Carnation Coquito is a delightful and creamy Puerto Rican holiday beverage that brings the festive spirit to any gathering.
Often referred to as “Puerto Rican Eggnog,” this unique drink is made with a blend of coconut milk, condensed milk, and evaporated milk, infused with warm spices, and spiced rum for a touch of indulgence. It’s a non-alcoholic version of the traditional Coquito, making it suitable for all ages to enjoy during the holiday season.
What is Carnation Coquito
Carnation Coquito is a variation of Coquito, a popular Puerto Rican drink enjoyed during the holiday season. Coquito is often referred to as the island’s version of eggnog, but it stands out with its unique tropical twist. Traditionally, it consists of ingredients like coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a generous splash of rum for an adult version.
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Pitcher or glass bottle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup spiced rum (optional, omit for non-alcoholic version)
- Ice cubes (optional, for serving)
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and spiced rum (if using).
- Blend the mixture until everything is well combined and the consistency is smooth.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your preference.
- Transfer the coquito mixture to a pitcher or a glass bottle.
- Refrigerate the coquito for at least 1-2 hours or until chilled.
- Before serving, give the coquito a good stir with a whisk or spoon to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Serve the coquito in small glasses over ice cubes, if desired.
- Garnish each glass with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
Recipe Tips
- For a richer and creamier coquito, you can substitute regular coconut milk with canned coconut cream.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sweetened condensed milk, depending on your taste preferences.
- To make a non-dairy version, use coconut cream instead of dairy milk products, and use sweetened condensed coconut milk.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can add a few ice cubes to the blender when blending the ingredients.
- Garnish each glass with a dash of ground cinnamon just before serving to enhance the aroma.
Recipe Variations
- Chocolate Coquito: Add 2-3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder to the recipe for a delicious chocolate twist.
- Nutty Coquito: Blend in a handful of toasted almonds or hazelnuts for a nutty flavor profile.
- Spiced Vanilla Coquito: Infuse the coquito with a vanilla bean for a more pronounced vanilla taste.
What To Serve With Carnation Coquito
- Puerto Rican Christmas Treats: Pair your Carnation Coquito with traditional Puerto Rican holiday desserts like “Arroz con Dulce” (rice pudding with coconut) or “Tembleque” (coconut custard).
- Fruit Platter: Serve a colorful platter of fresh tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and papaya to complement the coconut flavors in the coquito.
- Holiday Cookies: Offer a selection of homemade or store-bought holiday cookies, such as sugar cookies, gingerbread cookies, or coconut macaroons, to create a delightful dessert spread.
- Cheese Platter: Create a savory balance by serving a cheese platter with an assortment of cheeses, crackers, and nuts.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Exotic Flavors: The combination of coconut, warm spices, and a hint of rum creates a unique and delightful flavor profile that will transport you to the tropics.
- Creamy and Indulgent: The creamy texture and richness of the coquito make it a luxurious treat that’s perfect for special occasions.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few minutes of preparation, you can whip up this festive drink and impress your guests with minimal effort.
- Versatile: Whether you prefer an alcoholic or non-alcoholic version, Carnation Coquito can be customized to suit everyone’s taste.
Conclusion
Carnation Coquito is a lusciously creamy and spiced holiday drink that brings the taste of Puerto Rico to your festive celebrations. Its velvety texture and delightful blend of flavors make it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Whether you choose to include spiced rum or keep it alcohol-free, Carnation Coquito is sure to add a touch of tropical joy to your holiday season.
FAQs
Can I make Carnation Coquito ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the coquito a day in advance and refrigerate it until you’re ready to serve. Just give it a good stir before serving.
Is it safe to serve coquito to children?
If you omit the spiced rum, coquito becomes a non-alcoholic beverage and is safe for children to enjoy.
Can I make a vegan version of Carnation Coquito?
Absolutely! You can replace dairy milk products with coconut cream and use sweetened condensed coconut milk for a vegan-friendly coquito.
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Carnation Coquito Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Measuring cups, and spoons
- Whisk
- Pitcher or glass bottle for serving
Ingredients
- 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup spiced rum (optional, omit for non-alcoholic version)
- Ice cubes (optional, for serving)
- Ground cinnamon or cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a blender or food processor, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, vanilla extract, and spiced rum (if using).
- Blend the mixture until everything is well combined and the consistency is smooth.
- Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or spice level according to your preference.
- Transfer the coquito mixture to a pitcher or a glass bottle.
- Refrigerate the coquito for at least 1-2 hours or until chilled.
- Before serving, give the coquito a good stir with a whisk or spoon to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed.
- Serve the coquito in small glasses over ice cubes, if desired.
- Garnish each glass with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick for an extra festive touch.
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