Vegan Coquito (Alcohol Free)

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, drivers or anyone who doesn't drink alcohol and yet still foolproof.

**Are you looking for some exclusive Caribbean recipes for Christmas? If so, don't forget to check out my seasonal e-book entitled "The Caribbean Holiday Recipe Cookbook" - Purchase your copy today**

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 and 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 Rum Cake along with these super cute Rum Cupcakes.

This version of coquito still packs a sweet punch even without the rum. You can go back for seconds or thirds of this 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 need

• Coconut milk - You will need to make sure that the coconut milk that you are using is full fat (very important) and unsweetened.
• Cream of coconut  - Not to be mistaken for coconut milk, cream of coconut is sweetened and processed and has more of a thick, syrup type of texture. Popularly used in drinks and cocktails.
• Almond milk (in place of evarporated milk) - This is the nearest plant based version of evaporated milk that I could find.
• Vegan condensed milk (optional) - I used my homemade vegan condensed milk.
• Cloves/nutmeg/cinnamon - spices used to enhance the taste of the coquito.
• Vanilla - To  optimise the flavour.
• Rum essence/flavour - optional, as this is a mocktail/no alcohol beverage, essence can be used in place of Don Q.

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 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)
• sweeten to taste (agave, maple syrup etc..)

or

• use the solids only from 2-3 cans of full fat coconut milk
• sweeten 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, in the form of 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;

• Vegan Mofongo
• Cuban Black Bean Soup
• Sopa De Platano Verde

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

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Vegan Coquito

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, drivers or anyone who doesn't drink alcohol and yet still foolproof.

5 from 10 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4 people

Calories: 645kcal

Author: Charla

Ingredients

• ▢ 14 oz can of coconut milk (400ml) full fat
• ▢ 14 oz can of cream of coconut (400ml)
• ▢ ⅓ cup of almond milk (80ml)
• ▢ ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (1g)
• ▢ ½ teaspoon of nutmeg (1g)
• ▢ ¼ teaspoon of cloves (0.25g)
• ▢ 1 teaspoon of vanilla (4g)
• ▢ 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 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

Calories: 645kcal | Carbohydrates: 79g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 105mg | Potassium: 203mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 73g | Vitamin A: 48IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 89mg | Iron: 3mg

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