Save A festive Puerto Rican holiday drink, this creamy coquito blends coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, white rum, and guava marmalade for a tropical twist on a classic Christmas favorite. Perfect for gatherings, it brings a taste of the Caribbean to your celebrations with its rich, velvety texture and fruity aroma.
Save Coquito is a staple of Puerto Rican holiday tradition, and adding guava creates a beautiful pale pink hue that looks stunning on any festive table. This version balances the sweetness of the condensed milk with the tartness of the guava paste, making it an irresistible treat that is best served ice-cold.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz / 400 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (13.5 oz / 400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 (12 oz / 355 ml) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup guava marmalade or paste, softened
- 1 cup white Puerto Rican rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: Ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Step 1
- In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, evaporated milk, guava marmalade, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and the guava is fully incorporated.
- Step 2
- Add the rum and blend again until well mixed.
- Step 3
- Pour the mixture into a large glass bottle or jar. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Shake well before serving.
- Step 4
- Serve cold in small glasses. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For a thicker coquito, you can use less evaporated milk or increase the amount of guava marmalade. Always use full-fat coconut milk to ensure the richest consistency possible. Remember that the mixture may settle as it sits in the fridge, so a good shake before each pour is essential.
Varianten und Anpassungen
If you prefer a mocktail, simply omit the rum for a family-friendly version. If guava marmalade is unavailable, guava paste works perfectly—just soften it with a splash of warm water before blending to avoid any lumps in your drink. You can also adjust the rum quantity to your personal preference.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this drink chilled in small glasses to appreciate its richness. To enhance the presentation, garnish each glass with a light dusting of ground cinnamon and a whole cinnamon stick. This beverage pairs beautifully with traditional Puerto Rican holiday desserts or can be enjoyed on its own as a liquid treat.
Save Whether you are continuing a family tradition or starting a new one, this Guava Coquito is a delightful way to bring a bit of tropical sunshine to your winter celebrations. Enjoy responsibly and share the holiday spirit with every creamy sip!
Recipe FAQ
- → What makes guava coquito different from traditional coquito?
Guava coquito incorporates guava marmalade or paste into the classic coconut and milk base, adding natural fruit sweetness and a distinctive pink color. This tropical variation maintains the creamy texture and spiced warmth of traditional Puerto Rican coquito while introducing bright guava flavor.
- → Can I make guava coquito without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the white rum for a non-alcoholic version. The drink remains creamy and flavorful with the coconut milk blend, spices, and guava. Some people add a splash of coconut water or extra vanilla to compensate for the missing depth that rum provides.
- → How long should I chill the coquito before serving?
Refrigerate for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld and the drink to reach optimal serving temperature. The coquito can be stored for up to five days in the refrigerator and often tastes better after chilling overnight, as the spices and guava fully infuse the creamy base.
- → What can I use if I can't find guava marmalade?
Guava paste works well when softened with a splash of warm water. Alternatively, look for guava preserves or membrillo at Latin markets. Some home cooks puree fresh guava with a bit of sugar, though this may result in a thinner consistency than marmalade or paste.
- → Is guava coquito served hot or cold?
Coquito is traditionally served chilled in small glasses. The cold temperature highlights the creamy texture and allows the spiced flavors to shine. While some holiday drinks are served warm, coquito is meant to be refreshing and cooling, making it ideal for warm Caribbean celebrations or as a contrast to winter weather.
- → Can I freeze guava coquito for longer storage?
Freezing is not recommended as the dairy and coconut milk may separate or develop a grainy texture when thawed. The drink maintains best quality when refrigerated and consumed within five days. If you need to prepare it in advance, blend the base without rum and freeze that, then add rum after thawing.