Coquito
Coquito
Ingredients
• 1 15-oz. can cream of coconut
• 1 14-oz. can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 13.5-oz. can coconut milk
• 2 12-oz. cans evaporated milk
• 3/4 cup white rum (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, plus more for garnish
Directions
• Process cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and coconut milk in a blender or food processor until completely smooth. Transfer mixture to a large bowl or pitcher.
• Whisk in the evaporated milk, rum, vanilla, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg.
• Cover and chill for 24 hours.
• Garnish with nutmeg and cinnamon sticks, if desired. Serving size: 1/2 cup.
Benefits: For many Puerto Ricans—and other Latinos—it’s not Christmas without coquito. This drink, like many holiday beverages, is rather high in calories, but it does contain beneficial spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. Because it’s very rich, it can be served over ice if you want to dilute it. A typical Christmas coquito includes rum, but this alcohol-free version is favored by children and adults alike. Other fruit flavors, such as guava or pineapple, can be added to the recipe.