-drinkers.

5. Can I freeze Coquito?
It’s not recommended. Freezing changes the texture and may cause separation. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

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Want More Holiday Drink Ideas?

If you love festive sips like this Puerto Rican Coquito, try these holiday comfort drinks and dishes from the Life With Livia kitchen:

• Pumpkin Bread for cozy fall mornings.
• Zesty Lemon Meringue Pie Cannoli when you want dessert in a glass.
• French Onion Short Rib Soup to serve before your Coquito.
• Small Batch Almond Joy Cookies for tropical treat lovers.
• Texas Chocolate Pecan Pie to pair with your glass of Coquito.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you try it with dark rum? Add extra cinnamon? Or keep it booze-free for the kids?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other sip smarter.

Find more festive recipes like this one on my Pinterest: Life With Livia

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