Christmas Puerto Rican style requires Coquito. Coquito is basically a tropical, Puerto Rican version of eggnog. Something to sip before going on a paranda (basically Christmas Carols, but while drunk and dancing to salsa and bomba music. It is awesome!) One of the best things about Christmas in Puerto Rico is that it lasts from Christmas Eve all the way through to January 6th (3 King’s day).
It is 3 King’s day that traditionally was even more important for gift giving and celebrations, but as American culture has slowly taken hold, now both Christmas AND Three King’s day are important for gift giving.
So how to make Coquito? Here is our Coqui del Mar’s easy recipe:
The ingredients for Coquito, Puerto Rican Eggnog
Time: 15 minutes preparation
2 hours or more chilling for best results
*All ingredients are approximate, so if you do not find the exact size, do not worry about it,
INGREDIENTS:
- Sweetened Condensed Milk (one 14 oz can or about 1 cup)
- Cream of Coconut (one 15 oz can or about 1 cup)
- Evaporated Milk (one 12 oz can, or about 1 cup)
- Coconut Milk (about 1/4 cup)
- Vanilla (2 teaspoons)
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons)
- Rum (preferably Don Q – one cup)
- Brandy (optional – about 1/4 cup)
Take a large blender pitcher and add ingredients one by one, all except the rum. Blend at low speed at first, going to high speed for about 1-minute total. If you would like a “virgin” version of Coquito, this is it…Pour some off to the side for the kids. For the adult version, add the cup of rum (you can add less to begin with to taste, blending as you go…One cup will make a fairly strong version). This is where you add the brandy as well, the ingredient may sneak up on you as you drink it so easy on the brandy.
Coquito – A Puerto Rican tradition, is like eggnog but for those that like coconut and rum.
The finished product can be poured into bottles and given to friends, or brought to your next Christmas party. It’s like bringing a little piece of Puerto Rico into where ever you are spending your holidays.
It’s best to chill this overnight, but in a pinch, throw it in the freezer for an hour. Make sure to shake before serving as the cinnamon will settle.
Other options: Feel free to experiment to make this your own…Some people blend in shredded coconut for more coconut flavor. Others add egg yolk to make it thicker. Just be aware that adding egg yolk will mean that you cannot store this more than 2-3 days. Without the egg yolk, as long as it is refrigerated, you can make this a week ahead of time.
Feliz Navidad y Prospero Año Nuevo a todos!