Tradition reigns supreme during the holiday season. Putting up Christmas trees, stringing lights, singing carols, and filling stockings with trinkets are just a few of the season’s many cherished traditions. However, amid the typical holiday hustle and bustle, there also are traditions that are unique to various cultures and ethnicities — particularly those pertaining to foods and beverages. From minced pies in England to kutia in Ukraine to spiced hot chocolate in Peru, many different foods and beverages are savored this time of year around the world.
Individuals of Puerto Rican descent might enjoy whipping up batches of coquito around the holidays. Coquito, which means “small coconut,” is made in batches with recipes passed down through families. It is similar to traditional eggnog, but Puerto Ricans will tell you it’s even better. The beverage is served throughout Navidad, or starting after Thanksgiving and ending in mid-January with the celebration of Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián.
Those interested in making homemade coquito can follow this “Traditional Coquito” recipe, courtesy of Discover Puerto Rico.
Traditional Coquito
1 can of condensed milk
1 can of evaporated milk
1 can of cream of coconut (such as Coco López)
1⁄2 cup white rum (preferably Don Q or Bacardí)
1⁄2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon (add more to taste)
In a blender, add evaporated milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, rum, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Blend on high until mixture is well combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer mixture into glass bottles and chill in the refrigerator until cold. To serve, pour coquito into small serving glasses and garnish with ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.
Note: This is traditional Coquito. Individuals can experiment with different flavors, like chocolate, guava or even mango coquito if they desire.
