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Irresistible Coquito Recipe Easy Homemade Creamy Puerto Rican Eggnog

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A creamy, rich, and flavorful Puerto Rican eggnog that combines coconut milk, warm spices, and rum for a festive holiday treat. This easy recipe delivers a smooth, comforting drink perfect for celebrations.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 can (12 oz / 354 ml) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz / 396 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white rum (Puerto Rican rum like Bacardi Superior recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 3 large egg yolks, room temperature (optional)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks (for garnish and aroma)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk 3 large egg yolks until slightly frothy (about 2 minutes). This step is optional for an egg-free version.
  2. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine evaporated milk, coconut milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Heat gently, stirring occasionally, until warm but not boiling (about 5 minutes).
  3. Slowly pour about ½ cup (120 ml) of the warm milk mixture into the egg yolks while whisking vigorously to temper the eggs.
  4. Pour the tempered egg yolks back into the saucepan with the remaining warm milk mixture. Stir constantly and cook over low heat for 5-7 minutes until slightly thickened. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool.
  5. Once cooled to room temperature, stir in white rum, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves. Mix well.
  6. Pour the mixture into a blender and pulse 3-4 times for a silky texture (optional but recommended).
  7. Transfer the coquito to glass bottles or jars, add 2 cinnamon sticks, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Shake well before serving. Pour into small glasses and garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

Notes

Tempering the egg yolks is key to avoid scrambling. Use full-fat coconut milk and evaporated milk for best creaminess. Blend after mixing for a smooth texture. Chill for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor. Shake well before serving due to natural separation. Adjust spices to taste, especially cloves which can overpower.

Nutrition

Keywords: coquito, Puerto Rican eggnog, holiday drink, creamy coconut drink, festive beverage, rum drink, Christmas drink