As a Puerto Rican who has been making Coquito for decades, I’ve mastered the best recipe on the planet. Having almost 50 million views online, there’s so much secret that my recipe is as good as it gets! My coquito is sweet and creamy and has that irresistible rum flavor without being too overpowering. If you’re looking for an easy authenic coquito recipe, this is the one to make.

If you love delicious Puerto Rican recipes try my delicious and crunchy, Pernil my famous One Pot Chicken & Spanish Rice and my Camarones Al Ajillo

What is Coquito?

Coquito, which translates to “little coconut,” is a classic, beloved Puerto Rican holiday drink. Like egg nog, it’s a thick and creamy holiday treat served mainly from Thanksgiving to Christmas but can be enjoyed year-round. Coquito is a rich drink, and some say the creaminess from the milk distracts you from the rum. So, in other words, watch out…. this drink can and will sneak up on you! 😉

Why this is the perfect Coquito Recipe

It’s Shareable and makes a great gift—Coquito is a great holiday gift for friends or coworkers. Every year, I make a huge batch and give it to my loved ones. It’s a unique and memorable way to spread holiday cheer

This recipe makes (2) 750 ml bottles. Here are the coquito bottles I use! I also like to label them with a little note or tag! Such a cute gift idea.

It’s easy- I can make this coquito with my eyes closed! Once you master it, you will be able to as well! It’s straightforward and has a ton of flavor.

The flavor is amazing- The perfect coquito is balanced. It combines the flavors of cinnamon, sweetness, vanilla, and rum to make a memorable drink! My recipe has the right amount of everything- try it out, you’ll see!

Ingredients You’ll need

Click the hyperlinks for all of my favorite brands

• Cream of Coconut (Coco Lopez Brand is the BEST) It’s usually sold out, so order on Amazon!
• Coconut Milk– I recommend full-fat coconut milk. It’s a rich drink, treat yourself!
• Sweet Condensed Milk– This is going to make your drink sweet! What I love is you can always add a little more, or a little less, depending on how sweet you like it!
• Evaporated Milk- Any brand will do, this adds some depth!
• Puerto Rican Rum—The best coquito is made with Puerto Rican rum. I highly suggest Don Q, Bacardi, or any local Puerto Rican Rum. What I love about these brands is that they are affordable and give it an authentic taste! Trust me!
• Spices (Star Anise, Allspice Berries, Cinnamon Sticks, Cloves)- This is going to be used to make a tea that adds a ton of flavor to your cocktail
• Vanilla extract– Pure Vanilla Extract is best

How to Make Authentic Puerto Rican Coquito Step-by-Step with Photos

1. Make your tea

A tea is a spice-based blend that gives your drink flavor. To make your tea, start by adding your spices to a pot of boiling water. Let it rest for at least 20 minutes. While optional, this is highly recommended if you want an authentic recipe.

2. Steep it, Strain it, Cool it.

Let it rest, strain it, and set it aside to cool!

3. Blend the rest of your Ingredients

Mix vanilla, sweet condensed, evaporated, and coconut milk. Blend until smooth.

4. Mix everything together

Add your tea, and rum to your blended mixture and a bit more cinnamon! Mix.

5. Chill and Serve

What is the best rum to use for coquito?

What makes my recipe special is that I mix spiced rum with white rum! The spiced rum adds a little yet another depth of flavor. I like to use Bacardi, Don Q, or, for a budget-friendly option, I like to use Palo Viejo!

How long does Coquito last in the fridge?

Coquito can last up to 2 months in the fridge. When properly stored, it can be enjoyed for a long time. It’s the gift that keeps giving!

How can I make a big batch?

This recipe makes (2) 750 ml bottles! You can find the bottles here! You can also triple, quadruple, and even 10x this recipe! I use to sell coquito in my neighborhood using this exact method!

Tips for making the perfect Coquito

1. Make it ahead- This is a drink that the longer you let the flavors sit, the better off they are! I like to make my coquito at least two days before serving. Legend has it- the longer it sits, the stronger it is! Drink responsibly!
2. Buy the best you can afford- Coquito is a cream-based drink so you want to buy high quality ingredients. I like to buy from brands that are known for making pure coconut creams, and milks! This will ensure your drink comes out amazing!
3. Serve it Chilled & Sip it slow- Coquito needs to be served cold or on ice! You also should sip is slow!

If you love this recipe as much as I loved creating it, I kindly ask for you to share a review. Reviews help other people find amazing recipes! xo Toni