The traditional Christmas drink, Coquito, was originally found in Puerto Rico. However, drinks similar to Coquito can be found all throughout the Caribbean. There are two different theories about the origin of the drink. Some believe the person who created Coquito is unknown along with how the recipe began. Others say that the Puerto Rican drink was brought to the Caribbean by the Spanish during Puerto Rico's colonial period. The Spanish took their version of "eggnog" and combined it with the localrum creating Coquito. As they continued to travel and settle in other areas the drink followed them creating different variations around the Caribbean. The variations are very similar to what they considered the original recipe: egg, milk, sugar, and spirit. Although this was seen as the original ingredients, Puerto Rico altered it by adding coconut. The recipe has 4 main ingredients: 1. Coconut Milk 2. Coconut Cream 3. Puerto Rican rum and 4. Sweetened Condensed Milk, but is not limited to these. The Puerto Rican mix drink resembles eggnog and is usually served after dinner in a shot glass. The drink is known to be sweet and strong. Many families have their own variations of the recipe that are passed down through generations. The drink will be seen as early as Thanksgiving and as late as Día de los Reyes. That being said the drink makes its main appearance during the Christmas season. Coquito has become much more popular as more people hear about the drink. The drink can be found bottled in supermarkets and grocery stores for consumers to buy pre-made. Along with being in stores, there are competitions like Coquito Masters, which is an annual competition at the Museo del Barrio in New York City.
Variations
There are many variations of Coquito based on location and family traditions. Although all these variations are unique in their own way, they all have one thing in common and that is rum. Coquito can be served in shot glasses or small cups and is usually garnished with grated nutmeg or cinnamon.
Preparation
Depending on the ingredient of choice, Coquito can be prepared over the stove top or in a blender. If looking for convenience, a quick way to prepare Coquito is to process the ingredients in a blender with the option of using ground spices for more flavor. After Coquito is prepared and chilled for a few hours it is ready to be served.
Events
in New York City hosts an annual Coquito Tasting Contest called Coquito Masters on Three Kings Day in January. The competition was first established in 2002 and continues each year. The Competitors bring forth their best recipes including traditional ingredients as well as fusion mixes.
