Learn how to make this delicious Puerto Rican Christmas beverage called Coquito. This Caribbean beverage that's completely vegan and free from alcohol making it suitable for children and yet foolproof.
When it comes to Christmas, most people put more emphasis on food rather then drinks. This Caribbean style drink called coquito (co-kee-to) is guaranteed to transport you to the tropics.
It's so delicious, creamy even without the rum. It takes only a few minutes to whip up a batch or two and great to bottle up and make into a gift for family and friends.
What is coquito?
In short coquito which means little coconut in Spanish (pronouced co-kee-to) is a traditional coconut based holiday drink which hails from Puerto Rico.
The primary ingredients in coquito are;
- Egg yolks
- Evaporated milk
- Coconut milk
- Cream of coconut
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
- Cloves
- Condensed milk
- White rum (Don Q, Bacardi)
In respect to the original coquito recipe there appears to be a great divide with egg yolks vs no egg yolks. Some people are partial to making their coquito with egg yolk making a more coconut eggnog while others simply omit the yolks.
Side note, don't forget to try my Caribbean winter warming recipes if you get a chance to.
Reasons to make coquito vegan/alcohol free
My adaptation is a slight remake of the original recipe - it's dairy free and free from alcohol. I wanted to make a recipe that was suitable for vegans.
Also people who don't care for alcohol or even if you're simply looking for a recipe that's free from alcohol because you're driving or don't want to get tipsy or drunk - I've got you!!
If you use rum essence/flavouring that yields the taste of alcohol without the boozy effects. As a non drinker I use this method a lot in my cakes and drinks including my Gluten Free Coconut Rum Cake.
This version of coquito still packs a sweet punch even without the rum. You can go back for seconds or thirds of thick, rich drink without feeling boozy.
- Perfect for those who are vegan or dairy free
- Totally alcohol free making it safe for drivers
- If you are giving up alcohol or abstaining due to illness/pregnancy
- Child friendly
Ingredients you will need
To make my version of coquito you will need;
- Coconut milk
- Cream of coconut (not the same as coconut milk)
- Almond milk (in place of evarporated milk)
- Vegan condensed milk (optional)
- Cloves
- Nutmeg
- Cinnamon
The steps
- Pour and combine all of the ingredients into a blender.
- Proceed to blitz at high speed until smooth and creamy in texture.
- Stir in the rum flavouring if you are using (to your desired taste).
- Pour into a pitcher jug or funnel into a bottle.
- Refrigerate prior to serving.
- Garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon stick and enjoy!
What is cream of coconut?
Cream of coconut is a thick, smooth, clear liquid that is made from fresh coconut. It's very sweet and should not be mistaken for coconut milk. It's often used as a based for cocktails or alcoholic beverages.
It comes canned or in a squeeze bottle which looks like paste.
Is there a substitute, if I cannot find cream of coconut?
Yes, you can make your own cream of coconut by doing either the following;
- A can of coconut cream (NOT COCONUT MILK)
- sweetener to taste (agave, maple syrup etc..)
or
- use the solids only from 2-3 cans of full fat coconut milk
- sweetener to taste (agave, maple syrup etc..)
Add all of the ingredients to a blender and blitz until smooth.
Can you make this recipe into vegan eggnog instead?
Yes, if you want to use Flax Egg in addition to this recipe then go right ahead.
Is coconut cream the same as cream of coconut?
Similar but not the same. Both contain high amounts of coconut in comparsion to coconut milk and thicker in consistency then coconut milk.
Coconut cream is canned or be found in blocks (creamed coconut) or in a jar known as coconut manna/butter. Cream of coconut is already sweetened and typically used in drinks and cocktails.
What can you serve this drink with?
Pretty much anything you like! Here are a few ideas Grilled Pineapple Slices, Homemade Coconut Ice Cream or even this dairy free Pastelon (Plantain Lasagna)
Notes and tips
- Coquito is free from dairy, paleo friendly and gluten free
- Feel free to add non alcoholic rum essence/flavouring to your drink to give it an edge
- Best served cold, chill for a minimum of an hour before serving
- Cream of coconut is quite sweet therefore only a small amount of vegan condensed milk is necessary or you can even choose to leave this ingredient out altogether.
Other celebratory drinks to try
**Don't forget to comment below and star rate if you have tried my recipes. Let's be friends and engage on Facebook and Instagram I also like to pin on Pinterest, where you can find more amazing recipes.**
Vegan Coquito
Ingredients
- 1 can of coconut milk full fat
- 1 can of cream of coconut see recipe post to make your own
- ⅓ cup of almond milk
- ½ tsp of cinnamon
- ½ tsp of nutmeg
- ¼ tsp of cloves
- 1 tsp of vanilla
- 1-2 flax eggs optional, see post
- alcohol free rum essence/flavoring optional, to taste
- vegan condensed milk optional, to taste
Instructions
- Pour and combine all of the ingredients into a blender.
- Proceed to blitz at high speed until smooth and creamy in texture
- Stir in the rum flavouring (if you are using to your desired taste)
- Pour into a pitcher jug or funnel into a bottle
- Refrigerate prior to serving
- Garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon stick and enjoy!
Notes
- Coquito is free from dairy, paleo friendly and gluten free
- Feel free to add non alcoholic rum essence/flavouring to your drink to give it an edge
- Best served cold, chill for a minimum of an hour before serving
- Cream of coconut is quite sweet therefore only a small amount of vegan condensed milk is necessary or you can even choose to leave this ingredient out altogether.
Nutrition
I've never made vegan coquito before and when I made this we were SHOCKED at how amazing it was! I've always made coquito the typical way, but honestly may actually prefer this recipe! I added 1/4 cup of bacardi gold, and only used 1 tbsp of the sweetened coconut condensed milk 🙂
Oh that is so nice to hear. I'm glad you prefer this version now.
I can't wait for Friday to try it out! It looks the kind of a drink I will love!
Thanks Julia. I promise you will love it!!
This was so fun to make and it was awesome that it was alcohol free so my kids could partake as well! It was loved by the entire family. What a treat!
Glad you liked it Cindy
I love the coconut flavor in this drink and appreciate how it's alcohol free! Such a great drink to make during the fall with all those spices!
Yes, it's perfect for fall Jamie.
Saving this one for the holidays! Love that you use coconut milk and coconut cream.
Yay! I'm so glad to hear that Lisa.
This looks so delicious and yummy! I can't wait to give this a try!
Thanks Beth
This looks deliciously sweet! A wonderful treat for kids AND adults!
Definitely! Thanks Sue.
This virgin / non-alcoholic Coquito recipe is shockingly good. Everyone assumed I’d gotten mixed up and it was spiked. I made it again with witnesses and it was exactly the same...delicious! The only difference in spices is that there is a 1/4 tsp more of the nutmeg in this one versus the alcoholic version. I suspect the extra nutmeg may have helped make it taste spiked. I’m so thrilled as it’s so much saner calorically than the regular Coquito recipe. 1/3 amount of condensed milk (I didnt use the vegan) and no evaporated milk. Thank you so much, my mom takes medicine and can’t drink at all and my little boy can partake in this festive drink along with the adults!
Thank you for feedback Lisette. I find the non alcoholic version so tasty as well and child friendly is an added bonus too!!