Name: Best Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups rum; 2 cinnamon sticks (optional, recommended for flavor); 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk or coconut sweetened condensed milk; 1 (15 oz) can cream of coconut (Coco Lopez or Goya brand); 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk; 4 oz evaporated milk; ½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg; ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

Coquito, often called Puerto Rican coconut eggnog, is a rich and creamy holiday drink that’s full of warm spices and tropical flavors. This beloved family recipe blends rum, coconut, and spices into a smooth, festive treat perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings.

Two clear glasses filled with a creamy tan drink sit on a wooden board. Each glass has a rim coated with white shredded coconut. Behind the glasses is a tall bottle of the same light tan drink. Surrounding the drinks are cinnamon sticks, whole nutmeg, a metal grater, green leaves, an orange fruit, and two gold Christmas ornaments. Twinkling warm fairy lights and blurry dark green plants create a cozy background. The surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups rum
2 cinnamon sticks (optional, recommended for flavor)
1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk, or coconut sweetened condensed milk
1 (15 oz) can cream of coconut (Coco Lopez or Goya brand)
1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk
4 oz evaporated milk
½ teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: (Optional) In a large pitcher with a lid or two large jars with lids, combine the rum and cinnamon sticks. Let this mixture soak for at least 24 hours or up to one week to enhance the spiced flavor.
Step 2: In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, evaporated milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Pour the blended mixture into the rum bottle or container with the soaked cinnamon sticks. Shake well to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
Step 4: Chill the Coquito in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the drink to thicken. The cream of coconut will help it achieve a rich consistency.
Step 5: Before serving, shake the bottle vigorously. Pour into glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg if desired. Enjoy chilled!

Tips & Variations

For a thicker Coquito, add a little more cream of coconut or thawed shredded coconut before blending.
Adjust the rum quantity according to your preferred strength or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
If you don’t have vanilla extract, try a splash of almond extract for a different flavor twist.
Use canned coconut sweetened condensed milk for a richer, more authentic coconut taste.

Storage

Store Coquito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 8 weeks. Shake well before each serving as ingredients may settle over time. Serve chilled for the best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Two clear round glasses filled with a creamy light beige drink speckled with tiny brown dots sit on a wooden board. Each glass is rimmed with white shredded coconut, adding texture and a snowy look. Near the glasses are two whole nutmegs, a metal grater, and two cinnamon sticks, suggesting flavors of the drink. In the blurred background, there is a tall frosted glass bottle, green leaves, some orange fruit, and golden Christmas ornaments, with small warm yellow fairy lights adding a cozy feel. The scene is set against a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Coquito without alcohol?

Yes, simply omit the rum and follow the recipe as is. The drink will remain creamy and flavorful, perfect for all ages.

How long should I soak the cinnamon sticks in rum?

Soaking for at least 24 hours is recommended to develop a deeper spice flavor, but you can soak up to a week if you want a stronger cinnamon infusion.