In the United States, National Coquito Day takes place on December 21st. To homage this date, we wanted to give you some information about its history and significance within the Puerto Rican culture.
What is Coquito?
Coquito, which translates to little coconut, is a popular drink that every year Puerto Ricans (and lately more and more people from other cultures) share with friends, neighbors and co-workers around the holiday season. It’s known as the Caribbean version of eggnog.
Christmas Coquito via Tasting Table
History of Coquito
Some believe the person who created coquito back in the 1900s is unknown, along with how the recipe began. Others say that the drink was brought to the Caribbean by the Spanish during Puerto Rico’s colonial period. The Spanish took their version of eggnog and combined it with the local rum, creating coquito!
Coquito 101
The main ingredients of coquito are: coconut milk, coconut cream, rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon and sweetened condensed milk. Of course every family has its own Coquito recipe that is often passed down from generation to generation!
An alcoholic Coquito can last for about two months in the fridge. But, luckily, you can extend it more if you don’t mix eggs in it, making it last for up to 6 months!
Add some sabores!
Other flavors can be added to make strawberry coquito, coconut and hazelnut spread coquito, or chocolate coquito, to name a few. You can also add other spices like clove, ginger or star anise.
Strawberry Coquito via California Strawberries
Coquito’s Recipes for you
Here are some incredible Coquito versions from our favorite Puerto Rican culture creators!
Yashira:
Omi:
Lola:
Now that you know the basics, would you try this traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink?
