+ WINE & Spirits
This coconut cocktail will add a tropical flair to your
holiday celebration.
By Larissa Hamblin and Lyndsay Fogarty
One of the best ways to celebrate
the holidays is by toasting
with a traditional cocktail.
Coquito, a rum-based cocktail that originated
in Puerto Rico, is similar to eggnog
but with a tropical twist.
The Origin of Coquito
With a name that translates to “little
coconut,” this sweet, creamy libation
doesn’t have one particular origin story.
Instead of focusing on where coquito
came from, its fans savor the meaning
behind the cocktail.
Although many recipe variations
can be found online, coquito is special
because of the recipes that have been
passed down through the generations.
Many Puerto Rican households prepare
family recipes in large batches so
they can give bottles as gifts during
the holiday season. It’s a cocktail that
brings people together.
Whip Up a Batch
Coquito calls for coconut milk,
condensed milk, vanilla, rum and your
preference of warm spices such as cinnamon
and nutmeg. After all of the
ingredients are combined, the coquito
mixture should be refrigerated for at least
an hour before serving.
While some recipes call for egg
yolk, this is not part of coquito’s traditional
preparation. Not only is the use of
egg yolk widely debated among coquito
aficionados, but including it significantly
decreases the beverage’s shelf life. Without
eggs, a batch of coquito can last four
to six months when stored in an airtight
container in the refrigerator.
How to Serve Coquito
Since it’s a very rich and strong beverage,
coquito is traditionally served in
a small glass for sipping after a meal. It
tastes best when it’s served nice and cold.
Some people even prefer to add ice to cut
the richness and balance the flavors.
Like other cream liqueurs, coquito
is a tasty addition to coffee, too. Just
add a dash or two in place of cream
and sugar, and you will have more
than a caffeine buzz going.
Whether you’re gifted with a bottle
of coquito this holiday season or you
make it yourself, this cocktail will add a
bit more sugar and spice to your celebrations
this year.
COURTESY OF BACARDÍ
By Christie Fogarty
BACARDÍ Coquito
While Coquito is traditionally
prepared in large batches, this
recipes allows you to make it by
the glass for your next holiday
gathering. Or try BACARDÍ’s readyto
drink coquito, which is available in
select grocery and retail stores this
holiday season.
Ingredients:
• 2 parts BACARDÍ Superior Rum
• 3/4 parts evaporated milk
• 3/4 parts condensed milk
• 1 part coconut creme (preferably
Coco Lopez)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch cinnamon
• Coconut flakes & cinnamon sticks,
garnish
Directions:
Shake all ingredients vigorously with
plenty of ice and strain into a glass
mug. Garnish with cinnamon and
coconut flakes.
Go Crazy for
Coquito
10 Central Florida Lifestyle | December 2019