Read
Jet-setting off to Puerto Rico might not be in the cards right now, but that doesn’t mean you can’t bring a little taste of the island to your home! We caught up with @VanaBlack to talk about her favorite Puerto Rican staple during the holidays: crafting the Coquito.
“As a proud Afro Latina, I love spending the holidays with my family,” said Vana. “And I always know once November rolls around, it’s time to make our favorite holiday drink, the Coquito, together.”
More than just a creamy and delicious holiday cocktail, the Coquito represents family and tradition.
“I think the Coquito embodies a lot of what the holiday season means to Puerto Ricans. Every family has a different recipe and everyone makes it their own way. This is a favorite family tradition of mine that my grandmother has taught many of us how to make,” said Vana. “My grandmother’s recipe is always a crowd-pleaser so I’m proud to be able to share it with you all.”
Traditional Puerto Rican Coquito
By @VanaBlack
12 oz RumHaven
1 can (12 ounces) Evaporated Milk
2 Egg Yolks
1 can (14 ounces) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 can (15 ounces) Cream of Coconut
1 tsp of Cinnamon
Dash of Ground Cloves
Dash of Nutmeg
1 tsp of Vanilla
Serves 6-8
Beat together the evaporated milk and egg yolks in a medium bowl with a hand mixer or whisk. Strain into a 3-quart pot and simmer over medium heat until slightly thickened, about 5 minutes making sure to stir. Remove from the heat and let cool.
Transfer the egg yolk mixture to a blender, and blend in batches. Add the remaining ingredients, blending at high speed until frothy. Pour into a pitcher and refrigerate until chilled before serving.
Vegan Coquito
By @VanaBlack
12 oz RumHaven
1-12.2 oz can of Evaporated Coconut Milk
1-15 oz can of Coconut Cream
2-7.4 oz cans of Coconut Condensed Milk (14.8oz total)
½ cup Plain Unsweetened Plant milk of Choice
1 tsp Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/4 tsp Nutmeg
Serves 6-8
Add all the ingredients to a blender and blend at a high speed until completely combined (about 1-2 minutes). You want to make sure the coconut cream is totally incorporated.
Place in the refrigerator and chill for at least an hour before serving. It will thicken as it chills. Serve with a cinnamon stick for a garnish and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
“The Coquito brings a sense of happiness to any table and you can just feel the love. Some families even give them away as gifts during the holiday season!”
Follow along all season for more inspiration on bringing a touch of the tropics to your holidays, plus enter for your chance to win a RumHaven tropical gift set.
