Nothing says Christmas in my native Puerto Rico, like Coquito does. For many years now my husband and other non-Latin friends have enjoyed this festive drink, and every year I am asked for the recipe. Now that I finally gave in, and emailed the recipe to a friend, who in turn started an entire Facebook thread on it, I might as well write about it!
I like to best describe it as the Puerto Rican version of eggnog. In my opinion it is “lighter” and better balanced than eggnog. Also it contains raw eggs; which I know is raising some eyebrows as some of you read. If you are against consuming raw eggs, simply cook the eggs with the evaporated milk over a double boiler, let it cool and add to the mixture before you add the rum.
I hope you enjoy Coquito as much as we do in our household, and in my island, all the way through the New Year.
Have a Very Merry Christmas!!!
Ingredients – makes 1 liter
1 cup of water
12 spice cloves
4 cinnamon sticks
2 eggs
14 oz coconut milk
1 cup evaporated milk
1 cup condensed milk
3/4 cup of rum
Method
1. In a small saucepan bring to a boil the water, cloves and cinnamon. Once it comes to a rapid boil, turn the heat to medium and cook for 10 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. While the spice mixture cools, in a large stainless bowl or a blender mix the eggs and the coconut milk.
3. Add the evaporated milk, condensed milk and 1/3 cup of the reduced spice mixture.
4. Add the rum and blend some more.
5. Refrigerate for one to two hours before serving.
Chef’s Notes
* Keep refrigerated for up to a month.
* Empty rum bottles are great for keeping Coquito.
* Sprinkle with a little cinnamon before serving.
* If you live in Florida and can get Don Q rum, I highly recommend it!!!
December 25, 2009 at 12:53 am
Este coquito se ve bien rico. Nunca he oído de esta bebida pero la voy a probar lo más pronto posible.
Feliz navidad y te deseo un año prospero.
December 28, 2009 at 12:00 am
This brings back such great memories of my titi patria’s coquito! thanks for this i MUST try to make it myself. will be hard because i’m a gringa! LOL!
January 1, 2010 at 3:24 pm
No hard to make at all! I am married to a gringo and he can make this, as well as flan.