Coquito is the perfect holiday cocktail! A decadent, boozy Puerto Rican eggnog, full of creamy coconut and Bacardi rum that you will be enjoying for holidays to come! Also with Vegan modifications!
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If you want to learn how to make coquito, a delicious Puerto Rican eggnog, you have come to the right place! Coquito is life! You have just met the most creamy, dreamy, decadent, boozy, coconut eggnog EVER! Bacardi also sells a bottled version of delicious coquito, but I would definitely encourage you to make your own!
While there are many recipes for coquito, I might have to duke it out for which version is the best. Although, when you are combining coconut and rum in any format, I’m not too sure you can go wrong!
Speaking of holiday spirit, be sure to check out this Gingerbread Martini for a super delicious holiday cocktail, as well as this decadent Tres Leches Cocktail, dessert in a glass!
Why this recipe works
- This Coquito eggnog is unlike anything you’ve ever tasted! I promise. Super creamy, decadent and flavorful, with a delicious kick from your favorite rum (I love Bacardi). Just in case your don’t have enough deliciousness, be sure to check out these Soft Gingerbread Cookies and Coconut Rum Balls.
- Super easy to make! Simply mix all your coquito recipe ingredients together and shake your serving over ice when you are ready to enjoy this holiday season.
- Make ahead! You can whip this recipe up ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Enjoy this drink anytime you like!
What is coquito?
Coquito is a delicious traditional holiday cocktail that originated in Puerto Rico. The Spanish translation is “Little Coconut” and is sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog.
The typical ingredients in coquito include rum, coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk and spices. However, there are many different coquito recipe variations that can include different milks, spices and alcohol variations.
Coquito ingredients
- Rum: I recommend Bacardi Dark Rum for this Bacardi coquito recipe. You can also use any other light, dark or spiced rum of choice as coquito is a very flexible recipe.
- Sweetened Condensed Milk: Found in a can in most baking sections of the grocery store. You can also purchase sweetened condensed milk online.
- Cream of Coconut: Be careful not to confuse cream of coconut with canned coconut cream. While both of these products can be found in a can, the cream of coconut require for the coquito recipe has additional sweetener and other ingredients that really make this coquito shine! Two of the most popular brands of cream of coconut are Coco Lopez (also Vegan) and Real Coco which can be found at most grocery stores or online.
- Evaporated Milk: Found in a can in most baking sections of the grocery store. You can also purchase evaporated milk online.
- Heavy Cream: Any brand of heavy cream work well. If you wish to lighten it up, you can also use half and half, 2% milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk or your favorite alternative milk.
- Vanilla Extract: You can also use fresh vanilla bean or vanilla bean paste.
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Clove
- Shredded Coconut (optional rim garnish).
Vegan Coquito
You can make delicious vegan coquito recipe with just a few easy vegan modifications!
- Substitute sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with vegan sweetened condensed coconut milk and vegan evaporated coconut milk (Nature’s Charm brand is a good option for these vegan variations).
- Confirm that cream of coconut is vegan brand (as many can contain unapproved additives). Coco Lopez is a vegan option.
- Substitute heavy cream for alternative vegan milk of choice: almond milk, soy milk and oat milk work well in this recipe.
How to make coquito recipe
- In large bowl, combine rum, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, cream of coconut (Coco Lopez or Coco Real), evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- When ready to serve, place desired amount in cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously, pour into rocks or martini glass. Ice is optional.
- Optional: For shredded coconut rim: Dip glass rim in sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut.
- Optional: Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove or a cinnamon stick.
FAQ and expert tips
The literal translation of coquito in Spanish means “little coconut.” Coquito is a traditional holiday cocktail, sometimes referred to as Puerto Rican Eggnog.
Coquito stays fresh for approximately 3-4 days and should be stored in a tightly sealed bottle in the refrigerator.
The alcohol used in coquito is rum. Some variations may use a Spanish liquor, brandy, bourbon or cognac.
Looking for other delicious cocktail recipes?
- Bailey’s Cocktail: This creamy Baileys drink includes amaretto and vodka making the perfect dessert cocktail.
- Bacardi Rum Punch: Feeling tropical? This Rum Punch recipe with Bacardi rum is delicious and refreshing! You will feel like you are relaxing on a Caribbean beach!
- Cherry Manhattan: This cherry Manhattan is a traditional Manhattan recipe with a twist!
- Red Sangria: This Red Sangria Recipe is the best you will try! Blackberry brandy and amaretto, mixed with delicious wine and fruit make the most refreshing summer cocktail!
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Bacardi Coquito: With Vegan Coquito Modification Options!
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker, large bowl.
Ingredients
- 1.5 cup Bacardi Dark Rum (or other rum of choice)
- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk Note: Reserve 1 tablespoons for optional shredded coconut rim.
- 1 cup coconut milk (regular or reduced fat)
- ½ cup cream of coconut (Coco Lopez or Coco Real)
- ½ cup evaporated milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon clove
- 1 Optional Garnish: Shredded coconut
Instructions
- In large bowl, combine rum, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, cream of coconut(Coco Lopez or Coco Real), evaporated milk, heavy cream, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Mix until thoroughly combined.
- When ready to serve, place desired amount in cocktail shaker with ice.
- Shake vigorously, pour into rocks or martini glass. Ice is optional.
- Optional: For shredded coconut rim: Dip glass rim in sweetened condensed milk and shredded coconut.
- Optional: Garnish with whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove or a cinnamon stick.
Notes
- Vegan Coquito:
- Substitute sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with vegan sweetened condensed coconut milk and vegan evaporated coconut milk.
- Confirm that cream of coconut is vegan brand (as many can contain unapproved additives). Coco Lopez is a vegan brand.
- Substitute heavy cream for alternative vegan milk of choice: almond milk, soy milk and oat milk work well in this recipe.
- Glass Rim Garnish: Garnish with shredded coconut.
- Additional Christmas Cocktail Garnish: Whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove or a cinnamon stick.
- Lighter Modification: In place of heavy cream, you can lighten it up by using half and half, 2% milk, almond milk, soy milk, oat milk or your favorite alternative milk.
Angelina
I have never tried coquito and I thought I would give it a go. This recipe is amazing!!!! Coquito is like eggnogs coconut cousin. This is a keeper on our on our holiday cocktail list for sure.
Aubrey
Thanks Angelina! Coquito is one of my holiday favorites for sure. So glad you enjoyed. 🙂