This Sunday, December 21, 2025, marks National Coquito Day, a celebration of one of the Caribbean’s most loved holiday beverages. This creamy, coconut-based drink has become synonymous with gatherings, particularly in Puerto Rican culture where it holds a special place at holiday tables. As temperatures drop across much of the United States, this tropical libation offers a taste of warmth and island heritage that has captivated taste buds far beyond its Caribbean origins.

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Coquito blends coconut cream

with rum and warm spices

for holiday cheer

Vegan coquito swaps dairy

for coconut milk variations

keeping creamy texture

Chocolate coquito adds cocoa

to classic rum base

for decadent twist

Share coquito with family

refrigerate for best taste

during festive gatherings

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National Coquito Day provides an opportunity to honor the rich cultural significance of this drink while exploring its evolution across different communities. From its traditional preparation passed down through generations to modern interpretations, coquito has proven to be a true keeper of tradition. The holiday serves as a reminder of how food and drink connect us to our roots while inviting innovation and personal expression.

Whether you’re a longtime enthusiast or discovering coquito for the first time, this day encourages everyone to raise a glass to the flavors, memories and pride that this special beverage represents. It’s a time to get together with loved ones, share stories, and perhaps experiment with your own unique take on this classic recipe while respecting the culture that have made it a treasured part of holiday celebrations.

What Is Coquito?

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday beverage often described as Caribbean eggnog. This rich, creamy drink combines coconut cream or coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, and warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla. The result is a smooth, indulgent cocktail that’s typically served chilled during the Christmas season or, truly, any gatherings where you want a good time. Unlike traditional eggnog, most coquito recipes don’t include eggs, though some variations do incorporate them for added richness.

@themoodyfoody

Recipe 👇here is the coquito recipe Ive making for years! Coquito season is here, this recipe makes (2) 750ml bottles 🇵🇷 If you want to learn how to make the best coquito ever! I got you! ingredients 2/3 cup White rum Don Q is my favorite. You can ad more or less here 1/8 cup Spiced Rum or Dark Rum I like Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, or Don Q 151 1 can Sweet condensed milk 14 oz can 1 cup Evaporated Milk this is about half the can! 1 can Coconut Milk 13.5 oz can 1 can Cream of coconut 15 oz can (COCO LOPEZ IS THE BEST BRAND) 2 tsps Ground Cinnamon I always add more if needed 1 tsp Ground Nutmeg 1 tbsp Pure Vanilla Extract For the Tea 1 cup water 3 cinnamon sticks 8 all spice berries 6 cloves 5 Star anise 1 tsp cinnamon #coquito #boricua #puertorico #coquitorecipe

♬ Tu Con El – Frankie Ruiz

Coquito Recipes and Variations

Traditional Puerto Rican Coquito

The classic recipe combines one 15-ounce can of cream of coconut, one 14-ounce can of sweetened condensed milk, one 12-ounce can of evaporated milk, 1 cup of white rum (such as Bacardi), 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Blend all ingredients until smooth, bottle, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving. Shake well before pouring and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Dominican Coquito with Eggs

Some Dominican families prepare their version with egg yolks for a richer, custard-like texture. This variation adds 4-6 egg yolks to the traditional base, which are tempered carefully with the warm milk mixture before blending. The eggs create a thicker consistency and deeper flavor profile that bridges the gap between coquito and traditional eggnog.

Vegan Coconut Coquito

For a plant-based version, substitute the sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk with coconut condensed milk and full-fat coconut milk. Use coconut rum or light rum, and add a splash of coconut extract to intensify the tropical flavor. This version maintains the creamy texture while being completely dairy-free.

Chocolate Coquito

A fun twist popular among younger generations incorporates chocolate into the mix. Add ¼ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder or 4 ounces of melted dark chocolate to the traditional recipe. Some versions use chocolate liqueur in place of some of the rum for an extra layer of decadence.

Spiced Coquito with Ginger

This variation adds a warming kick by incorporating fresh ginger. Blend 1-2 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger with the other ingredients, or steep ginger slices in the rum for several days before making the coquito. This creates a spicier, more complex flavor that’s perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

Coffee Coquito

Coffee lovers have created versions that incorporate espresso or strong brewed coffee. Add ½ cup of cooled espresso or coffee concentrate to the traditional recipe, and consider using coffee liqueur like Kahlúa as part of the alcohol component. This version offers a delightful pick-me-up quality while maintaining the creamy coconut base.

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