• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • YouTube
  • EspaƱol
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Tia Clara
  • Recipes
  • Tips
  • Ideas
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Recipes
  • Tips
  • Ideas
  • Subscribe
Ɨ

Puerto Rican Coquito Recipe: Puerto Rico Coconut Christmas Drink

  • EspaƱol
Portions: 8 shots

Calories: 325kcal

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas beverage. I show you how to make it with step-by-step photos and video. This eggnog-style drink is traditionally made with rum and coconut milk, and here I bring you the traditional, authentic coquito recipe.

By Clara Gonzalez - Last revised Nov 16, 2023. Published Nov 18, 2019.

Why I ā¤ļø it Recipe Ingredients Video Preparation

Coquito coconut eggnog.

Coconut eggnog coquito.

Why I ā¤ļø it

Alongside mofongo and piƱa colada, coquito is part of the trilogy of Puerto Rican dishes I can't live without. Ponche crema or rum eggnog is a traditional Christmas drink around Latin America, but coquito is a Puerto Rican eggnog that has tropical flavors we can't help but love. 

This coconut eggnog recipe, the official Puerto Rican Christmas drink, is based on and inspired by the Puerto Rican coquito from the book Puerto Rican Cookery by Carmen Ahoy Valldejuli. A must-have for anyone who wishes to learn about the cuisine of Puerto Rico. It has the best coquito recipe I have ever tried: simple and with just a handful of ingredients, a no-fuzz method, and a rich and smooth coconut flavor.

Coconut eggnog coquito recipe

This free recipe contains Amazon affiliate links, and I receive a small commission when you purchase, at no cost to you. Thank you!

Learn how to make the authentic, quick and easy coquito recipe that Puerto Ricans love and anyone who taste it falls in love with. Make this Christmas a special time and treat friends and family to this wonderful tropical coconut eggnog.

Course: Drinks
Inspiration: Caribbean, Puerto Rico
Category: best coquito recipe, how to make coquito, quick and easy coquito recipes, what is a coquito
Author: Clara Gonzalez

Prep Time5 minutes mins
Cook Time20 minutes mins
Total Time25 minutes mins

Utensils and tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Wire whisk
  • Fine-mesh strainer
  • Medium saucepan
  • Spatula
  • Candy thermometer
  • A bottle [1 liter] that has been washed with hot water
Coconut eggnog coquito.
Coconut eggnog coquito.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups [400 ml] of coconut milk, a 15-ounce can
  • 1 cup [200 ml] of sweetened condensed milk
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 cup of white rum
  • A pinch of freshly-grated nutmeg

Video

Preparation

Before starting, please make sure you have all the ingredients and utensils ready.

Step 1: Mix liquids

Mixing liquids.
Mixing liquids.

In a large bowl, combine coconut milk, condensed milk, egg yolks, and rum. With the wire whisk, break the yolks and stir until it's all combined.

Sieve the mixture into the saucepan to discard undissolved solids.

Step 2: Simmer

Cooking and measuring temperature.
Cooking and measuring temperature.

Take to the stove and heat to low temperature, stirring constantly until the liquid reaches a temperature of 165°F [73.89 °C] and maintain it for 10 minutes (15-20 minutes in total). It should not reach a boil because the egg yolks would overcook and ruin the texture.

Step 3: Cool

Stirring to cool.
Stirring to cool.

Add the ground nutmeg and stir until it's combined. 

Remove from the heat and stir for about 3 minutes to lower the temperature slightly. Using a funnel, pour into the clean bottle and screw the cap.

Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Chill and store

Bottled before chilling.
Bottled before chilling.

Chill in the fridge before serving (about 4 hours).

You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if it's kept chilled at all times.

Top tips

  • If you do not partake in alcohol, you can make a virgin coquito by leaving out the rum. In that case, you should add an extra cup of coconut milk, because, without the extra liquid, it would be too thick.
  • Coquito has a safe shelf life of 3-4 days if stored at a maximum temperature of 40°F [4.44 °C]. Once it reaches room temperature, it's not safe to return the drink to the fridge.
  • If you won't consume a whole large bottle at once, it's best to store it in smaller bottles.
  • Coquito bottles make great Christmas edible gifts. You can make extra to give away.
  • If you love coquito, you'll certainly love this coconut flan too!
  • Don't miss this pistachio coquito recipe!
Quick and easy coquito.
Quick and easy coquito.

Serving suggestions

This is traditionally served for Christmas, but it has also become a Thanksgiving drink for Puerto Ricans. Serve it in small shot glasses.

Shake the bottle a bit before serving, so it's uniformly smooth.

Variations

There are many versions of this holiday drink, and the preferred spices vary from home to home. Some people add cinnamon sticks while it boils, some add cloves, some add small slivers of ginger, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract, and some garnish it with a sprinkle of cinnamon powder when served. I love the simplicity of the traditional recipe, but you can try playing with it.

Another way to make coquito is by using cream of coconut and evaporated milk. If you want to try that, use 1½ cups of evaporated milk and 1½ cup of coconut cream.

Vegan coquito

To make a vegan coquito, leave the egg yolks out, and mix 1½ cups of coconut milk and 1½ cups of coconut cream. Dissolve 2 teaspoons of cornstarch, add rum, and simmer, stirring until it has thickened (about 5 minutes). Garnish with cinnamon powder or ground nutmeg.

Nutritional information

Calories: 325kcal - Carbohydrates: 23g - Protein: 5g - Fat: 17g - Saturated Fat: 13g - Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g - Monounsaturated Fat: 2g - Cholesterol: 86mg - Sodium: 59mg - Potassium: 274mg - Sugar: 21g - Vitamin A: 199IU - Vitamin C: 2mg - Calcium: 128mg - Iron: 2mg

More drink recipes

  • PiƱa colada.
    PiƱa Colada Recipe - Rum, Pineapple, and Coconut Cocktail
  • Coconut limeade drink.
    Summer Pineapple and Coconut Limeade Drink
  • Oatmeal smoothie.
    How To Make Oatmeal Smoothie with Strawberry
  • Cucumber juice.
    How To Make Cucumber Juice: An Easy And Healthy Recipe

See more: drink recipes

FAQs

What is the best rum for coquito?

Pick your favorite white Puerto Rican rum, but any Caribbean white rum would work well. You don't need the most expensive stuff. There's plenty of good quality inexpensive rum you can use for this cocktail.

Does coquito thicken in the fridge?

Yes, the coquito will thicken in the fridge, so expect the warm coquito to be thinner than once thoroughly chilled.

Should coquito be refrigerated?

As with any dairy or egg blend, homemade coquito should be refrigerated below 40°F [4.44 °C]. It has a shell life of 3-4 days. Store-bought coquito has storage instructions on the label.

How long does homemade coquito last?

Homemade coquito has a shell life of 3-4 days stored at a safe temperature below  40°F [4.44 °C].

Is coquito eggnog?

Coquito is a type of eggnog made with coconut milk. Ponche crema is the Latin American and Spanish eggnog. Coquito is Puerto Rican coconut eggnog.

Print card

This is just a printer-friendly summary; some useful details are found in the recipe above.

Print

How to Make Coquito Puerto Rican Recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of coconut milk [400 ml] 15-ounce can
  • 1 cup of sweetened condensed milk [200 ml]
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 cup of white rum
  • Pinch of freshly-grated nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: Mix liquids

  • In a large bowl, combineĀ coconut milk,Ā condensed milk,Ā egg yolks, andĀ rum. With the wire whisk, break the yolks and stir until it's all well combined.
    Sieve the mixture into the saucepan to discard undissolved solids.

Step 2: Simmer

  • Take to the stove and heat to low temperature, stirring constantly until the liquid reaches a temperature of 165°F [73.89 °C] and maintains it for 10 minutes (15-20 minutes in total). It should not reach a boil because the egg yolks would overcook and ruin the texture.

Step 3: Cool

  • Add the groundĀ nutmegĀ and stir until it's combined.Ā Remove from the heat and stir for about 3 minutes to lower the temperature slightly. Using a funnel, pour into the clean bottle and screw the cap.
    Let it cool to room temperature.

Step 4: Chill and store

  • Chill in the fridge before serving (about 4 hours).
    You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days if it's kept chilled at all times.

Nutrition

Calories: 325kcal

By Clara Gonzalez, published Nov 18, 2019 on Tia Clara

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  1. Nairobi

    December 09, 2013 at 2:38 pm

    5 stars
    Awesome recipe, my family is for Puerto Rico and we love coquito.

    Reply
  2. Carolina Mar

    December 08, 2013 at 9:55 pm

    Oh, woah, this is exaclty what I was looking for. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Hi, I'm TĆ­a Clara! I have been a recipe developer, and recipe writer for 20+ years, and here I share my easy recipes you'll love.

More āžœ

  • Facebook
  • YouTube
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

Don't miss

  • Vegan bell pepper stuffed with rice.
    Vegan Bell Peppers Stuffed with Rice
  • Christmas vegan dinner main dish.
    Christmas Vegan Main Course
  • Arroz primavera vegetable rice pilaf.
    Arroz Primavera Vegetable Rice Pilaf
  • Cauliflower Spanish rice.
    Spanish Cauliflower Rice (Quick And Easy)
  • Pineapple rice.
    Easy Pineapple Rice Recipe
  • Avocado pasta salad.
    Avocado Pasta Salad Vegan and Healthy
  • Cheesy zucchini and potato bake.
    Easy Cheesy Potato Zucchini Casserole
  • Cranberry rice.
    Festive Cranberry Rice Recipe

The newest Most popular

Footer

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Contact me | Privacy Policy | Disclaimer | Terms & Conditions | Accessibility Policy | Web Stories | Trending

Copyright Ā© 2022 Lunch Club Books, LLC
TiaClaraĀ® is a registered trademark property of Lunch Club Books, LLC

  • EspaƱol