Coquito, Puerto Rico's creamy coconut holiday drink, made with rum and a pour of Krampus Herbal Liqueur for roasted hazelnut and honey.
Coquito, "little coconut," is Puerto Rico's beloved Christmas drink: a rich blend of coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened milks, rum and warm spices, chilled and poured in small glasses. Families guard their recipes and give bottles as gifts all December.
This version keeps the traditional base and adds a little Krampus Herbal Liqueur alongside the rum.
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- ½ can (7 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup white or gold rum
- ½ cup Krampus Herbal Liqueur
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon, ¼ tsp grated nutmeg, 1 tsp vanilla extract
Directions
- Blend everything until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
- Pour into clean glass bottles and refrigerate overnight.
- Shake well and pour into small chilled glasses.
Makes: about 10 drinks (4 oz each) · Glass: Small glass · Garnish: Cinnamon stick, grated cinnamon
Tip
Coconut fat firms up in the fridge. Let the bottle sit out for 10 minutes and shake hard before serving. Coquito keeps about a week refrigerated.
Variations
For a nuttier coquito, use ¾ cup rum and ¾ cup Krampus. Bottled coquito with a ribbon makes an easy homemade holiday gift.
A Brief History of the Coquito
Coquito is a Puerto Rican Christmas tradition, served from early December through Three Kings Day in January. Its exact origins aren't recorded, but it is often described as an island take on European egg-and-milk punches like eggnog, rebuilt around coconut and Puerto Rican rum.
Every family seems to have its own recipe, and bottles of homemade coquito are among the most treasured holiday gifts on the island and across the Puerto Rican diaspora.
Why Make It With Krampus
Coconut, cinnamon and vanilla carry most coquito recipes. Krampus adds roasted hazelnut and raw honey, so the drink picks up a toasted, nutty note, a little like coconut with praline. The rum stays in charge; Krampus just gives it more depth, which is why the recipe uses rum and Krampus together instead of replacing one with the other.
FAQ
How long does coquito last in the fridge?
About a week in a sealed bottle. Shake it well before every pour, since the coconut fat separates as it chills.
Does coquito have eggs?
Some family recipes include egg yolks, but many, including this one, don't. Egg-free coquito keeps longer and is simpler to make.
What is the difference between coquito and eggnog?
Coquito is coconut-based and usually egg-free, while eggnog is built on eggs, milk and cream. Both are spiced holiday drinks served cold.