Coquito Recipe

Have the happiest holiday ever with this top-rated coquito recipe. Whether you bottle it and give it as gifts or keep the whole batch to yourself, this boozy drink will make your season extra festive.

What Is Coquito?

Coquito is a traditional holiday drink that originated in Puerto Rico. In Spanish, coquito means “little coconut.” The beverage is coconut-based and spiked with rum. Rich and creamy coquito, which is often thickened with egg yolks, is similar to eggnog. In fact, sometimes it’s referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog.”

Coquito Ingredients

These are the ingredients you’ll need to make a decadent batch of coquito:

• Evaporated milk: This coquito recipe starts with a can of evaporated milk.
• Eggs: Two beaten egg yolks contribute to the rich, thick, and creamy texture.
• Cream of coconut: Canned cream of coconut lends richness and gives the coquito its signature coconut flavor.
• Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk makes everything more delicious, including this coquito recipe!
• White rum: The best rum for coquito is white Puerto Rican rum, such as Bacardi. In a pinch, any pleasant-tasting white rum will do.
• Water: Water thins the thick and creamy mixture, making it super pourable.
• Vanilla: A teaspoon of vanilla extract takes the flavor up a notch.
• Spices: Cinnamon and cloves add warmth and coziness.

How to Make Coquito

You’ll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here’s a brief overview of what you can expect when you make this crowd-pleasing coquito:

1. Cook the evaporated milk and egg yolks in a double boiler until thick.
2. Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend with the remaining ingredients.
3. Transfer to glass bottles and refrigerator until cold.

How Long Does Coquito Last?

Stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator, coquito can last one to two months. Since the eggs may separate and settle, make sure to stir the drink before serving.

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

“I make this every Christmas, bottles and bottles of it,” says Deana. “I give it as gifts and make it for my family as well. This recipe is perfect, you won’t be disappointed!”

“I absolutely love it,” raves butterflybutt. “The only thing I did differently was add coconut water instead of plain water and I also added a little nutmeg instead of cloves. Oh, and learn from my mistakes…coconut cream is NOT the same as creamed coconut.”

“What a hit and so simple to make!” according to Reena Quintanilla. “I drank it right after making it. Couldn’t wait till next day. Was too good!! Made more for my family and Puerto Rican husband. They all loved it!”

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams