Smooth Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

Dreamy Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe: Silky Island Magic

Rich, creamy, and loaded with Puerto Rican chocolate coquito flavor, this festive drink brings the spirit of the island to your glass.

Rum-infused and decadent, the chocolate coquito blends traditional ingredients with a luxurious twist.

Each sip transports you to sunny Caribbean celebrations with its smooth, velvety texture.

Dark chocolate and coconut cream mingle perfectly in this beloved holiday beverage.

Generations of Puerto Rican families have cherished this sweet, boozy treat during Christmas gatherings.

You’ll want to savor every moment of this indulgent recipe that captures the warmth and joy of Puerto Rican culinary traditions.

Raise your glass and let the chocolate coquito magic begin!

Serve Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito for Festive Nights

  • Festive Holiday Toast: Serve this chocolate coquito in small shot glasses during Christmas gatherings, creating a delightful Puerto Rican tradition that sparks conversation and spreads cheer.
  • Dessert Companion: Pair the creamy drink with chocolate truffles, coconut cookies, or holiday brownies to enhance the rich chocolate and coconut flavors of the coquito.
  • Gourmet Garnish Station: Set up a fun garnish bar with options like chocolate shavings, ground cinnamon, cocoa powder, and mini candy canes, allowing guests to customize their coquito experience and add personal flair to their drink.
  • Adult Cocktail Twist: Transform the coquito into a sophisticated cocktail by rimming glasses with chocolate powder or crushed nuts, and adding a small chocolate truffle on the side for an elegant presentation.

Store Chocolate Coquito to Keep It Creamy and Smooth

  • Keep your chocolate coquito sealed in an airtight glass container for maximum freshness, lasting up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
  • Always give the chilled coquito a gentle shake before serving to remix settled ingredients and restore its creamy consistency.
  • Store consistently at 40°F or below to maintain the drink's smooth texture and prevent potential bacterial growth.
  • Pour extra coquito into ice cube trays for future cocktail enhancers or blend into frozen dessert treats, keeping them frozen for up to three months.

FAQs

  • What is coquito and where does it come from?

Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday beverage similar to eggnog, typically made with coconut milk, rum, and various spices. It’s a beloved Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico and is now enjoyed by many throughout the Caribbean and United States.

  • Is this chocolate version different from traditional coquito?

Yes, this chocolate version adds chocolate syrup or melted chocolate to the classic recipe, creating a rich, decadent twist on the traditional drink. The chocolate enhances the creamy coconut base and adds a luxurious flavor profile.

  • Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply omit the rum and replace it with vanilla extract or additional coconut milk. The drink will still be delicious and creamy, perfect for those who prefer a non-alcoholic version.

  • How long can I keep homemade chocolate coquito?

When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, chocolate coquito can last up to 2 weeks. Always give it a good shake or stir before serving to remix the ingredients that may have settled.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 366 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients That Make Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Rich

For Creamy Base Ingredients:
  • Evaporated Milk: Provides rich, smooth foundation with deep dairy complexity.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds luscious sweetness and helps create silky texture.
  • Coconut Milk: Introduces tropical creaminess and authentic Caribbean character.
  • Cream of Coconut: Delivers intense coconut flavor and velvety thickness.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Chocolate Syrup: Delivers deep chocolate essence and beautiful color.
  • Cocoa Powder: Intensifies chocolate profile with robust, pure chocolate notes.
  • Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavors with warm, subtle sweetness.
  • Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice with traditional Puerto Rican touch.
  • Nutmeg: Offers subtle, earthy warmth and complementary spice profile.
For Spirited Touch:
  • Rum: Provides traditional Puerto Rican festive spirit and smooth alcoholic kick.

Tools for Mixing Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Just Right

  • Blender: Essential for creating a smooth, creamy chocolate coquito with perfectly mixed ingredients.
  • Measuring cups: Precise measurements ensure the right balance of milks and flavors.
  • Pitcher or glass bottles: Perfect for chilling and storing the coquito.
  • Small glasses: Ideal for serving this rich, decadent drink.
  • Grater: Optional tool for creating chocolate garnish.
  • Cinnamon stick: Optional decorative and flavor-enhancing garnish.
  • Whisk or spoon: Helpful for stirring before serving if needed.

How to Prepare Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito with Ease

  • Power Up the Blender

Toss all liquid ingredients into the blender, creating a tropical chocolate paradise that’ll make your taste buds dance.

  • Whip Into Silky Perfection

Blast those ingredients until they transform into a smooth, creamy concoction that looks like liquid velvet. Pulse until everything marries together beautifully.

  • Spike the

Pour in the rum and give another quick blend, letting the alcohol weave its festive spirit through the chocolatey mixture. Feel free to adjust the rum intensity to match your party mood.

  • Chill and Transform

Pour the luscious liquid into clean bottles or a pitcher. Slide into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle and get to know each other for a couple of hours.

  • Serve with Flair

Before serving, give the coquito a good shake or stir. Pour into cute glasses and sprinkle some grated chocolate or a dash of cinnamon on top. Watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first sip of this Puerto Rican liquid treasure.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor in Chocolate Coquito

  • Add an extra tablespoon of cocoa powder for deeper chocolate intensity without compromising the drink's smooth texture.
  • Substitute all dairy milks with coconut-based alternatives like coconut cream and condensed coconut milk for a completely plant-based version that maintains the rich, creamy profile.
  • Experiment with different warm spices like cardamom or ground ginger to create unique flavor dimensions that complement the chocolate and rum base.
  • Replace some rum with coffee liqueur or reduce rum quantity for a milder version, perfect for those who prefer less alcoholic beverages while maintaining the traditional coquito spirit.
  • Keep refrigerated in sealed bottles for up to two weeks, allowing flavors to develop and intensify over time – the drink actually improves with a few days of resting in the cold.
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Smooth Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

Smooth Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe


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4.6 from 36 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 9 1x

Description

Rich Puerto Rican chocolate coquito blends creamy coconut and deep chocolate notes for a festive holiday treat. Spirited rum and warm spices elevate this traditional Caribbean cocktail into a luxurious seasonal indulgence you won’t forget.


Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Blend Base: Combine evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and cream of coconut in a high-powered blender, creating a luxurious, creamy foundation for the Puerto Rican chocolate coquito.
  2. Chocolate Integration: Incorporate chocolate syrup or melted chocolate, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, and vanilla extract, blending on high speed for 45-60 seconds to achieve a smooth, harmonious mixture with deep, velvety chocolate notes and warm, aromatic spices.
  3. Rum Infusion: Gradually add rum to taste, ensuring a balanced flavor profile that complements the rich chocolate and coconut components.
  4. Cocoa Enhancement: For an intensified chocolate experience, dust cocoa powder into the mixture and blend briefly to amplify the chocolate dimension.
  5. Chilling and Settling: Transfer the liquid to clean glass bottles or a sealed pitcher, refrigerate for a minimum of two hours to allow flavors to meld and develop.
  6. Serving Presentation: Before serving, vigorously shake or stir the chilled coquito to redistribute settled ingredients, then pour into petite glasses. Optionally garnish with a sprinkle of grated chocolate or a cinnamon stick for visual and aromatic appeal.

Notes

  • Chill Ingredients First: Ensure all dairy and coconut-based ingredients are cold before blending to create a smoother, more cohesive texture and prevent separation.
  • Balance Chocolate Intensity: Start with small amounts of chocolate syrup or melted chocolate, tasting and adjusting gradually to prevent overpowering the traditional coquito flavor profile.
  • Rum Selection Matters: Choose a high-quality dark rum that complements the chocolate and spices, enhancing the overall depth and complexity of the drink.
  • Strain for Silkiness: Pass the blended mixture through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate any potential graininess from spices or chocolate, ensuring an ultra-smooth consistency.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 9
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 40 g
  • Sodium: 70 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 14 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 58 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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