Ring in the holidays with Puerto Rican eggnog

Tradition reigns supreme during the holiday season. 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. It’s 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.

Traditional Coquito

• 1 can condensed milk
• 1 can evaporated milk
• 1 can cream of coconut (most Puerto
• Ricans prefer Coco López)
• 1/2 cup white rum (preferably Don Q
• or Bacardí)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon 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 the mixture is well combined, about one to two minutes. Transfer the mixture into glass bottles and chill in the refrigerator until cold. To serve, pour the coquito into small serving glasses and garnish with ground cinnamon or a cinnamon stick.