How to Make Puerto Rican Coquito: Ingredients & Instructions

No, it’s not like eggnog… it’s better!

Coquito is Puerto Rico’s beloved coconut rum drink, flowing freely during the 45-day holiday season from late November through mid-January. Served at parrandas, family gatherings, and festivals, this creamy treat is a sweet way to celebrate Navidad. While you can find it everywhere on the Island, homemade coquito is always preferred, made from recipes passed down through generations.

Tip: Make this a family activity and have the kids paint and decorate the glass bottles to give as presents to family members and friends.

From slow-roasted pork to our famous “coquito," no one does holiday food like Puerto Rico. Here’s a sneak peek of what’s waiting for you in paradise.

Coquito, a traditional holiday drink, enjoyed during Puerto Rico festivals and celebrations. — It isn't the holidays without sipping a creamy glass of coquito, Puerto Rico's version of eggnog.

Traditional Coquito

Ingredients

1 can of condensed milk

1 can of evaporated milk

1 can of cream of coconut (most Puerto Ricans prefer Coco López)

½ cup of white rum (Preferably Don Q or Bacardí)

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (add more to taste)

Instructions

In a blender, add evaporated milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, rum, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Blend on high until mixture is well combined for 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer mixture into glass bottles and chill in the refrigerator until cold. To serve, pour coquito into small serving glasses (almost like a shot portion) and garnish with ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.

Chocolate Coquito

Ingredients

1 can of condensed milk

1 can of evaporated milk

1 can of cream of coconut (most Puerto Ricans prefer Coco López)

½ cup of white rum (Preferably Don Q or Bacardí)

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (add more to taste)

¼ cup of hot water

1 ½ cups of cocoa powder (keep it 100% Puerto Rican by using Chocolate Cortés)

Instructions

In a bowl, mix water and cocoa powder until creating a paste-like mixture. Cover the bowl and heat in the microwave (or stove) for two minutes until it melts. Add the cinnamon, mix, and let it simmer.

In a blender, add the different kinds of milk, cream of coconut, chocolate mixture, vanilla extract, and rum. Mix for 1 to 2 minutes until the varieties combine. Transfer mixture into glass bottles and chill in the refrigerator until cold. To serve, pour coquito into small serving glasses (almost like a shot portion) and garnish with coconut shavings or a cinnamon stick.

Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink, served in bottles and glasses during the holiday season. — Coquito is a coconut-based thick drink usually served during the Holiday season.

Guava Coquito

Ingredients

1 can of condensed milk

1 can of evaporated milk

1 can of cream of coconut (most Puerto Ricans prefer Coco López)

½ cup of white rum (Preferably Don Q or Bacardí)

½ teaspoon of vanilla extract

½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon (add more to taste)

½ pack of guava paste (around 6 ounces)

Instructions

In a blender, the evaporated milk and the guava paste and blend for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients and mix for an additional 1 to 2 minutes until all is blended. Transfer the guava-coquito into glass bottles and chill in the refrigerator until it is cold.

Note: You can make this a children-friendly drink by omitting the rum in the mixture. You can also add other rums to give it your own twist.

Coquito FAQs

Can coquito be made without alcohol?

Totally! If you want a kid-friendly version or just prefer it booze-free, simply skip the rum. It’s still creamy, rich, and just as delicious—perfect for the whole family.

What type of rum should I use?

Puerto Ricans usually go for a white rum, like Don Q or Bacardí. Keep it smooth and not too heavy so the coconut flavor shines through. Feel free to experiment with spiced rum for a twist!

How long does coquito last?

If kept refrigerated in a sealed bottle, coquito usually lasts about a week to 10 days. Shake it before serving since it can separate a bit over time.

What’s the difference between coquito and eggnog?

Think of coquito as the Caribbean cousin of eggnog. Both are creamy holiday drinks, but coquito uses coconut milk, cream of coconut, and Puerto Rican rum, giving it a tropical, richer flavor. Eggnog tends to be dairy-based with nutmeg and often less boozy.

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