Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Rum Drink, Egg-Free & Vegan Versions)

Coquito means “Little Coconut” in Spanish, and is a traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico. If you like coconut and rum, you’ll love Puerto Rican Coquito! This egg free creamy coconut-based alcoholic beverage is a staple during the holiday season.

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Coquito means “Little Coconut” in Spanish, and is a traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico. If you like coconut and rum, you’ll love Puerto Rican Coquito! This egg-free creamy coconut-based alcoholic beverage is a staple during the holiday season. We’ve also included a vegan version.

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) | Delish D'Lites

I may be biased, but I truly think that Puerto Ricans are the best at celebrating Christmas, period! Nowhere else is Christmas celebrated like in Borinquen. Puerto Ricans are known for our unforgettable “parrandas or trullas navideñas”. Also called asalto navideño (literally, “Christmas time assault), a parranda is the Puerto Rican version of Christmas caroling. A small group of friends and/or family gathers together to “asaltar” or surprise another friend. Of course, we don’t surprise unsuspecting victims. The parranderos are given plenty of “hints” before hand by the homeowner that he are willing and able to receive a parranda.

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) | Delish D'Lites

Most parranderos play some sort of instrument, either cuatros, tamboriles (tambourines), güiro, maracas, or claves. And of course, lots of singing is absolutely involved. The parranderos arrive at the destination and then very quietly gather by the front door. At a signal, everyone starts playing their instruments and singing. The parrandas usually begin after 10pm in order to surprise and wake the sleeping friend.

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) | Delish D'Lites

The parranderos are invited in and refreshments, music and dance ensue! The party goes on for an hour or two then everyone, including the owners of the house, join the group and head to the next home. The group grows as they offer their parranda at several houses during that night. At the last house, usually around 3 or 4 in the morning, the homeowner offers a traditional chicken and rice stew (asopao de pollo). The party is usually over at dawn.

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) | Delish D'Lites

One of the most important elements of the Puerto Rican holiday season is coquito. You absolutely must have coquito ready at all time during the Navidad! If you like coconut and eggnog, you’ll love Puerto Rican Coquito! Coquito is a thick and creamy coconut drink that mixes silky coconut milk with sweet cream of coconut with warm spices like cinnamon and vanilla, and of course, rum!

Rum and spices

Some versions of coquito contain eggs or egg yolks, but I didn’t grow up making it that way, so I don’t include eggs in mine. If your abuelita makes her coquito with eggs, then by all means, go for it! If you’d like to make this non-alcoholic, that’s perfectly fine too. Everyone should experience the magic of Puerto Rican coquito.

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) | Delish D'Lites
Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) | Delish D'Lites
5 from 12 votes
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Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog) Egg Free & Vegan Version

This rich, authentic coquito recipe is commonly made during Christmas where it is served cold and meant to be shared with family and friends.

Course Drinks
Cuisine Puerto Rican
Keyword coquito
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings 8
Author Delish D’Lites

Ingredients

Traditional Coquito (Egg Free)

Vegan Coquito (Egg & Dairy Free)

Instructions

  1. In a blender, add evaporated milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, rum (if using), vanilla extract and spices. Blend on high until mixture is well combined, 1-2 minutes.

  2. Pour coquito mixture into glass bottles; cover. Transfer to refrigerator. Chill for 1-2 hours, or until cold.

  3. To serve, stir or shake bottle well to combine. Pour coquito into small serving glasses. Garnish with ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks, if desired.

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

For even more coconut flavor, use coconut flavored rum!

For a nonalcoholic version, just omit the rum.

Coquito (Puerto Rican Coconut Rum Drink, Egg-Free & Vegan Versions)

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19 Responses

  1. 5 stars
    This was amazing. Thank you. But after about a day in fridge it got very clumpy. Even after shaking really well before serving. I read it could be the coconut fat settling. Is there any way to prevent this? I’ve never had this happen when others made me coquito. Only when I make it.

  2. 5 stars
    I love eggnog and I just tried a recipe while the best that I could with what I had on hand, that I absolutely loved. Now I’m very excited to try this recipe as well. I’m just curious there was no nutrition guide at the end of this recipe LOL I’m wondering if you have that info? It would be greatly appreciated! ❤️

    1. Hi! We don’t provide nutrition info because it’s not possible to predict what products users will make our recipes with or what tweaks they’ll make. Also, many recipe counters don’t provide enough ingredient options to make accurate calculations. You can plug the recipe into free nutrition calculators that are available on the web. Thanks!

      1. 5 stars
        There’s no wrong way to make coquito if you follow the basic recipe.. a fun event is a coquito party..where you prepare several different recipes and decide which is your favorite.. Feliz Navidad!!

  3. 5 stars
    I made this with DonQ coconut rum and it’s incredible. I will definitely save the recipe and make it year after year! Thank you for the amazing recipe!

    1. 5 stars
      Made it today! Was a hit with the family, used sailor Jerry’s spiced rum! Great recipie! Will definitely make again !

  4. 5 stars
    I made it with a full cup of Captain Morgan’s spiced rum. Absolutely delicious. *Note – if you have a standard 5 or 6 cup blender, you may have to mix it in a large bowl first and then blend half of smaller portions of the mix in the blender at a time.

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Hola

I’m Jannese, Founder of Delish D’lites

I’m a Puerto Rican girl living in paradise (Florida), and the creative mind behind Delish D’Lites. I love sharing my family recipes and travel inspired cuisine! My favorite things include collecting passport stamps, twerking to Latin music, and kissing puppies. Follow along on social.