Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

Introduction

Coquito is a beloved Puerto Rican holiday drink, often referred to as “Puerto Rican eggnog.” Traditionally made with coconut milk, rum, and spices, coquito brings a rich, creamy flavor that reminds many of festive gatherings, family reunions, and the warmth of the season. This version, Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito, adds a decadent twist to the classic, infusing the traditional coconut base with the rich, velvety taste of dark chocolate. It’s a creamy, indulgent treat that is perfect for holiday celebrations or as a special indulgence during any time of year.

The first time I made this chocolate version of coquito, it became an instant hit with my family. The balance between the smooth, rich chocolate and the light coconut flavor was absolutely delicious. We enjoyed it on a cozy evening, sipping from our glasses while lounging together. The flavors melded beautifully, and every sip was a comforting reminder of what makes the holidays so special. Whether you’re making it for a festive gathering, a family dinner, or just to enjoy by yourself, Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is sure to be a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito combines the traditional flavors of the classic coquito with the rich, indulgent taste of chocolate. It’s an exciting and decadent twist on a holiday classic that is sure to impress your guests and keep them coming back for more. Here’s why you’ll love this recipe:

Rich and creamy texture: The combination of sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, and coconut milk gives this coquito a smooth, velvety texture that is hard to resist.
Chocolatey goodness: Melted dark or semi-sweet chocolate adds a deep, rich flavor that perfectly complements the coconut, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Easy to make: With just a few ingredients and a blender, you can make this delicious drink in no time. There’s no need for fancy equipment or techniques, just a simple blend and chill method.
Perfect for holidays: Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican drink served during the holidays, and the addition of chocolate makes it even more special. It’s a festive treat that will definitely stand out at any holiday party.
Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness and chocolate intensity to your liking. Want it richer? Add more melted chocolate. Prefer it a bit lighter? Use semi-sweet chocolate chips. It’s completely adaptable!

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito:

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut (e.g., Coco López)
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1/2 cup dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips (melted)
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp nutmeg
Pinch of salt

Optional Garnish:

Whipped cream
Grated chocolate or chocolate syrup
Cinnamon stick

These ingredients combine to create a wonderfully rich and flavorful drink that will quickly become your favorite holiday treat.

Instructions

Making Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is incredibly easy. Just follow these simple steps:

Melt the Chocolate: Start by melting the chocolate chips. You can do this in a microwave-safe bowl or double boiler. Stir until smooth and then let it cool slightly. You don’t want it to be too hot when blending with the other ingredients.
Blend the Base: In a blender, combine the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, and coconut milk. Add the melted chocolate to the blender and blend until smooth and fully incorporated.
Add the Spices: Once the base is blended, add the ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Blend again until everything is well-mixed.
Chill: Transfer the mixture to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the coquito to thicken slightly.
Serve: Before serving, stir or shake the coquito to ensure the ingredients are evenly mixed. Pour into glasses and garnish as desired with whipped cream, grated chocolate or chocolate syrup, and a cinnamon stick.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

Serving Size: 1 glass (approximately 4 oz)
Calories: 250 kcal
Sugar: 25g
Sodium: 30mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Unsaturated Fat: 1g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 2g
Cholesterol: 30mg

Note: The calorie count and nutritional information can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used. Additionally, the optional garnishes will add more calories, so be mindful if you’re tracking your intake.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes (for blending and melting the chocolate)
Chill Time: 2 hours (for best flavor and texture)
Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is best served chilled, but it can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:

Serve it as a holiday drink: This is the perfect festive beverage for Christmas and New Year’s gatherings. Serve it in festive glasses or mason jars to add a charming touch.
With whipped cream: Top each serving with a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
With chocolate or cinnamon garnishes: Grate some chocolate over the whipped cream, drizzle with chocolate syrup, or garnish with a cinnamon stick for an added burst of flavor.
As a dessert drink: It’s rich and creamy enough to be considered a dessert on its own! Pair it with a slice of cake or cookies for the ultimate indulgence.

Additional Tips

Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coquito, reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk and increase the coconut milk for a more subtle flavor.
Make it alcohol-free: This coquito is delicious without alcohol, but if you want to add a little rum, go ahead! A splash of white rum or dark rum will enhance the flavor.
Use dark chocolate: For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, opt for dark chocolate chips. They balance perfectly with the sweetness of the coconut.
Serve cold: Always serve this coquito chilled for the best flavor. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for a few days.
Double the recipe: If you’re hosting a large gathering, consider doubling the recipe. This drink will disappear quickly, and it’s always better to have too much than too little!

FAQ Section

Can I make Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito ahead of time? Yes! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together even more. Refrigerate it for at least 2 hours before serving.
Can I add alcohol to this coquito? Absolutely! You can add a splash of white rum or dark rum to the coquito for an alcoholic version. Just be sure to stir it well.
What if I don’t have cream of coconut? If you can’t find cream of coconut, you can substitute it with coconut cream or use additional coconut milk, but the consistency may vary slightly.
Can I make this non-dairy? Yes, you can substitute the dairy-based milks with coconut milk or almond milk for a non-dairy version.
How long will Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito last in the fridge? It will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Be sure to stir or shake it before serving.
Can I make this coquito without chocolate? Yes, you can omit the chocolate for a traditional coconut coquito. It will still be delicious!
Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I freeze Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito? While you can freeze it, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or after refrigerating.
What’s the difference between coconut milk and cream of coconut? Coconut milk is a thin liquid made from pressing the meat of the coconut, while cream of coconut is a sweetened, thicker version used in cocktails and desserts.
Can I make this coquito without a blender? Yes! If you don’t have a blender, you can whisk the ingredients together by hand until smooth and fully incorporated.

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is a festive, indulgent treat that adds a delicious twist to a beloved holiday drink. Whether served chilled with whipped cream or enjoyed as a dessert beverage, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Cheers to family, fun, and the perfect drink for the holidays!