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 taste is rich, creamy and accented with a hint of vanilla and cinnamon.
Coquito is traditionally served at Christmas time. In my opinion, it should be enjoyed year round. Variations abound and every family boasts to have the BEST recipe.
Although I am not Puerto Rican, through trial and error I have come up with my own coquito concoction which, if I may say so myself, is not so bad. This is like drinking your dessert!!!
Does coquito have eggs?
What makes coquito so rich and creamy is the mixture of sweetened condensed milk and coconut milk. No 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 stir it before you serve it. Don’t leave it in the fridge 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.
Coquito is easy to make since all you need to do is put all the ingredients together and blend! For the vanilla make sure you use pure vanilla extract, it does make a difference.
Step by step photos
- 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. You won’t get every drop out of the cans of sweetened condensed milk or coconut milk. Don’t worry about scraping every last drop from the can. - Get your ingredients together: vanilla, sweetened condensed milk, water, rum and coconut milk.
- 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: 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. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long can I store coquito? You can store coquito in an air tight container or bottles in the refrigerator for 4-6 months. The coconut fat will separate slightly or form on the top so shake the container before serving.
- Can I store coquito in my liquor cabinet? No, this contains milk products and needs to be refrigerated.
- Can I use the coconut milk that you buy in a carton that is sold in the milk cooler? No, this recipe uses the canned coconut milk. 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.
If you are making this for your Christmas parties let me know how you like it, I’d love to hear! If you are still shopping for your foodie friends and family checkout my foodie gift guide too!
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.
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Coquito - Puerto Rican Coconut Egg-Free Nog Recipe Card
Here is an authentic recipe for Puerto Rican coquito. This recipe has no eggs and is uses coconut milk. This is very popular during the holidays and sometime it is called egg-free eggnog.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 1/2 cups Bacardi rum
- 27 oz Coconut milk (2 13.5 oz cans)
- 1 pinch pinch of salt
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 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 6 hours before serving. Stir again before serving.
- Pour into small 6 oz. glasses and sprinkle with a little cinnamon. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long can I store coquito? You can store coquito in an air tight container or bottles in the refrigerator for 4-6 months. The coconut fat will separate slightly or form on the top so shake the container before serving.
- Can I store coquito in my liquor cabinet? No, this contains milk products and needs to be refrigerated.
- Can I use the coconut milk that you buy in a carton sold in the milk cooler? No, this recipe uses the canned coconut milk. 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.
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!
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!