Coquito

4.8
(374)

Coquito is a creamy, tropical, Puerto Rican holiday drink with tons of coconut flavor. It's made with both evaporated and condensed milk, cream of coconut, spices, rum, and — in this version — egg yolks. It is always requested at my holiday gatherings. Sometimes I hide it in the fridge to keep for myself! Serve in glass cups and sprinkle with more cinnamon if desired. Feliz Navidad!

45
a close up view of two, clear, stemless wine glasses filled with creamy coquito and each are garnished with a cinnamon stick
45
45
45
45

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!"

"My husband and 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."

"It comes out perfect," according to LEASMOM. "Next year I want to double it because we drink it so fast! This is absolutely the best recipe and I love that everyone tweaks it to fit their tastes."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

Coquito

(374)
a close up view of two, clear, stemless wine glasses filled with creamy coquito and each are garnished with a cinnamon stick
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
15 mins
Servings:
10

Ingredients

  • 1 (12 fluid ounce) can evaporated milk

  • 2 large egg yolks, beaten

  • 1 (14 ounce) can cream of coconut

  • 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

  • ½ cup white rum

  • ½ cup water

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves

Directions

  1. Gather all ingredients.

    Overhead shot of measured ingredients gathered for coquito

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

  2. Combine evaporated milk and egg yolks in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Cook over the simmering water, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and reaches a temperature of 160 degrees F (71 degrees C).

    Overhead closeup of ingredients simmering on a double boiler to make coquito

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

  3. Transfer mixture to a blender. Add cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, rum, water, vanilla, cinnamon, and cloves; blend until combined, about 30 seconds.

    Side angle shot of a blender mixing up ingredients for coquito

    Allrecipes/Oana Ennis

  4. Pour into sterilized glass bottles and store in the refrigerator; serve cold or over ice, if desired.

    a close up view of two, clear, stemless wine glasses filled with creamy coquito and each are garnished with a cinnamon stick

    Oana Ennis/Allrecipes

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

354 Calories
14g Fat
46g Carbs
7g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 10
Calories 354
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 14g 17%
Saturated Fat 10g 52%
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 106mg 5%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Protein 7g 13%
Potassium 305mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.

You’ll Also Love