Name: Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1 can coconut milk (13.5 oz can); 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can); 1 can evaporated milk (12 oz can); 1 cup Puerto Rican rum (or your preferred rum); ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup shredded coconut; Whole cinnamon sticks, to taste

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The Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is a luscious twist on the traditional holiday favorite, blending the rich, creamy textures of tropical coconut with the deep warmth of cocoa and rum. This festive drink sings with the perfect balance of sweet and spiced flavors, making it an irresistible treat that feels like a cozy celebration in every glass. If you’re looking for a show-stopping beverage that’s both comforting and delightfully indulgent, the Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is sure to become your new favorite to share with friends and family.

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating the velvety texture and bold flavors of Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito. From the rich coconut milk to the smooth rum, each element works harmoniously to bring this dreamy drink to life.

Coconut milk (13.5 oz can): Provides a creamy, tropical base that’s essential for the authentic texture.
Sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can): Adds luscious sweetness and a thick, velvety consistency.
Evaporated milk (12 oz can): Balances richness with a smooth, light creaminess.
Puerto Rican rum (1 cup): Gives the signature spirited kick and depth of flavor.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (½ cup): Brings rich chocolatey notes that elevate this coquito to a special treat.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and enhances the natural sweetness of the drink.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses a fragrant spice that perfectly complements the chocolate and rum.
Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Offers a hint of aromatic spice for complexity.
Shredded coconut (½ cup, optional): Perfect for garnish, adding texture and a fresh coconut burst.
Whole cinnamon sticks (to taste, optional): Makes a charming garnish and a subtle aromatic lift when served.

How to Make Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

Step 1: Blend the Milks

Start by combining the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk in a blender. This trio creates the rich, creamy foundation for your coquito. Blend everything until it’s perfectly smooth with no separation, ensuring a luscious base for the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2: Add Rum and Flavors

Now, pour in the Puerto Rican rum along with the unsweetened cocoa powder, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend again until all the flavors are harmoniously incorporated and the mixture has a consistent chocolatey color and texture. This step is where the magic really begins.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Give your coquito a little taste test. If you prefer it sweeter or more chocolaty, feel free to add a bit more sweetened condensed milk or cocoa powder. Adjusting now ensures a perfectly balanced flavor that suits your palate.

Step 4: Strain for Smoothness

If you love an ultra-smooth coquito, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer. This step removes any small lumps from the cocoa powder or spices and gives your drink a silky finish that’s delightful with every sip.

Step 5: Chill to Perfection

Pour the Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito into your favorite serving glasses, then pop them in the fridge for at least two hours. This chilling time allows all the ingredients to meld beautifully, deepening the flavors and perfecting the texture.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, give the coquito a gentle stir to redistribute any settled ingredients. Then top each glass with a sprinkle of shredded coconut and a cinnamon stick if you like — it’s not only tasty but adds a festive, elegant touch to the presentation.

How to Serve Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

Garnishes

Garnishes elevate the Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito to a celebratory experience. Fresh shredded coconut lends a pleasing texture and tropical aroma, while cinnamon sticks add a rustic, aromatic flair that invites guests to savor each sip slowly. Both look gorgeous against the creamy chocolate backdrop.

Side Dishes

This richly spiced drink pairs wonderfully with classic Puerto Rican desserts like flan or tembleque, enhancing their flavors with a mild chocolate and rum contrast. It also complements festive snacks such as crispy plantain chips or sweet pastries, creating a balanced spread perfect for holiday gatherings.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, serve your coquito in chilled shot glasses for a playful appetizer-style drink, or use festive mugs to keep the vibe cozy. Layering a drizzle of melted chocolate inside the glass before pouring adds an extra indulgent visual and taste surprise. Don’t shy away from experimenting with nutmeg dusting or edible gold flakes for a dazzling finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to one week. Store it in an airtight container or bottle and always give it a good shake or stir before pouring, as natural separation might occur but doesn’t affect the flavor.

Freezing

Freezing this coquito is possible but not ideal due to its creamy texture. If you freeze it, thaw slowly in the fridge and stir thoroughly to reincorporate the ingredients before serving. This helps regain some of its original smoothness.

Reheating

Though traditionally served chilled, you can gently warm Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito for a comforting variation. Heat it slowly on the stove or in the microwave on low power, stirring frequently to prevent scorching, and serve warm garnished as usual for a cozy treat.

FAQs

Can I make Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can omit the rum or replace it with an alcohol-free rum flavoring. The drink will still be creamy and tasty, perfect for all ages or those avoiding alcohol.

What kind of rum works best for this recipe?

Traditional Puerto Rican rum is ideal for authenticity, as it offers a smooth, slightly sweet character. However, any good-quality white or dark rum will work based on what you have on hand and your flavor preferences.

Is shredded coconut necessary in the recipe?

The shredded coconut is optional and mainly used as a garnish. It adds texture and visual appeal but can be skipped if you prefer a smoother drink or don’t have it on hand.

How long should I chill the Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito before serving?

Chilling at least two hours is recommended to let all the flavors meld and the drink chill thoroughly, but overnight chilling often yields the best depth of flavor and smoothness.

Can I prepare Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito in advance for a party?

Yes, this drink is perfect for making ahead. It stores well in the fridge for several days, making party prep easier and allowing flavors to meld even more deliciously over time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cozy, festive, and a little bit indulgent, the Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is an absolute must-try. Its dreamy blend of creamy coconut, rich chocolate, and warming spices captures the heart and soul of Puerto Rican hospitality in a glass. I hope you enjoy sharing this special recipe as much as I do — it’s sure to bring a joyful sparkle to any occasion!

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 22 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and creamy Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito, blending traditional holiday flavors with a decadent chocolate twist. This festive cocktail combines coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cocoa powder, and aromatic spices with Puerto Rican rum to create a smooth, indulgent drink perfect for celebrations and cozy gatherings.

Instructions

Blend Milks: In a blender, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. Blend until smooth and fully incorporated to create a creamy base.
Add Flavors and Rum: Add the rum, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg to the blender. Blend again until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth and chocolatey.
Adjust Sweetness and Cocoa: Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or cocoa flavor if needed, by adding more sweetened condensed milk for sweetness or more cocoa powder for a richer chocolate taste.
Strain (Optional): For an extra smooth texture, strain the mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl or directly into serving glasses to remove any remaining lumps or coconut solids.
Chill: Pour the Chocolate Coquito into serving glasses or a pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This chilling step allows the flavors to meld and the drink to thicken slightly.
Serve and Garnish: Before serving, stir the coquito well. Garnish with shredded coconut and cinnamon sticks if desired, adding a festive and aromatic touch to your drink.

Notes

You can adjust the rum quantity to taste or omit it for a non-alcoholic version.
Use high-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolate flavor.
Chilling overnight enhances the flavor even more.
Shake or stir well before serving if the mixture has settled.
Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 5 days for best freshness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Beverage
Method: Blending
Cuisine: Puerto Rican