Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito – A Creamy Holiday Drink with a Twist

Coquito is a beloved Puerto Rican holiday drink, often called the island’s answer to eggnog—only creamier, richer, and packed with tropical flair. This version takes the classic coquito and adds a decadent chocolate twist, turning it into a dessert-worthy drink that feels indulgent yet festive. Smooth coconut, warm spices, and velvety chocolate blend together for a sip that tastes like pure holiday cheer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Festive & Traditional: A holiday staple with a fun chocolate spin.
Rich & Creamy: Coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk create irresistible creaminess.
Chocolate Lover’s Dream: Adds depth and indulgence to a classic drink.
Make Ahead Friendly: Tastes even better after chilling overnight.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut (such as Coco López)
  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • 1–1 ½ cups white or dark rum (adjust to taste)
  • Cinnamon sticks or shaved chocolate, for garnish

Instructions

1. Blend the Base
In a blender, combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, cocoa powder, melted chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the Rum
Pour in rum and blend again briefly to combine. Adjust rum amount depending on desired strength.

3. Chill
Transfer mixture to a large glass pitcher or airtight bottles. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld and thicken.

4. Serve
Shake well before pouring. Serve chilled in small glasses, garnished with cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fat: 12g
Protein: 5g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

  • Use Good-Quality Chocolate: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate balances the sweetness.
  • Adjust Rum to Taste: Add less for a lighter version, or more for extra holiday spirit.
  • Chill Overnight: The longer it chills, the richer and creamier it becomes.
  • Non-Alcoholic Option: Skip the rum for a family-friendly chocolate coquito.

Why This Recipe Works

Classic coquito is already creamy and flavorful, but the addition of chocolate makes it decadent and irresistible. The balance of coconut, cocoa, and warming spices creates a holiday drink that’s both nostalgic and indulgent, perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito is a festive twist on a treasured holiday tradition. Creamy, chocolatey, and beautifully spiced, it’s a drink that feels both celebratory and comforting. Whether served at holiday gatherings or sipped quietly by the tree, this coquito will instantly become a seasonal favorite.

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito – A Creamy Holiday Drink with a Twist

Servings

6-8

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time
Calories

280

kcal
Total time

2

hours 

10

minutes

Coquito is a beloved Puerto Rican holiday drink, often called the island’s answer to eggnog—only creamier, richer, and packed with tropical flair. This version takes the classic coquito and adds a decadent chocolate twist, turning it into a dessert-worthy drink that feels indulgent yet festive. Smooth coconut, warm spices, and velvety chocolate blend together for a sip that tastes like pure holiday cheer.

Ingredients

  • 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk

  • 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

  • 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut (such as Coco López)

  • 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk

  • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips, melted and cooled

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

  • ¼ tsp nutmeg

  • 1–1 ½ cups white or dark rum (adjust to taste)

  • Cinnamon sticks or shaved chocolate, for garnish

Instructions

  • Blend the Base
    In a blender, combine evaporated milk, condensed milk, cream of coconut, coconut milk, cocoa powder, melted chocolate, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  • Add the Rum
    Pour in rum and blend again briefly to combine. Adjust rum amount depending on desired strength.
  • Chill
    Transfer mixture to a large glass pitcher or airtight bottles. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to let the flavors meld and thicken.
  • Serve
    Shake well before pouring. Serve chilled in small glasses, garnished with cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of shaved chocolate.

Notes

  • Use Good-Quality Chocolate: Dark or semi-sweet chocolate balances the sweetness.
    Adjust Rum to Taste: Add less for a lighter version, or more for extra holiday spirit.
    Chill Overnight: The longer it chills, the richer and creamier it becomes.
    Non-Alcoholic Option: Skip the rum for a family-friendly chocolate coquito.

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