Love Sipping Eggnog During the Holidays? Try This Coquito Recipe: It’s Just as Creamy Without the Eggs

The holidays aren’t just about those hearty dishes that adorn your family’s dinner table. Drinks are equally effective for ushering in the festivities, especially when you’re serving up a Christmas cocktail like coquito. This drink is creamy like eggnog, but it doesn’t require eggs. Instead, pantry staples like canned coconut milk and sweetened milk give this sip its velvety consistency. Rum is also a key ingredient in coquito as it enhances the drink’s sweetness and gives it a boozy kick. (Though, it’s easy to make a nonalcoholic version too.) So, if you’re looking for a drink that will steal the show at your upcoming holiday gathering, here’s how to make the most delicious coquito recipe!

What is coquito?

Coquito (which means “little coconut” in Spanish) is a creamy cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico and is traditionally served during Christmastime. Preparing it involves blending the ingredients until a thick, smooth mixture forms. The drink then sits in the fridge so the flavors can deepen and create the tastiest coquito. Variations of this drink can include eggs for extra richness; chocolate for a decadent twist; or canned pumpkin for an earthy flavor.

Does coquito use light or dark rum?

Rum is used in most coquito recipes as it turns the drink base into a cocktail. The choice of light or dark rum is entirely up to you. Coquito is often made with white rum, such as Bacardí Superior, for its light and smooth taste. However, you can use a dark rum, like Zacapa Rum, to add a bolder, spiced flavor.

A good rule of thumb for using your favorite rum in coquito? Don’t overdo it. “Go easy on the booze at first,” Jessie Marrero, lead bartender at Golden West Cafe in Baltimore, Maryland, tells Food Network. “It’s not supposed to slap you in the face; it’s supposed to warm you up slowly.” Simply follow your desired recipe and you should have coquito that’s perfectly balanced.

How long does homemade coquito last?

After serving your coquito, any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container or bottle in the fridge. Many recipes say it will stay fresh for weeks, but Maribel Alonso, former technical information specialist with USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline, notes that coquito shouldn’t linger in your fridge that long. “Being from Puerto Rico, I know people keep it in the fridge for a long time,” she tells the Miami Herald. “After four days, the flavors start to change. For safety and quality, it’s best to use it within four days.”

A festive and flavorful coquito recipe

With all of this in mind, you shouldn’t have any trouble whipping up your own coquito at home. Try this recipe from Sara Maniez, owner and blogger at Lifes Little Sweets, which boasts the right amount of sweet, creamy and spiced flavors. (Be sure to also make this homemade eggnog for your holiday drink spread.)

Coquito

Ingredients:

Directions:

• Yield: 8 servings