Coquito, I'll Have What They're Having!

While flying home from a photo shoot last year I read a feature on Puerto Rico in the flight magazine. Included was a whole page dedicated to Coquito, a Puerto Rican holiday staple. In case you didn’t know, Coquito hails from Puerto Rico where family recipes are closely guarded secrets. It’s enjoyed primarily during the winter holiday season. It is thick and creamy, often compared to eggnog. This delight is often bottled up and handed out as presents. Some folks even have a swift side business selling their homemade bottled Coquito.

After researching recipes online, I found there are common base ingredients- cream of coconut, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, vanilla, and rum. Where recipes vary is in the spices for infusing the Coquito. Some swear by cinnamon and nutmeg. Others wouldn’t dream of not adding allspice or star anise. There is great debate on whether to add egg yolks. The thing every Coquito recipe appears to share is an overnight rest in order to let the flavors meld together before drinking.

Here is the Coquito recipe I use which is adapted from puertorriiqueno recipes generously shared. Feel free to experiment with adding coffee, raisins, or winter spices that you enjoy.

This recipe makes 7 cups of Coquito, 1/2 cup portions will yield you 14 servings.

Ingredients:

1 (16 oz) can of cream of coconut

1 (14 oz) can of sweetened condensed milk

1 (12 oz) can of evaporated milk

1 (13.5 oz) can of coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon

1 pinch of salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/2 cups rum (I mixed dark and white)

Star anise and ground cinnamon for garnish

Pour the cream of coconut, all three milks, ground cinnamon, vanilla, pinch of salt, and rum into a large mixing bowl or blender. Whisk vigorously until well blended. Refrigerate for 48 hours to cure ingredients for best flavor.

When ready to drink, whisk the mixture again, then pour into cocktail glasses. Add a dusting of cinnamon and a star anise for a garnish. You may also pour into food safe bottles to hand out to friends. Enjoyed best while ice cold!