Many of us have had eggnog during the holidays, but if you’ve never had cokito at Christmas, you’re missing out on a delicious holiday tradition. This Puerto Rican holiday coconut-based drink is a sweet and creamy spiked drink with warm spices and vanilla notes, served chilled straight from the fridge. This cokito recipe is rich and luscious with a tropical coconut twist, and tastes like horchata and eggnog at Christmas. It’s popular to make in bulk and give as gifts to friends and family during the holiday season, and you can also make a non-alcoholic version for the whole family to enjoy.
Related: Homemade eggnog, eggnog latte, eggnog martini, horchata recipe, wassail recipe, Glühwein (German mulled wine)
Does Kokito contain eggs?
This question is definitely controversial, and the answer depends on each family’s traditional methods. Some people add raw egg yolks to the recipe to create a more custard-like, eggnog-like recipe; however, to make the recipe more similar to horchata, you can omit the egg yolks and store it in the refrigerator without eggs. This allows it to be stored longer.
What is Kokito?
Coquito is a sweet holiday drink native to Puerto Rico that is made around the Christmas holiday season. Although sometimes referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog,” cokito is not necessarily made with eggs, but instead uses coconut as its main base flavor with vanilla and warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. In Spanish, this word is Kokito It means “little coconut”. White rum is the most popular choice for adding alcoholic flavor to drinks and is always served very chilled.
What kind of alcohol goes well with Kokito?
White rum is the most popular choice in Coquito due to its light flavor, but look for Puerto Rican white rums like Don Q first. However, you can also use any other white rum of your choice. Depending on your taste, you can also try gold rum, dark spiced rum, or brandy if that’s more to your taste.
Can you make cokito without alcohol?
yes! Cokito can easily be made non-alcoholic by substituting coconut milk for the rum. You can also add some imitation rum extract To flavor cokito without turning it into alcohol.
Kokito ingredients:
- Sweetened condensed milk: Sweetened condensed milk makes everything taste better and adds just the right amount of sweetness to the drink.
- evaporated milk: A standard can of evaporated milk from the grocery store is all you need for this recipe.
- Coconut cream (Coco Lopez, Bitter Gourd, etc.): Please make sure you are getting coconut cream This recipe is different from coconut cream, so read the label carefully.
- Ground nutmeg, cinnamon and cloves: These ground spices add a warm spice aroma to the drink, giving it a festive taste.
- Vanilla essence: The vanilla scent goes well with coconut. For a higher quality vanilla flavor, be sure to use vanilla extract rather than imitation vanilla.
- White rum: Cokito with white rum is a great combination, but some people prefer dark spiced rum or brandy.
- Cinnamon stick (optional): If you want a nice garnish and a little extra cinnamon flavor, add a cinnamon stick to your cokito before serving.
How to make kokito:
Add all ingredients to a blender and mix on high speed. Place the mixture in the refrigerator for at least an hour to chill before serving. Pour it cold directly into a glass or add ice to enjoy.
Note: As for the amount of alcohol you add to your cokito, start with the recommended amount and add more whenever you need. You can also make it as is and have a small white rum station nearby for those who want to add an extra shot to their drink.
FAQ
How long does Kokito last in the refrigerator?
If you make kokito without eggs like in this recipe, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 months.
Hint: In some cases, Coconut fat solidifies in the refrigerator.leave on the counter for about 10 minutes to warm up, then shake to incorporate the fat before pouring over ice.
Tips for making Kokito:
- If you like ginger, try adding a little grated ginger to your taste.
- Serve with a generous sprinkle of whipped cream and cinnamon.
- small swing top glass bottle like this The perfect homemade coquito gift. Try adding a cinnamon stick and halved vanilla bean to each bottle for a cute and delicious touch.
- If you don’t have a mixer, you can just mix the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Floating star anise on your drink looks beautiful and adds a black licorice flavor.
Get your free recipe guide most popular Past recipes!
Free popular recipe guide
Top 25 recipes of all time!
get the recipe
A creamy coconut Puerto Rican version of the holiday eggnog-like drink.
Instructions
Place all ingredients in a blender (except the cinnamon stick) and blend on high until combined.
Place the cokito mixture in the refrigerator for 1 hour to chill before serving.
Pour into a glass or over ice.
Precautions
Hint: In some cases, Coconut fat solidifies in the refrigerator.leave on the counter for about 10 minutes to warm up, then shake to incorporate the fat before pouring over ice.
Tips for making Kokito:
-
- Please be sure to select coconut cream This recipe is different from coconut cream, so read the label carefully.
-
- If you like ginger, try adding a little grated ginger to your taste.
-
- Serve with a generous sprinkle of whipped cream and cinnamon.
-
- small swing top glass bottle like this A perfect homemade cokito gift. Try adding a cinnamon stick and halved vanilla bean to each bottle for a cute and delicious touch.
-
- If you don’t have a mixer, you can just mix the ingredients in a large bowl.
- Floating star anise on your drink looks beautiful and adds a black licorice flavor.