Carnation Coquito Recipe

Coquito means “little coconut” in Spanish. Carnation Coquito is a special holiday drink that’s creamy and coconut-based. It is a festive Puerto Rican tradition, similar to eggnog, but with a tropical twist. This delightful beverage combines ingredients like coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and a blend of warm spices, along with a hint of spiced rum for a more grown-up version.

It is enjoyed during the holiday season and has become popular not just in Puerto Rico but in various parts of the world. Whether you are celebrating Christmas, weddings, New Year, or birthdays, Carnation Coquito is a delicious way to add some festive cheer to your gatherings.

Carnation Coquito is a delightful Puerto Rican holiday drink. It’s often called “Puerto Rican Eggnog” The best part is, that it is a nonalcoholic version of traditional Coquito, making it suitable for all ages to enjoy during the holiday season.

The calorie content can vary depending on the ingredients and serving size, but a typical serving might have around 150 to 300 calories, thanks to the sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, evaporated milk, and spices.

 if you want to add a taste of the tropics to your holiday celebrations, Carnation Coquito is a great choice. It is a creamy, spiced, and indulgent drink that will please your taste buds and bring a festive vibe to any gathering. Just remember to enjoy it responsibly and savor every sip.

The story behind the recipe

Coquito’s roots can be traced back to Puerto Rico, where it is a much-loved holiday drink. People often call it the “Puerto Rican eggnog” because it shares some similarities in texture and how it is served.

Coquito has its own special taste because it includes ingredients like coconut milk and spices that make it different from the typical eggnog.

The name “coquito” comes from the Spanish word for “coconut” highlighting the key role of coconut milk in the recipe. Coquito has become famous not just in Puerto Rico but also among Puerto Rican communities in the United States and around the world. It is a symbol of Puerto Rican holiday traditions and a way to celebrate their cultural heritage.

How To Make Carnation Coquito

Ingredients:

• 13.5 ounces of coconut milk
• 12 ounces of evaporated milk
• 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 cup white rum (Feel free to modify the quantity to suit your taste)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup crushed ice

Step-by-step instructions for making Carnation Coquito:

1. Put all the ingredients (sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, rum, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves) into a blender. Blend it until everything is mixed together smoothly.
2. Add crushed ice to the blender and blend again. This will make the mixture cold and frothy.
3. Taste your coquito and make it sweeter by adding more condensed milk, or stronger by adding more rum, depending on what you like.
4. Pour the coquito into bottles or a pitcher, then put it in the fridge for at least 1 hour so the flavors come together.
5. Before you serve it, shake the coquito to mix everything up. You can put some ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor.
6. Get it really cold and enjoy!

Tips for making carnation coquito

• If you’re going for a non-dairy version, use coconut cream instead of regular milk stuff, and sweetened condensed coconut milk.
• To make your coquito richer and creamier, swap out regular coconut milk with canned coconut cream.
• Feel free to experiment with flavored rums for a unique twist on your carnation coquito.
• If you want it sweeter or less sweet, just adjust the amount of sweetened condensed milk to match your taste.
• Carnation Coquito is a creamy and decadent drink, so it’s a good idea to serve it in smaller portions, like little shots or small cups. This way, everyone can enjoy the delicious taste without feeling overwhelmed.
• If you have any Carnation Coquito left, you can keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for about a week.

Serving suggestions

• Fresh Fruit Platter: Serve a vibrant platter of tropical fruits such as pineapple, mango, and papaya to complement the coconut flavors in your coquito.
• Roasted nuts: Serve a bowl of roasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts. These nutty flavors and crunchy textures go great with the warm spices in your coquito. You might even want to try spiced nuts for an extra burst of flavor.
• Cheese Platter: Create a savory contrast by putting together a cheese platter featuring various cheeses, crackers, and nuts.

Flavourful substitute

• Non-Dairy Milk: If you want a dairy-free version, you can use almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk instead of evaporated milk.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: To make a non-alcoholic coquito, skip the rum altogether and add a little extra coconut milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture.
• Sweeteners: Instead of sweetened condensed milk, you can use alternatives like maple syrup, honey, or agave syrup. Adjust the amount to your desired level of sweetness.