The Best Coquito Recipe – Puerto Rican Eggnog

 Coquito! It’s infinitely better than any traditional American style eggnog I have ever had! I know, those are probably fighting words with many of you, but if you love eggnog and coconut wait until you try Coquito.

And this particular Coquito recipe is extremely creamy and loaded with multiple types of coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg and rum!

You can make this Puerto Rican Coquito recipe and store it for up to a month in the fridge, but good luck making it last that long!

HOW TO MAKE COQUITO 
Coquito is surprisingly EASY to make, it will take you about 10 minutes total of work. 
It’s no bake, you don’t have to heat anything up or do anything on the stove! Like I said, it’s easy!
If you want the rum raisins, you will start by soaking the raisins in rum with cinnamon sticks in a jar. 
Then all we have to do is puree the rest of the ingredients together in a blender and let it all chill for at least 4 hours.
The longer it sits, the better it gets. The flavors all meld together as it chills in the fridge and just becomes more delicious.
So don’t be afraid to make this a few days before a party! It’s a great make ahead Christmas cocktail

COQUITO – A FAMILY RECIPE

This fabulous Coquito recipe is actually a family recipe from my friend Christina. 

Her father, who passed away a few years ago now, was an amazing cook and had so many secret family recipes.
I begged her and she so sweetly agreed to share the recipe with all of you! I’m so glad because this is the best Coquito I have ever had!
As I have found out through the years, many Puerto Ricans have different opinions on Coquito and what is an authentic recipe. 
Some families add eggs, some don’t. Some like it thinner, some like it thicker. And some like it with rum raisins. 
Thankfully, Christina’s family makes it how I love it…sweet, thick, creamy and with rum raisins! 

RUM RAISINS
Don’t run away, these are optional!
I know they may not be completely traditional, but oh man are they amazing in a bottle of homemade Coquito. 
If you don’t like raisins, you won’t hurt anyones feelings by leaving them out. 
But personally, the little bites of rum soaked raisins hidden at the bottom of my glass are one of the best parts.

COQUITO INGREDIENTS

There are a few ingredients in this Coquito recipe that are optional, and a few ingredients you must include.
Let’s start with the ingredients you can’t skip:
• dark spiced rum – you want to give it good flavor!
• cinnamon sticks
• sweetened condensed milk – the key to making everything extra creamy!
• cream of coconut – I use the Coco Lopez brand. You CAN NOT swap this for anything else.
• coconut milk
• evaporated milk
• ground nutmeg – freshly grated if possible
• ground cinnamon
• vanilla extract – just a splash!

The optional ingredients are raisins (for the rum raisins) and shredded coconut. 
We puree everything – except the raisins – so don’t worry, the shredded coconut does not give it the Coquito a chewy texture.
Instead, it helps to add to the overall coconut flavor and thickens the coquito a little more. I have had many, many Coquito recipes over the years now and I have to say that this one is by far the best I have had.
It is extra thick and creamy and filled with coconut flavor from the coconut milk, cream of coconut and shredded coconut. And don’t forget the spices – cinnamon and nutmeg!! 
You can make this Coquito recipe ahead and store it in the fridge, in an airtight container, for up to a month

INGREDIENTS ·         4 oz raisins ·         1 1/2 cups dark rum ·         2 cinnamon sticks ·         1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk ·         1 (15 oz) can cream of coconut (Coco Lopez) ·         1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk ·         4 oz evaporated milk ·         1/2 teaspoon nutmeg ·         1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon ·         1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract ·         4 tablespoons shredded coconut, optional

INSTRUCTIONS 1.       In a large pitcher with a lid (or two large jars with lids - this will make about 56 oz of liquid) add raisins, dark rum and cinnamon sticks. Let sit for 1 hour.  2.       In a blender, puree all the other ingredients.  Pour into the bottle and shake well to combine with rum/raisins mixture.  3.       Chill for at least 4 hours and store in airtight container in refrigerator for up a month..  4.       You have to shake vigorously before pouring.