What is coquito drink?
Coquito, which translates to little coconut, is a Puerto Rican drink traditionally made for drinking during the holidays. It is coconut-flavored, creamy, and sort of like American eggnog, only egg is not usually part of the recipe. Though you can make virgin coquito, it usually is made with Puerto Rican Rum. These glass bottles from Walmart.com are another alternative. Jump to recipe
Glass bottles for coquito
It is very typical for us to recycle old liquor bottles for making coquito. In fact, many families may even store these on top of their refrigerator in a Latin home! But if you’re looking to make a few bottles (coquito makes a great holiday gift), you may want to purchase some like these. I have occasionally seen similar bottles at Dollar Tree, too! Alternatively, you can also pour it into mason jars – I always have those around to store homemade jam or even for salads.
Does coquito go bad?
While it is possible for coquito to go bad, it should last about 6 months in your refrigerator. We have never had a bottle of it last longer than a week in our house so I don’t think you will have that problem! Always give it a good shake to mix up the cinnamon and any milk fat that has floated to the top (this is normal). You will know it has gone bad if it has a sour smell (like when milk goes bad).
Supporting your local Latino community
Making this recipe for yourself is an awesome way to celebrate a Puerto Rican tradition, but you should also consider supporting a local Latin business if they are making them near you. Consider searching Facebook or Instagram with the #coquito hashtag and you’ll usually find someone there. In Orlando, I know of Nequito’s Coquito.
Coquito Drink Recipe
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If you love coconut, consider trying my tembleque recipe, too.
Coquito Receta Boricua
Ingredients
- 24 oz evaporated milk
- 15 oz cream of coconut
- 13.5 oz coconut milk
- 1 1/2 cups white rum
- 3/4 cup condensed milk
- 1/2 cup grated coconut I used the canned version that it in heavy syrup
- 1/2 tbsp cinnamon ground
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Mix well. Store in glass bottles or mason jars and keep in the refrigerator for up to 6 months.
