During the December holidays, many people toast the season with glasses of creamy coquito. So, what is coquito, exactly? We spoke to Jessie Marrero, general manager of Qui Qui DC, a Puerto Rican restaurant in Washington, DC, to learn more about what coquito is and how to make it.
What is Coquito?
Coquito is a Puerto Rican beverage made with vanilla, coconut milk, coconut cream, rum and spices that is traditionally served during the December holidays.
Coquito means "little coconut" in Spanish, and coconut provides the majority of the drink's flavour and texture. Marrero says experimenting with proportions and flavours is a great way to develop your signature coquito. “Culturally, this is Puerto Rico’s largest drink during the holiday season. It signifies the coming of Christmas. It is served to friends, family, and guests. Every family has their own unique recipe that’s usually a carefully guarded secret. It’s a signature drink to celebrate life, success, love and culture.”
Coquito Ingredients
While almost every household has its own take on this festive drink, coquito ingredients typically include cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, white rum, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Some versions might also call for unsweetened coconut milk and/or evaporated milk, while others use egg yolks to create a rich, creamy texture.
Does Coquito Contain Alcohol?
Rum – specifically Puerto Rican rum – is a signature ingredient in most coquito recipes. However, you can make non-alcoholic coquito by tweaking some of your ingredients or using rum extract. “Go easy on the booze at first,” Marrero advises. “It’s not supposed to slap you in the face; it’s supposed to warm you up slowly.” You can also customise the amount of rum in your coquito, using less or more depending on personal preference. Either way, keep in mind that coquito typically ages in the fridge for a few days before serving, which will affect how you perceive its flavours.
Does Coquito Need To Be Refrigerated?
Coquito should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator; kept that way, it can keep for anywhere from four to eight weeks. The ingredients may settle between servings, particularly if you used eggs, so be sure to stir before you pour. Serve cold, garnished with a cinnamon stick or sprinkling of nutmeg if you like.
Coquito vs Eggnog: What's the Difference?
Although they might seem similar, coquito and eggnog are different beverages entirely. The main difference is that coquito’s base is rum and coconut, whereas eggnog’s base is egg and cream with the optional addition of rum or brandy. Eggs are not a part of traditional coquito recipes, but over time some recipes have changed to include them. It’s important to note that coquito recipes that contain eggs or are non-alcoholic have a shorter shelf life.
