Amazing 10-Minute Coquito Recipe

When the holidays roll around, you absolutely need a signature drink that feels indulgent but doesn’t keep you chained to the kitchen while everyone else is mingling! Forget that heavy, traditional eggnog for a minute. We are diving headfirst into something so silky, so festive, and so tropical you’ll wonder why you waited so long: authentic Coquito. This Puerto Rican coconut holiday drink is creamy, spiced, and packed with rum, making it the absolute star of any gathering. I’ve taken all the best techniques from my years of learning about joyful, simple cooking—like the ones I share over on my About Page—to make sure this Coquito recipe is foolproof and tastes incredible, even if you’re usually intimidated by making cocktails.

I always say that food and drinks are how we share love, and there’s no better way to show your guests they are special than by pouring them a glass of this rich, amazing blend. Come see how easy it is to bring a Caribbean Christmas vibe right to your own home with this recipe I just know you’ll want to make year after year.

Why This Coquito Recipe is Your New Holiday Favorite

Honestly, this is the best Christmas punch around, and here’s why you need it on your holiday table. It gives you all that creamy, rich comfort you want from a holiday cocktail, but without the fuss of dealing with eggs like traditional eggnog. It’s pure tropical celebration in a glass, and it’s so simple!

• It’s incredibly creamy, thanks to that brilliant blend of coconut milks.
• Zero cooking or tempering involved—it’s all blend and chill!
• The rum and spice combination just screams ‘festive’ when served ice cold.

Quick Prep Time for Your Coquito Recipe

This ease is what I love most. You saw the details—the prep time is just 10 minutes total! I know life gets hectic between shopping and decorating, so I made sure this recipe lets you shake up a huge batch fast. You spend practically no time at the blender and all your time enjoying your guests!

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Coquito

When we talk about this rum coconut milk cocktail, the ingredients aren’t just suggestions; they are the foundation of that postcard-perfect texture. I’ve listed everything you need, but I must stress that you can’t just swap out every can willy-nilly. The magic lives in the two types of coconut products!

You absolutely need that can of plain, full-fat coconut milk for body, but the real secret weapon is the can of cream of coconut—you know, the super sweet stuff like Coco Lopez. That product is what gives Coquito that rich, almost dessert-like thickness that sets it apart from just using regular coconut milk. Also, don’t skimp on the evaporated milk; it adds another layer of dairy richness that works so well with the condensed milk. If you follow this simple list, you’re halfway to the best coconut holiday drink ever!

SAVE IT

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Coquito

Okay, let’s talk rum. Traditionally, we use white rum here; it lets the vanilla and spices really shine without overwhelming the milky base. If you aren’t a huge rum fan, or if you’re making a batch for someone who isn’t drinking alcohol, I’ve noted in the instructions that you can easily swap it out for good quality vodka or just leave it out entirely for a wonderful non-alcoholic version. That’s the beauty of homemade holiday drinks!

One trick that always pays off for texture? Chill all those three main cans—the coconut milk, the cream of coconut, and the evaporated milk—in the fridge overnight before you even think of blending. When the liquid is already cold, the blender works faster, and you get such a smoother final product. Trust me on the chill factor; it makes blending so much easier!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Coquito

Okay, now for the fun part—the actual making! Since this involves a blender, we need to be smart about the order we add things. If you dump everything in at once, you risk making the texture a little weird or overworking the alcohol, and we definitely don’t want that.

First, get all your milks into the blender container. I mean the coconut milk, the sweet cream of coconut, the condensed, and the evaporated milk. Fire up the blender and run it until that mixture looks totally uniform and super creamy—no lumps or separating at all. Then, toss in your vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Give it a quick little pulse just to marry those spices into the base. Don’t blend for long!

The most important part is the rum. Pour in your measured rum, and then—and this is key—you only pulse it a time or two. If you blend alcohol too vigorously, it can sometimes break down the emulsion and change the texture, making it less silky. After pulsing, give it a quick taste test. If you’re feeling bold, add a splash more rum and pulse one last time. Then, pour it into your airtight bottles. You absolutely must let this chill for at least four hours, but honestly, letting those spices really infuse overnight makes this cocktail sing. You can check out some other easy recipe ideas over on my main blog page while you wait!

SAVE IT

Tips for the Smoothest Coquito Texture

I mentioned chilling the cans earlier, but honestly, this tip deserves repeating because it’s my secret weapon for next-level texture smoothness. When all your canned ingredients are already cold—like, refrigerator-cold—before they even hit the blender blades, everything emulsifies faster and much cleaner. Cold ingredients help create a thicker, more stable mixture right from the start. It means less time the motor is running. If your cans have been sitting out on the counter, you’ll have to blend longer, which can sometimes lead to the mixture warming up too much. So, if you can plan ahead, chill those cans! It’s the easiest way to guarantee that velvety, luxurious mouthfeel every single time you make it.

Serving Your Coquito: The Final Presentation

Once that Coquito has rested in the fridge and the flavors have actually gotten to know each other—which, trust me, takes time!—it’s time for the big moment! This isn’t like leaving out a pitcher of iced tea; this drink demands to be served proper and frosty.

You need to serve this ice cold. Remember that batch yields about six cups, so you can easily plan for a good-sized crowd. Before you pour out the first glass, give the chilled mixture a quick stir or a gentle shake in the bottle. Since it’s so rich, sometimes a tiny bit of the coconut solids can settle at the bottom, so a gentle mix ensures everyone gets that perfect, luxurious mouthfeel.

SAVE IT

Presentation is everything during the holidays, right? Pour the Coquito into small glasses—they are rich, so people usually prefer smaller servings, kind of like a nice dessert wine. And the finishing touch? You absolutely must top each serving with a light dusting of ground cinnamon right before handing it over. That little puff of warm spice hitting your nose when you take that first sip of cold coconut goodness? That’s pure Christmas magic right there. It’s such a joy to watch people’s faces when they try it for the first time!

Storage and Shelf Life for Homemade Coquito

So, you made a massive, glorious batch of this creamy goodness, and now you’re wondering, “Can I hide this in the back of the fridge until New Year’s?” The good news is, yes, you absolutely can! Since this rum coconut milk cocktail is loaded with spices and alcohol, it actually stores beautifully.

You need to make sure you pour your finished Coquito into a very tight, airtight jar or bottle before it goes in the fridge. My rule of thumb is to keep it chilly for up to two full weeks. That’s a long time for a holiday drink to still taste fresh, which is fantastic for parties where you might not finish it all at once.

SAVE IT

But here’s a little insider secret that I noted down when I first started making this: it actually tastes even better on Day Two! Those spices—the cinnamon and nutmeg we blended in—need time to really mingle with the rum and the creamy base. If you can manage to make it a full 24 hours before you serve it, you’ll notice a deeper, richer flavor profile. It just proves that for the best coconut holiday drink, a little patience always pays off!

Frequently Asked Questions About Coquito

Since making a new holiday staple can bring up a few questions, I wanted to gather the most common things people ask me about this amazing Puerto Rican eggnog alternative right here. I always test my recipes thoroughly so you don’t have to guess, but sometimes you just need a quick confirmation!

Is Coquito the same as eggnog?

That’s a great question! People lump them together because they are both creamy, festive, spiced holiday drinks that get kicked up with a little booze, but no, they aren’t the same. The main difference is that classic, traditional Coquito does *not* use eggs for thickening or texture. That amazing silkiness comes purely from blending those cans of coconut milk, cream of coconut, and condensed milk together. So, if you are someone who skips eggnog specifically because of the raw eggs, this tropical cocktail is your dream come true!

What is the best rum for Coquito?

For my tested Coquito recipe, always reach for good quality white rum. White (or clear) rum keeps the flavor profile clean and light. It lets the nutmeg, cinnamon, and coconut flavor really take the spotlight. However, if you want to add a little more warmth or complexity—especially if you’re aiming for a richer coconut holiday drink—don’t be scared to use half white rum and half a lightly aged, gold rum. The aging process adds these beautiful vanilla and caramel notes that pair wonderfully with the sweetness of the condensed milk. Just start with the white, taste it, and decide if you want to add that depth!

I love knowing that you all are trying these wonderful traditions! If you’re looking for more simple celebrations, check out my favorites over in my general Drinks & Beverages section. Happy mixing!

Making Coquito for Everyone: Variations and Alcohol-Free Options

One of the things I absolutely adore about this Coquito? It travels so well across different preferences! It’s already vegetarian and super accessible, but I know sometimes you need options for folks who aren’t drinking alcohol, or maybe you want to introduce a little different flavor twist!

Let’s talk about making this a full-family treat first. Turning this into a non-alcoholic holiday drink is ridiculously simple. You literally just skip Step 3 where we add the rum. That’s it! Sometimes I make a separate small batch and replace the measured rum with an extra splash of the evaporated milk, or maybe even some pineapple juice if I feel like an extra fruity flavor. It still comes out wonderfully creamy and spiced, and everyone—even the kids—can enjoy that sweet, cold vacation in a bottle.

For those who are already having the rum version, you can certainly experiment with flavor extracts! While the vanilla is classic, you could try a tiny bit of almond extract along with the vanilla when you add your spices. It gives it a nice, rich, almost marzipan note that works surprisingly well with the coconut. Just remember, extracts are potent, so start small!

Another thing I sometimes do, especially if I’m making a huge batch: I’ll take about one cup of the finished blend before adding the liquor and mix in a tablespoon of finely ground pecans or toasted almonds right before blending. It adds a subtle nuttiness without affecting the texture too much. Just remember, adding anything grainy means you need to shake that portion really well before pouring, but making variations ensures everyone at your celebration gets a taste of this wonderful Christmas punch!

Estimated Nutrition for This Coconut Holiday Drink

Now, I know what you’re thinking: this creamy, dreamy cocktail is packed with coconut, milk, and rum, so it has to be completely off-limits! And look, let’s be honest, it’s a treat—a celebratory drink made for special occasions, not Tuesday night dinner. I always suggest enjoying things in moderation, especially when they are this rich and delicious. But for those of you who like to keep track, I’ve compiled the nutritional estimates for a standard one-cup serving based on the full ingredient list.

Remember, these numbers are an estimate, okay? They change depending on the exact brand of condensed milk you buy or how much rum you sneak in there! Everything here is based on using the suggested amounts listed in the recipe.

• Serving Size: 1 cup (About 1/6th of the batch)
• Calories: Roughly 450 (Wowza, yes, but so worth it!)
• Fat: 22g total fat, with 18g of that being saturated fat from the rich coconut creams.
• Carbohydrates: About 48g, mostly coming from the sugars in the condensed and cream of coconut.
• Sugar: 45g. This is why this tastes like dessert!
• Protein: 8g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

When I look at these numbers, I just think, “This is indulgent holiday goodness,” and I treat it as such! It’s designed to be decadent and satisfying. We definitely aren’t talking about the light recipes I usually focus on, but for a warm feeling on a cold Christmas night, this rich coconut drink absolutely fits the bill. Just balance it out with some lighter meals the next day!

Share Your Coquito Experience

Well, friend, that’s my simple, joyful method for creating the most decadent Coquito you’ve ever tasted! Now the baton is in your hands. I truly hope you had as much fun shaking up this Caribbean Christmas staple as my family and I have had over the years.

I put my heart into these tried-and-true recipes, and the BEST part of this whole adventure is hearing from you all!

Whether you tried the rum version, went alcohol-free, or maybe even added a tiny secret spice I haven’t thought of yet, please come back and tell me all about it. Did it make an appearance at your holiday party? How quickly did it disappear?

• If you loved this creamy coconut drink, please consider leaving a star rating right below the recipe card—it helps other home cooks find reliable recipes like this one!
• Drop any questions or feedback in the comments section below. If you need help troubleshooting, I’m usually not far away!
• And please, share photos of your beautiful finished bottles on social media! Tag me so I can see your amazing work. I absolutely love seeing my recipes come to life in your kitchens.

If you want to send me a quick note or share a kitchen adventure that doesn’t fit in the comments, you can always reach out to me directly through my Contact Page. Happy holidays, and cheers to a wonderful celebration!

Simple Coquito: Puerto Rican Coconut Rum Drink

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Make this rich, creamy Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican coconut holiday cocktail, perfect for serving cold at celebrations.

• Author: Carla Davis
• Prep Time: 10 min
• Cook Time: 0 min
• Total Time: 10 min
• Yield: About 6 cups 1x
• Category: Beverage
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Puerto Rican
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (13.5 oz) can full-fat coconut milk
• 1 (15 oz) can cream of coconut (like Coco Lopez)
• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk
• 1 1/2 cups white rum (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of ground cloves

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Instructions

1. Combine the coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk in a blender. Blend until completely smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to the blender. Pulse briefly to combine the spices.
3. Pour in the white rum. Blend on low speed until just incorporated. Do not over-blend after adding the alcohol.
4. Taste the mixture. If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, add more rum now and pulse once or twice.
5. Pour the Coquito into an airtight bottle or jar.
6. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Serve chilled, garnished with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

Notes

• This drink tastes better after chilling for 24 hours.
• You can substitute the rum with vodka or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
• For a smoother texture, chill all canned ingredients before blending.
• This recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
• If you are looking for simple recipes for everyday meals, this drink is a great addition to your holiday rotation.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 45
• Sodium: 120
• Fat: 22
• Saturated Fat: 18
• Unsaturated Fat: 4
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 48
• Fiber: 2
• Protein: 8
• Cholesterol: 40