Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

The Creamiest Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe Ever

Sweet memories of island gatherings spark my passion for this creamy Puerto Rican chocolate coquito that dances between decadence and tradition.

Coconut milk blends seamlessly with rich chocolate, creating a velvety drink that whispers stories of festive celebrations.

My abuela first taught me this recipe, sharing secrets passed through generations of home cooks.

Rum adds a warm complexity that makes each sip feel like a Caribbean embrace.

chocolate transforms the classic coquito into a luxurious treat that beckons you to savor every moment.

Yourself swaying to salsa music while enjoying this indulgent beverage that connects you to Puerto Rican culture.

You won’t be able to resist mixing up this irresistible drink that promises pure comfort and joy.

What’s In Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

Base Ingredients:
  • Evaporated Milk: Creamy base that adds rich texture to the Puerto Rican chocolate drink.
  • Sweetened Condensed Milk: Provides sweetness and thick consistency, classic in traditional coquito recipes.
  • Coconut Milk: Delivers authentic tropical coconut flavor and smooth foundation.
  • Cream of Coconut: Intensifies coconut profile and adds extra richness to the beverage.
Chocolate and Spice Ingredients:
  • Chocolate Syrup, Melted Chocolate: Brings deep chocolate flavor and smooth chocolate notes.
  • Cocoa Powder: Enhances chocolate intensity and provides additional depth.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds warm, sweet undertone that complements chocolate and coconut.
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that create complexity and traditional holiday taste.
Alcoholic Component:
  • Rum: Traditional Puerto Rican spirit that gives the coquito its signature kick, choose a quality white or dark rum for best flavor.

How To Make Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito At Home

Step 1: Unleash the Blender Magic

Grab your trusty blender and toss in:
  • Evaporated milk
  • Sweetened condensed milk
  • Coconut milk
  • Cream of coconut
  • Chocolate syrup
  • Vanilla extract
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Fresh nutmeg

Blast everything on high speed until the mixture transforms into a silky, dreamy liquid. Watch as the ingredients dance and blend into a smooth chocolate paradise.

Step 2: Spike with Spirit

Pour in the rum and give it another quick blend. Feel free to adjust the rum to match your festive mood – whether you want a gentle whisper or a bold statement of Caribbean cheer.

Step 3: Boost the Chocolate Intensity

For chocolate lovers craving an extra punch, sprinkle in cocoa powder. Blend once more until the mixture looks like liquid chocolate velvet.

Step 4: Chill and Settle

Transfer your chocolate coquito into clean glass bottles or a decorative pitcher. Slide it into the refrigerator and let the flavors mingle and get to know each other for at least two hours.

Step 5: Serve with Flair

Before serving, give the coquito a good shake or stir. Pour into petite glasses and dress up your drink with:
  • Grated chocolate
  • Cinnamon dust
  • Elegant cinnamon stick

Enjoy your decadent Puerto Rican chocolate treasure!

Top Tips For Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

  • Boost Chocolate Richness: Add extra cocoa powder for a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor that chocolate lovers will adore.
  • Customize Alcohol Level: Adjust rum quantity to suit your taste, making the coquito stronger or lighter as preferred.
  • Perfect Chilling Technique: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow flavors to blend and develop a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap dairy milks with coconut or almond milk alternatives for a lactose-free version that maintains the authentic taste.
  • Elegant Serving Tip: Garnish with grated chocolate or a cinnamon stick to elevate the presentation and add a beautiful finishing touch.

Keeping Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Good Longer

  • Refrigerate: Store your chocolate coquito in an airtight glass bottle or sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to preserve its delicate flavor.
  • Freezing: Pour the coquito into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
  • Reheating: Unlike many cocktails, coquito is best enjoyed cold. Instead of heating, simply shake the container vigorously to remix the settled ingredients and serve chilled with fresh garnishes.
  • Quality Check: Before serving stored coquito, always smell and visually inspect for any signs of spoilage. Discard if you notice separation, odd colors, or unusual odors.

Great Pairings With Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

  • Chocolate Dessert Wine Pairing: Enhance the rich, creamy chocolate coquito with a ruby port or dessert wine, which complements the drink's deep chocolate notes and velvety texture.
  • Spice-Infused Treat Companion: Serve alongside cinnamon-dusted churros or Mexican wedding cookies to amplify the warm spice undertones and create a delightful Caribbean-inspired dessert experience.
  • Chocolate Nibble Match: Pair with dark chocolate truffles or chocolate-covered almonds to intensify the chocolate profile and provide a delectable textural contrast to the smooth coquito.
  • Coffee Flavor Booster: Accompany with a shot of espresso or a small cappuccino to highlight the drink's rich chocolate and spice elements, creating a luxurious after-dinner indulgence.

Cool Twists On Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito

  • Tropical Mocha Marvel: Elevate the classic recipe by adding a shot of espresso for a rich, coffee-infused chocolate coquito that brings Puerto Rican and café culture together.
  • Dark Chocolate Dream: Incorporate high-quality dark chocolate instead of syrup, creating a more intense and sophisticated chocolate flavor profile with deeper cocoa notes.
  • Nutty Chocolate Fusion: Mix in almond or hazelnut extract to complement the chocolate, adding a subtle nutty undertone that enhances the overall complexity of the drink.
  • Spicy Chocolate Kick: Introduce a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of chili powder to create a warming, Mexican-inspired chocolate coquito with a gentle heat that lingers on the palate.

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Questions Answered

  • What makes Puerto Rican chocolate coquito different from traditional coquito?

The chocolate version adds chocolate syrup or melted chocolate to the classic coconut-based drink, creating a rich, decadent twist on the traditional holiday beverage that brings extra depth and sweetness to the classic recipe.

  • Is this drink only for the holidays?

While coquito is traditionally a Christmas drink in Puerto Rico, chocolate coquito can be enjoyed year-round as a delightful dessert cocktail that’s perfect for any celebration or special occasion.

  • Can I make this recipe non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! Simply omit the rum and replace it with additional coconut milk or a splash of vanilla extract to maintain the creamy, flavorful profile of the drink without the alcohol.

  • What kind of chocolate works best for this recipe?

Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works wonderfully, providing a rich chocolate flavor that complements the creamy coconut base. You can use either melted chocolate or chocolate syrup depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

Why Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Is A Favorite

  • Indulge in Chocolatey Comfort: This Puerto Rican chocolate coquito transforms a traditional holiday drink into a rich, decadent dessert beverage that wraps you in warmth and sweet nostalgia.
  • Quick and Effortless Creation: With just a blender and a few minutes, you can craft a luxurious drink that tastes like it took hours to prepare, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or last-minute celebrations.
  • Customize Your Pleasure: The recipe offers flexible options like adjusting rum levels or intensifying chocolate flavor, allowing you to personalize the drink to match your taste preferences and mood.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: By chilling for a few hours, the flavors meld together beautifully, creating a more complex and smooth drinking experience that actually improves with a little resting time.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe

Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy Puerto Rican Chocolate Coquito delivers island magic in one unforgettable sip, blending rich coconut and chocolate into a festive holiday cocktail. Spirited rum and smooth chocolate create a luxurious Caribbean celebration you’ll savor from first taste to last.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (240ml) white rum or dark rum
  • 1 can (14 ounces / 400ml) sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400ml) cream of coconut
  • 1 can (13.5 ounces / 400ml) coconut milk
  • 1 can (12 ounces / 355ml) evaporated milk

Chocolate Components:

  • ½ cup (120ml) chocolate syrup or 1 cup (150g) melted semi-sweet chocolate
  • ¼ cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder (optional)

Spices and Flavoring:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Garnish:

  • Grated chocolate
  • Cinnamon sticks
  • Shredded coconut

Instructions

  1. Pour all liquid ingredients into a high-powered blender, creating a rich, velvety base that combines evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, and cream of coconut.
  2. Introduce chocolate elements by drizzling chocolate syrup or incorporating melted chocolate directly into the liquid mixture.
  3. Enhance the flavor profile with aromatic spices, carefully adding vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg to create depth and complexity.
  4. Pulse the blender until the mixture transforms into a smooth, homogeneous liquid with no visible ingredient separation.
  5. Carefully introduce rum, adjusting the quantity to achieve the desired strength and warmth of the traditional Puerto Rican libation.
  6. For chocolate enthusiasts seeking an intensified experience, dust cocoa powder into the mixture and blend until a rich, dark consistency emerges.
  7. Transfer the silky liquid into thoroughly cleaned glass bottles or an elegant pitcher, ensuring a clean pour without spillage.
  8. Refrigerate the coquito for a minimum of two hours, allowing the flavors to marry and develop a more profound, harmonious taste.
  9. Before serving, gently agitate the bottle or stir the pitcher to redistribute any settled ingredients.
  10. Present in chilled small glasses, garnishing with delicate chocolate shavings, a light dusting of cinnamon, or an elegant cinnamon stick for a festive touch.

Notes

  • Customize rum levels to match your desired strength, keeping the flavor balanced without overpowering the creamy chocolate notes.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate or cocoa powder for a more intense, rich chocolate experience that elevates the traditional coquito profile.
  • Experiment with dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and almond milk for a plant-based version that maintains the luxurious texture and flavor.
  • Create make-ahead batches and store in sealed bottles for up to two weeks, allowing the flavors to develop and intensify over time, making it perfect for holiday gatherings.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours
  • Category: Drinks, Cocktails
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Puerto Rican

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 100mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 64g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg
Jenna Stewart

Jenna Stewart

Head Chef & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-Table Cooking; Seasonal Menu Development; Visual Plating Techniques; Flavor Layering and Simple Prep Hacks.

Education

The Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park, NY

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern techniques, global cuisines, and flavor development, combined with real-world experience in restaurant operations, business management, and industry internships.

Jenna Stewart is the inventive spirit behind many of our standout dishes at Pro of Delicious Creations. A proud graduate of The Culinary Institute of America, she built her skills mastering both classic recipes and fresh, modern twists.

Now, Jenna celebrates the beauty of seasonal, local ingredients, often sourced from her garden and nearby markets, to create recipes that are bursting with flavor yet easy to follow. When she’s not experimenting in the kitchen, Jenna loves exploring nature on hikes and discovering new treasures at local co-ops.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star