Smooth Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

Festive Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe for Holiday Joy

Creamy and indulgent, this puerto rican chocolate coquito recipe brings the vibrant spirit of Caribbean celebrations right to your kitchen.

Rich coconut milk blends seamlessly with premium chocolate, creating a decadent twist on the classic holiday drink.

Dark rum adds a warm, smooth depth that makes this cocktail irresistibly seductive.

Traditional coquito gets a luxurious makeover with intense cocoa notes that dance across your palate.

Each sip tells a story of Puerto Rican culinary tradition and festive cheer.

The velvety texture and deep chocolate undertones will transport you to a tropical paradise.

Dive into this luscious libation and let the flavors of the Caribbean sweep you away.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 320 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients Needed For Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

For Base Liquids:
  • Evaporated Milk: Provides creamy richness and smooth texture to the traditional Puerto Rican drink.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds intense sweetness and helps create a velvety, luxurious consistency.
  • Coconut Milk: Delivers authentic tropical flavor and enhances the drink's signature creaminess.
  • Cream of Coconut: Intensifies coconut notes and contributes to the drink's luscious mouthfeel.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chocolate Syrup: Creates deep, indulgent chocolate undertones and smooth chocolate integration.
  • Cocoa Powder: Boosts intense chocolate flavor and provides additional depth to the drink.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors and adds subtle aromatic complexity.
  • Cinnamon: Introduces warm, spicy undertones that complement the chocolate and coconut.
  • Nutmeg: Provides gentle, nuanced warmth and traditional holiday spice essence.
For Spirited Touch:
  • Rum: Delivers traditional Puerto Rican spirit and adds festive, warming character to the coquito.

Supplies For Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

  • Blender: Essential for mixing all ingredients smoothly and creating a creamy, well-combined chocolate coquito.
  • Measuring cups: Precise for accurately portioning out milks, cream, and other liquid ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helpful for scraping down blender sides and ensuring all ingredients are fully mixed.
  • Glass bottles or pitcher: Perfect for storing and chilling the coquito before serving.
  • Small serving glasses: Ideal for presenting the chilled chocolate coquito in elegant portions.
  • Grater: Optional tool for creating chocolate garnish on top of the drink.
  • Cinnamon stick: Optional decorative and flavor-enhancing garnish for serving.

How To Mix Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

  • Flavor Foundation

Grab your blender and toss in creamy milks, coconut goodness, chocolate magic, and warm spices. Pulse everything until silky smooth and perfectly blended.

  • Rum Romance

Splash in your favorite rum, giving the mixture a playful swirl. Let the spirits dance and mingle, creating a festive tropical vibe.

  • Chocolate Dream

Enhance the richness by folding in decadent cocoa powder. Watch as the liquid transforms into a deep, velvety chocolate paradise.

  • Chill Zone

Pour the luscious liquid into sleek glass bottles. Tuck them into the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to get cozy and intensify.

  • Celebration Time

Give your chilled coquito a gentle shake before serving. Pour into petite glasses and sprinkle with chocolate shavings or a whisper of cinnamon. Toast to pure Puerto Rican joy!

Flavor Tips For Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

  • Chocolate Coquito Culinary Magic: Expert Tips & Delicious Twists
  • Smooth Blending Secret: Use a high-powered blender to ensure all ingredients fully incorporate without lumps, creating a silky-smooth texture that's pure Puerto Rican magic.
  • Chocolate Intensity Trick: Experiment with different chocolate types like dark, milk, or semi-sweet to customize the depth of chocolate flavor according to your preference.
  • Dairy-Free Delight: Swap traditional milks with coconut milk, almond milk, and condensed coconut milk for a completely dairy-free version that's equally creamy and delicious.
  • Booze-Free Option: Replace rum with vanilla extract or rum extract for a family-friendly version that still captures the authentic coquito spirit.
  • Spice Adventure: Play with additional warming spices like cardamom or star anise to create a unique twist on the traditional chocolate coquito recipe, adding your personal culinary signature.

Ways To Serve Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Right

  • Festive Chocolate Rim Delight: Dip glass rims in melted chocolate and roll in crushed nuts or coconut flakes for an elegant, textured presentation that adds extra flavor and visual appeal.
  • Decadent Dessert Pairing: Serve alongside traditional Puerto Rican holiday cookies or chocolate truffles to create a rich, indulgent dessert experience that complements the creamy coquito.
  • Frozen Chocolate Treat: Pour the mixture into popsicle molds for a refreshing frozen version, perfect for warm gatherings or as a cool summer dessert alternative that maintains the classic coquito essence.
  • Gourmet Gift Idea: Package the coquito in decorative glass bottles with a personalized label, tied with a festive ribbon, making it a thoughtful homemade gift that showcases your culinary creativity.

Chill And Store Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Properly

Store in airtight glass bottles or sealed containers in the refrigerator for maximum freshness.

  • Quick Chill Technique: Refrigerate for 2-4 hours to enhance flavor depth and develop rich, smooth chocolate undertones.
  • Serving Lifespan: Enjoy within 7-10 days for optimal taste and quality, ensuring maximum deliciousness throughout the week.
  • Freezing Magic: Can be frozen in sealed containers for up to 3 months, perfect for making ahead during holiday preparations or unexpected cravings.
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Smooth Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

Smooth Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe


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4.7 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Creamy Puerto Rican chocolate coquito blends rich coconut milk with deep chocolate notes for a festive holiday libation. Smooth rum and aromatic spices complete this traditional Caribbean cocktail that delights palates with its luxurious complexity.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (240 ml) white rum or dark rum
  • 1 can (14 oz / 400 ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) cream of coconut
  • 1 can (13.5 oz / 400 ml) coconut milk
  • 1 can (12 oz / 355 ml) evaporated milk
  • ½ cup (120 ml) chocolate syrup or 1 cup (150 g) melted semi-sweet chocolate
  • ¼ cup (25 g) unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • grated chocolate (for garnish)
  • cinnamon sticks (for garnish)
  • shredded coconut (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Blending Base: Combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and cream of coconut in a high-powered blender, creating a smooth, creamy foundation for the coquito.
  2. Chocolate Infusion: Incorporate chocolate syrup or melted chocolate into the liquid mixture, stirring until fully integrated for a deep, rich chocolate flavor.
  3. Spice Layering: Add vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to develop a complex and aromatic taste profile that elevates the traditional Puerto Rican drink.
  4. Rum Integration: Pour rum into the blended mixture, adjusting to personal preference for alcoholic intensity and warmth.
  5. Cocoa Enhancement: Sprinkle cocoa powder into the liquid, blending thoroughly to achieve a luxurious, dark chocolate consistency.
  6. Bottling and Chilling: Pour the silky mixture into clean glass bottles or a pitcher, then refrigerate for at least two hours to allow flavors to meld and intensify.
  7. Serving Presentation: Gently stir before serving in chilled glasses, garnishing with chocolate shavings, a light cinnamon dusting, or a decorative cinnamon stick for an elegant finish.

Notes

  • Blend with Precision: Pulse the blender carefully to prevent over-mixing, which can create a less smooth texture and potentially incorporate too much air into the drink.
  • Chocolate Intensity Control: Adjust chocolate amounts gradually; start with less and taste, as different chocolate types vary in richness and can overpower the delicate coconut base.
  • Rum Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality rum that complements the chocolate and coconut flavors, avoiding overly harsh or cheap spirits that might disrupt the drink’s balanced profile.
  • Chilling is Crucial: Allow sufficient refrigeration time to let flavors meld and develop depth, with a minimum of two hours recommended for optimal taste integration.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 30g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 49g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 15mg
Liam O’Sullivan

Liam O’Sullivan

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Isabella brings a global spark to the Craft Meats table. Born in Florence and trained at the Apicius International School of Hospitality, she blends classic Italian flavor with modern writing that’s easy to follow and hard to forget. 

Her additional training at the Italian Chef Academy fueled her love for well-crafted dishes, especially ones that spotlight beautiful cuts of meat.

She’s a food writer with heart, and a deep love for storytelling through single recipes. Her goal? To help you cook with more confidence and a little more joy, no matter where you start.

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