Light Coquito – A Creamy Coconut Holiday Drink with a Better-for-You Twist

This lighter take on Coquito delivers all the festive cheer and creamy coconut flavor of the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink—without the heaviness. A beautiful blend of coconut milk, warm spices, vanilla, and a splash of rum, this recipe is designed to keep things balanced and delicious. Whether you’re celebrating the season or just craving something cozy and tropical, this version keeps the indulgence in check without compromising flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy & Comforting: All the traditional flavor you love in a lighter, smoother sip.
Festive but Smart: Lower in calories and sugar, with easy ingredient swaps.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead of a holiday gathering.
Dairy-Free Option: Naturally easy to make without dairy if desired.

Ingredients

• 1 can (13.5 oz) light coconut milk
• 1 can (12 oz) fat-free evaporated milk
• 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or skim milk)
• 1/3 cup lite cream of coconut (such as Coco Real Lite)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• 1/2 cup white rum (optional or to taste)

Instructions

1. Blend It Together
In a blender, combine the coconut milk, evaporated milk, almond milk, cream of coconut, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and rum (if using). Blend until smooth and well mixed.

2. Chill Thoroughly
Pour the mixture into a glass bottle or pitcher. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld and the drink thicken slightly.

3. Serve Cold
Shake or stir well before serving. Pour into small glasses and garnish with a cinnamon stick or a light dusting of cinnamon on top.

Nutritional Information (Per 1/2 cup serving, Approximate)

Calories: 120
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 5g
Protein: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Alcohol: Optional—adds about 60 calories per 1 oz if included

Tips for Success

• Go Easy on the Rum: Start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste. You can also omit it entirely for a family-friendly version.
• Customize Your Sweetness: Add a touch of stevia, monk fruit, or maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.
• Make It Dairy-Free: Swap evaporated milk with additional almond milk and use coconut cream instead of cream of coconut for a fully dairy-free version.
• Serve in Small Portions: This rich drink goes a long way—think espresso-sized servings!

Why This Recipe Works

By using lower-fat and no-sugar-added ingredients, this Coquito maintains the richness and festive flair of the traditional recipe while becoming more accessible for those seeking balance. It’s the perfect holiday beverage to enjoy without the post-sip guilt.

This lighter Coquito proves you don’t need heavy cream or excess sugar to enjoy a creamy, tropical holiday drink. With just the right balance of indulgence and mindfulness, it’s a feel-good way to toast the season—or any cozy evening that calls for a little something special.