Coquito is a creamy coconut milk beverage native to Puerto Rico. Literally translated it means "little coconut," however there is nothing little about this drink. Its tastes like a coconut eggnog accented with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon. If you like a rich, sweet boozy drink then creamy coquito is for you!
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What is coquito?
Quite simply coquito is Puerto Rican eggnog made with rum, sweetened condensed milk, coconut cream, coconut milk, vanilla and cinnamon. These are blended into a creamy, rich cocktail. This classic Puerto Rican drink is traditionally served at Christmas along with other Christmas favorites like pernil (slow roasted pork) and arroz con gandules (rice with pigeon peas). Variations abound and every family boasts to have the BEST coquito recipe.
It is also popular to give as a gift for the holiday season. Make a big batch and store it in glass bottles for parties! This is like drinking your dessert!!! Authentic creamy coquito is such a festive drink for the holidays!
Does coquito have eggs?
Coquito is rich and creamy because of the mixture of sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut and coconut milk. No raw eggs! How can anything with sweetened condensed milk not be good?
One very important note: coquito tastes much better cold, so make sure you allow plenty of time between preparation and serving. I normally like to allow 4-6 hours. Make sure you shake it up before you serve it. Don't leave it in the fridge for longer than 2 days. Enjoy it fresh if possible.
Coquito history
Coquito is a very close cousin of eggnog, enjoyed by many throughout the English-speaking world. Eggnog comes to us from England where it was enjoyed in the manorial estates which had plenty of eggs and milk, the main ingredients in this delicious libation.
Similar beverages date back to the Middle Ages. In those times, a beverage called "posset" was also popular in country manors. Posset's main ingredients were also eggs and milk accented with spices and "spiked" with whatever alcohol was on hand ( most likely a brandy of sorts.)
When the settlers came to America, they brought along eggnog, of course. Along the way, rum made its way into the drink due to the abundance of sugarcane, the raw material for rum. For the vanilla make sure you use pure vanilla extract, it does make a difference.
Step by step photos:
- Step 1: Be sure you have a 6 cup blender
. This recipe will make a 6 cup batch but here are some key items since all the ingredients add up to 57 ounces but the blender holds 48. Don't worry about scraping every last drop from the cans. - Step 2: Get your ingredients together: vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, water, rum, cream of coconut and coconut milk.
- Step 3: Add all the ingredients but add the coconut milk last just up to the 6 cup line. ( You can go a little over.)
- Step 4: Step 4: Pop on the lid and hold it down with your hand and gently blend it. Chill it in the refrigerator and give it a stir before serving. You can store it in bottles, mason jars or and airtight container once blended. Note: It will separate when stored in the fridge so give it a good shake before serving and top with ground cinnamon. Enjoy!
Ingredients and variations:
- Rum: Use a light rum also known as silver, carta blanca or white. You can also vary the amount of rum to your liking. Puerto Rican coquito always uses Puerto Rican rum.
- Cream of coconut: This is a mixture of coconut water, sugar, coconut flesh or meat. It is not the same as coconut cream which is thicker, unsweetened and is a blend of less coconut water and the meat. Some popular brands of cream of coconut are Goya and Coco López.
- Coconut milk: This is easy found at most stores and is typically one part shredded coconut and two parts water. This not the same as coconut water which is mostly water.
- Sweetened condensed milk: There are many brands of this and they are all the same. If you want coquito that is a bit less sweet use evaporated milk instead and add agave nectar until you get the desired sweetness.
- Vegan: Swap out the sweetened condensed milk for almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk and add agave nectar or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Spices: Add some warm spices. Sprinkle on some ground cinnamon, nutmeg or even a little ground cloves on top and drop in a cinnamon stick. Some like coat the rim of the glass with ground cinnamon.
Frequently asked questions:
You can store coquito in an air tight container or bottles in the refrigerator for 4-8 week. The coconut fat will separate slightly or form on the top so shake the container before serving.
No, this contains milk products and needs to be refrigerated.
No, this recipe uses the canned coconut milk and cream of coconut. The main difference between the canned coconut milk and the type sold in the carton is it has been diluted with much more water. Coquito has a rich, thick creamy texture that the coconut milk imparts.
The traditional rum is Bacardi or Don Q white rum but any light rum is fine. Light run is also sold as silver, white or carta blanca. If you like dark rum or spiced rum, feel free to experiment but traditional recipes call for light rum.
Of course! Coquito is a special holiday drink for the whole family to enjoy. This drink is typically made with a Puerto Rican rum but if you're serving to minors, almond extract and rum extract will add just the right amount of tang to a virgin coquito. Add plenty of ice for the mocktail version as the coquito mixture is very sweet and thick if you're not diluting it down with booze.
The fat from the coconut will solidify when it gets cold. You can shake vigorously or blend it before serving.
Yes, you can substitute almond milk or soy milk for the sweetened condensed milk and add some agave nectar to get the desired sweetness.
Some versions of this recipe call for raw eggs or raw egg yolks but the shelf life is shorter so I prefer not to use eggs.
Here are a couple more of my favorite Latin cocktails you have to try for your next happy hour.
Grapefruit rosemary mojito is a fusion drink with such a nice herbal note of flavors you will love it!
The coconut mojito is a tasty tropical twist on classic mojito but you put da lime in da coconut and drink it all up!
You have to try the blue margarita that is so easy to make and reminds me of the blue waters of the Caribbean.
Coquito - Authentic Puerto Rican Egg-Free Eggnog
Ingredients
- ½ cup water
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 ½ cups Bacardi rum (light, white aka carta blanca)
- 15 oz cream of coconut Coco lopez
- 13.5 oz Coconut milk
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- ¼ tsp cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Place the water, sweetened condensed milk, rum, vanilla in the blender. Add the coconut milk last just up to the 6 cup line. Hold the lid tightly and gently blend. Chill in the fridge for up to 5 hours before serving. Stir again before serving.
- Shake vigorously before serving.
- Pour into small 6 oz. glasses and sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Enjoy!
Notes
- Rum: Use a light rum also known as silver, carta blanca or white. You can also vary the amount of rum to your liking. Puerto Rican coquito always uses Puerto Rican rum.
- Cream of coconut: This is a mixture of coconut water, sugar, coconut flesh or meat. It is not the same as coconut cream which is thicker, unsweetened and is a blend of less coconut water and the meat. Some popular brands of cream of coconut are Goya and Coco López.
- Coconut milk: This is easy found at most stores and is typically one part shredded coconut and two parts water. This not the same as coconut water which is mostly water.
- Sweetened condensed milk: There are many brands of this and they are all the same. If you want coquito that is a bit less sweet use evaporated milk instead and add agave nectar until you get the desired sweetness.
- Vegan: Swap out the sweetened condensed milk for almond milk, soy milk or coconut milk and add agave nectar or maple syrup for sweetness.
- Spices: Add some warm spices. Sprinkle on some ground cinnamon, nutmeg or even a little ground cloves on top and drop in a cinnamon stick. Some like coat the rim of the glass with ground cinnamon.
Analida
Thank You. I hope you enjoy making coquito!!! It is delicious.
Julie
OK, so no access to coconut milk here in The Sticks. SO this is what I did:
I ordered coconut liquid flavouring to add to the milk or water. It took a month to arrive (coming from China)
I used water instead of coconut milk.
I tasted it and it tasted SUPERB. I don't want to change a thing as it tastes GREAT.
After a couple of sips, I realized I forgot to add the coconut flavouring.
Oh well. I don't want to ruin it. So A+ without the coconut.
Laura @MotherWouldKnow
I'm not a huge fan of eggnog, but this sounds just wonderful. The thought of drinking this cold drink in the chilly fall or winter does't appeal as much as a trip to Puerto Rico to try it there:)
Analida
Yes, definitely a trip to Puerto Rico would be awesome!!
Thanks for commenting.
Kim~madeinaday
I am not a fan of eggnog but this sounds great! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on Twitter! Have a great week!
Kim
Analida
Thanks Kim. Have a great week too!!
Manila Spoon
I am not much for anything with alcohol but I must say this sounds delicious!
Analida
You don't have to use alcohol! And yes, it is delicious.
Germaine Dolmage
Do you know where I may purchase some coquito?
I lived many years of my life in Puerto Rico and I really enjoyed the island and its culture. This is a good beverage.
Analida
Germaine, how interesting to have lived in Puerto Rico; my best friend is Puerto Rican.
I honestly don't know where you can purchase it.
I would try googling it. Sorry I don't have an answer for you.
Raquel Pérez
How long can it last in the refrigerator after being made?
Analida
Hi Raquel! I think about two days maximum. Thanks for asking.
Wajana
I've kept my coquito year after year for about a month in the refrigerator
Analida
Oh Wow! I wish I could say that I kept mine for a month LOL! It usually don't get leftovers. Maybe I just need to make more. 🙂
Tiffany Diane
Can i add sugar to it?
Analida
Tiffany, I think you can, but I suggest trying it out first.
Tiffany Diane
Thank you! They the recipe came out great! Very sweet and no need for sugar.
Analida
Tiffany, so glad it turned out good for you! 🙂
Nina
Thanks so much for posting this recipe -- it's delicious! Perfect texture, and an addictive flavor (both with and without rum). It really is like drinking dessert . 🙂
Analida
Yes, it is addicting, and like you said: "drinking dessert." 🙂
I am glad you like it.
Iselsharisse
Thanks for the recipe. Does anyone have a recipe for how your grandmother, or great grand mother made coquito? I'm looking for a no cans version of the drink. Kinda like when someone makes pastellas they old fashioned way, maybe more authentic way.
Analida
Let me check with my Puerto Rican friend. You might have to use fresh coconuts. Making something the old fashioned way can be so much fun. 🙂
Nancy
My friend Rosa made Coquito with the fresh coconut and it was delicious, of course, you cooked in the stove and we put it outside to cool it, so we can drink it! The neighbors were trying to figure out what we were doing in a snowy day outside with a big pit. It was out of this world, I wish I had save the info😋
Analida
That sounds luscious! This recipe is easy and quick with no cooking required. Cheers!
Mandy
Look up Carmen Aboy Valldejuli ‘Cocina Criolla’. She’s as authentic as you can get and a staple/bible in boricua kitchens. But be warned, her recipes are complicated, everything from scratch.
Jillian
How many servings does it make?
Analida
Jillian, you should be able to get about 8 7 oz servings.
A
The Rum will keep it fresh for months so make a lot and bottle it. I dont use eggs in my recipe. IF you add eggs then it may not keep as well. I bottle it and give it to all my friends that love it. My Puerto Rican friend got me hooked on it years ago.
Analida
A. I will have to make a lot. Normally I just make a small batch to consume at home.
Mary Jarvis
How necessary is the water?
Analida
Mary, thanks for asking!
I only used the water to lessen the thickness of the drink a bit. If you prefer, you don't have to use it. Perhaps just add more coconut milk, or Bacardi in its place.
Heather
If I use coconut rum should I still use coconut milk? Wondering if that may make it too sweet?
Analida
Heather, I have never used coconut rum. However, I do think it would make it too sweet. I probably would stick to the traditional recipe.
Catherine
Really great egg free nog recipe Analida and all your recipes are great. I like your website a lot! Have a great Christmas 🎅🏼
Analida
Thanks Catherine! Merry Christmas to you and your family!
Elaine Benoit
How fun! I've never heard of coquito! I love eggnog so I bet I'm going to love this. Your photos are beautiful and this looks so delicious!
Pam Greer
Oh my goodness, this sounds delicious! I don't really like eggnog that much, but I bet I would love this! Definitely trying it this weekend!
Analida
Make a blender batch and share with friends! Cheers!
Aleta
Oh yes, this recipe has definitely been saved for my holiday festivities this year! Your instructions were great, easy to follow. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Analida
Thanks so much! Let me know how you like it.
Veena Azmanov
I love coquito and have not made one in ages. I do make eggnog every Christmas so this egg-free nog sounds perfect. Saving for later
Analida
I hope you enjoy it! Bring some tropical flavors to the party!
Veronika's Kitchen
Love your recipe idea! I don't really like eggnog, but yours sounds so yummy! Saving it)))
Andrea
I love eggnog, I never actually tried an egg free version but this looks and sounds delicious!
Anne Lawton
This looks like the perfect beverage to sip on during the holiday season. Thanks for sharing.
Anne Murphy
What a wonderful creamy drink! LOL The whole coconut rum thing going - beautifully tropical!
Tammy
I've never had this before but it sounds amazing!! Definitely, a drink to try this season!
Jagruti Dhanecha
OH MY GOODNESS! I really want to have this coquito, sounds so delicious, Can I omit rum totally? or any alternative which is alcohol-free?
Jyothi (Jo)
No egg eggnog!? Wow that's brilliant. I have never tried it before but it sounds amazing. Absolute treat for vegans.
Natalie
Eggnog is like ultimate Holiday drink. I love it because it always gets me into the cheerful Holiday mood. I need to give your recipe a try. Sounds really delicious.
Kim
Turned out great the first time. So yummy! I didn't use as much Rum as the recipe called for but still turned out great.
Kim Scott
Looking to make this. Doesn't a traditional coquito have nutmeg in it?
Analida
It is typically just cinnamon. If you like nutmeg then sprinkle some on top. Enjoy!
Lee
This looks like an amazing recipe! For the coconut milk, donyou recommend using the cartons of coconut milk like Silk or So Delicious? Or should I use the cans of coconut milk that is used for cooking things like curry and Thai food??
Analida
Hi Lee, That is a great question! You definitely want to use the coconut milk on the can and not the carton for the right flavor and consistency.
Genisi Manzanarez
I love this recipe. I felt super weird about have raw eggs in the drink so I found this through google. I’m pretty happy with my results following this exact recipe. I super love that I could adjust the servings through this website. I’m so excited to gift coquito to my employers instead of getting them a costly gift. This is hopefully gonna be a hit. I love coquito!! Thank you so much for having it available here 😊
Analida
Thank you so much! My husband had a co-worker who used to borrow his wine bottle corker at Christmas to bottle up his coquito gifts! Cheers!
Sandra
Made a few batches yesterday and it's sooo delicious and simple! I like the fact you didn't use evaporated milk, just kept it simple and easy. I only used 1 cup white rum and it was still delicious without being overpowering. This recipe easily makes a maximum of 3 - 16 oz. bottles worth. I did add a cinnamon stick to each bottle and added a Tb of Maple Syrup to the blender just because Lol. The consistency was on point, thick enough to be a nog and thin enough to pour and enjoy. All my friends & family I've gifted them to love it! Thank you!
Analida
Thank you so much Sandra! I love the cinnamon stick and maple syrup idea!
Gwynn Galvin
My family loved this recipe and even the kids enjoyed some without the rum! Will be serving this again during the holidays.
Analida
Thanks Gwynn! We all love coquito at Christmas parties!
Amy Liu Dong
Nice recipe! I love discovering new unique recipes! The eggnog makes it even better!
Analida
This recipe can be made for a crowd for sure! Enjoy!
Jamie
Oh my, this Puerto Rican Coquito looks so delicious and very tasty! I'll definitely make this for the family, especially for the kids! Loved it! Thanks!
Analida
Thanks Jamie! The non-alcohol version is great for kids!