Coquito is a beloved Puerto Rican holiday drink, often referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog.” This rich, creamy beverage gets a chocolate twist in this recipe, creating a luscious treat perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights in. Combining traditional coquito flavors with the indulgence of chocolate, this drink is sure to be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Combines the traditional flavors of coquito with a chocolatey twist.
- Simple to make and perfect for holiday gatherings or gifting.
- Customizable with variations to suit your preferences.
- No cooking required—just blend and chill.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Evaporated milk
- Coconut milk
- Cream of coconut
- Cocoa powder
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla extract
- Dark rum (optional)
Directions
- In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and cream of coconut until smooth.
- Add cocoa powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract to the blender. Blend again until the cocoa powder is fully incorporated and the mixture is smooth.
- If using, add dark rum and blend briefly to combine.
- Pour the mixture into a glass bottle or container and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Shake well before serving and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes about 8-10 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Chilling Time: 4 hours
Variations
- Alcohol-Free: Skip the rum for a family-friendly version.
- Spicy Chocolate: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for a Mexican hot chocolate-inspired twist.
- White Chocolate Coquito: Substitute cocoa powder with melted white chocolate for a unique variation.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream instead of cream of coconut and substitute the evaporated milk with a plant-based alternative.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store the coquito in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: This drink is best served cold, but if you prefer it warm, gently heat a portion on the stovetop or in the microwave without bringing it to a boil.
FAQs
What is coquito?
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink made with coconut milk, cream of coconut, and spices, often likened to eggnog.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, coquito tastes even better after chilling for a day as the flavors meld together.
How do I serve coquito?
Serve it cold in small glasses, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
Can I use milk instead of cream of coconut?
Cream of coconut is essential for the authentic creamy texture and sweetness, but you can experiment with coconut cream for a less sweet version.
What type of rum works best?
Dark rum is traditional for coquito, but white rum or spiced rum can also be used.
Is coquito similar to eggnog?
While both are holiday drinks, coquito is coconut-based and does not traditionally contain eggs, making it lighter in texture.
Can I use a different type of alcohol?
Yes, brandy or whiskey can be used for a different flavor profile, or you can omit alcohol altogether.
Why does coquito need to chill for so long?
Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the drink to thicken, giving it a creamy consistency.
Can I freeze coquito?
Yes, you can freeze coquito for up to 2 months, but the texture may change slightly. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
How long does coquito last in the refrigerator?
When stored properly, coquito can last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Conclusion
Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is a delightful twist on a traditional holiday favorite. With its creamy, chocolatey goodness and warming spices, it’s sure to become a new tradition at your holiday celebrations. Simple to make and easy to customize, this festive drink is perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try and enjoy the sweet taste of Puerto Rican holiday cheer!
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Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito
Description
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday beverage, often referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog. This creamy, coconut-based drink is typically enjoyed during the Christmas season. A delightful variation of this classic is the Chocolate Coquito, which adds rich chocolate flavors to the mix, making it a festive favorite for chocolate lovers.
Ingredients
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 to 1.5 cups white or spiced rum (adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Cocoa and Cream of Coconut:
- In a blender, mix the unsweetened cocoa powder with the cream of coconut until smooth.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Add the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the blender.
- Blend until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.
- Incorporate Rum:
- Pour in the rum and blend again until fully integrated. Adjust the amount of rum based on your preference for strength.
- Chill the Coquito:
- Transfer the mixture into glass bottles or an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until well chilled.
- Serve:
- Before serving, shake the bottle well to ensure the mixture is smooth.
- Pour into small glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick, if desired.
Notes
- Serving Size: This recipe yields approximately 6 to 8 servings.
- Storage: Keep the coquito refrigerated. It can last up to a week, but always shake well before serving as separation may occur.
- Alcohol-Free Version: To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum.
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