Coquito drink – Try this delicious coconut based Puerto Rican tropical Christmas beverage that’s vegan and free from alcohol.
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
- Rum (Don Q, Bacardi)
In respect to the original coquito drink 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.
How to make coquito drink – vegan and alcohol free version
My coquito drink 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 and 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!!
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 too boozy.
Coquito ingredients
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
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 doesn’t look remotely like coconut milk. It’s often used as a based for cocktails or alcoholic beverages.
Is there a substitute, if I cannot find cream of coconut?
Yes, using coconut cream, coconut butter/manna should work in place of cream of coconut but you might want to strain the drink prior to serving if using coconut cream.
Notes
- Coquito is free from dairy, paleo friendly and gluten free
- Feel free to add non alcoholic rum 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.
Coquito drink
Ingredients
- 1 can of coconut milk
- 1 can of cream of coconut
- 1/4 cup of vegan condensed milk optional
- 1/3 cup of almond milk
- 1/2 tsp of cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp of nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp of cloves
- 1 tsp of vanilla
Instructions
- Pour and combine all of the ingredients into a blender.
- Proceed to blitz at high speed until smooth and creamy in texture
- Pour into a pitcher jug or funnel into a bottle
- Refrigerate prior to serving
- garnish with nutmeg or cinnamon stick and enjoy!
Nutrition
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!!