PUERTO RICAN COQUITO (CLASSIC CHRISTMAS DRINK)

Think of COQUITO as the Puerto Rican version of Eggnog without the egg.

COQUITO means ‘ little coconut ‘ in Spanish and this traditional Rum spiked Christmas drink is a rich and creamy blend of coconut milk, cream of coconut, evaporated milk and condensed milk. 

One batch makes plenty for a party 

INGREDIENTS

• 12 Oz can of evaporated milk 

• ½ inch ginger

• 1-2 cinnamon sticks

• 1-2 cloves

• 1star anise 

• 13.5 Oz can of unsweetened coconut milk

• 14 Oz can of sweet condensed milk

• 15 Oz can of Cream of coconut milk( do not substitute with coconut cream. I didn’t have any cream of coconut so I did a DIY… I dissolved 1 ½ cup of sugar in 400 ml of coconut milk with a pinch of salt by warming it for 2-3 mins until sugar dissolved and the liquid turns translucent ) 

• 1-1.5 cup of white Rum ( optional if you want a non-alcoholic version)

• Ground cinnamon and cinnamon stick for garnish

INSTRUCTIONS

• In a small saucepan heat up the evaporated milk with ginger, cinnamon, cloves and star anise ( 3-4 mins). Allow to cool and infuse. Strain and discard the whole spices 

• Now mix the evaporated milk with all other ingredients in a blender. Blend well at medium speed 

• Pour into glass bottles and chill overnight

Serve cold sprinkled with cinnamon and a cinnamon stick

Salud .. Happy Holidays