Interesting tidbit about this drink, nobody knows exactly who created the coquito cocktail or when it really became a popular, well-known drink, but its unfounded history stems from Puerto Rico. Some theories say that Spaniards introduced the drink to the Caribbean during Puerto Rico’s colonial era. It ‘s also been written that it only became popular sometime between the 50’s and 70’s ~ not 1850 to 1870, but 1950 to 1970, Regardless of when it was introduced or exactly when in that twenty year span it became popular ~ it’s a fabulous drink. It’s compared to eggnog, which is why it pops up during the holidays. BUT don’t think for a second this wouldn’t be an incredible cocktail on a sandy beach in the middle of summer. Try it. It’s sooooooo gooooood. And please read the Cook’s Notes for the best results in concocting.
INGREDIENTS
- 12-16 ounces white rum
- Golden or red raisins (optional)
- 1 (15–ounce) can cream of coconut
- 1 (14–ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (12–ounce) can evaporated milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- For garnishes; Ground cinnamon, mint and/or cinnamon sticks
- Large ice cubes
COOK’S NOTES
- This will make about 54 oz, which is equivalent to 5 or 6 cocktails. If you want more than this, just simply double all ingredients. We put our mixture in corked bottles and kept it in the fridge overnight before serving. You can serve it as soon as 4 hours after mixing, however, it gets better over time, so at least holding it overnight makes for the best cocktail. We had a bottle in our fridge for two weeks. It got better and better. We just shook the bottle and poured over ice. It was the perfect thing to have on hand for holiday visitors. You can refrigerate and keep up to 5 weeks in airtight container for guests that just keep on coming. 🙂