Puerto Rican Coconut Drink (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Spiced Tea Base
01 -
1 cup of water
02 -
8 whole allspice berries
03 -
6 cloves, whole
04 -
5 star anise pods
05 -
3 cinnamon sticks, large size
06 -
1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
→ Coquito Mixture
07 -
1 can (15 oz) coconut cream, preferably Coco Lopez brand
08 -
1 can (14 oz) condensed milk, sweetened
09 -
1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
10 -
1 cup evaporated milk (approximately half a standard can)
11 -
1 tablespoon vanilla extract, pure
12 -
3/4 cup white rum (adjust to your preference)
13 -
1/4 cup spiced or dark rum
14 -
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
15 -
1 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat water in a medium pot until it reaches a rolling boil. Toss in the allspice berries, whole cloves, star anise, cinnamon sticks, and ground cinnamon. Let everything simmer together for 8 to 10 minutes to extract those warm, fragrant flavors. Strain out all the spices and set the tea aside to cool down completely.
02 -
Working in batches if needed, combine the coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a powerful blender. Blend on high until you get a silky smooth, completely combined mixture with no lumps.
03 -
Transfer your blended mixture into a spacious mixing bowl. Measure out about 1/3 cup of the cooled spice tea and stir it in. Add both types of rum along with the cinnamon and nutmeg, whisking everything together until well incorporated.
04 -
Using a funnel, pour the coquito into two clean 750ml bottles. Seal them tightly and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours, though overnight is even better. Always give the bottle a good shake before pouring over ice.
# Notes:
01 -
This traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink is best enjoyed ice cold and shared with loved ones
02 -
The spiced tea adds an authentic depth of flavor that sets this recipe apart from simpler versions
03 -
Feel free to adjust the rum quantity based on how strong you prefer your coquito
04 -
Coquito stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days when stored in sealed bottles