Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink that is rich, creamy, and full of tropical flavors. This dairy-free version combines the luscious taste of coconut milk and coconut cream with the nutty undertones of almond milk. Sweetened with maple syrup and spiced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, this festive beverage is perfect for any gathering.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Coconut cream and coconut milk can usually be found in the international or baking aisle of your supermarket. Almond milk is often located in the dairy or health food section. Make sure to check the spice aisle for ground cloves if you don't already have them in your pantry.

Ingredients For Coquito Recipe
Coconut milk: Provides a rich, creamy base with a subtle coconut flavor.
Coconut cream: Adds extra creaminess and a more intense coconut taste.
Almond milk: A dairy-free alternative that adds a nutty flavor and smooth texture.
Maple syrup: A natural sweetener that gives a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor with a sweet, aromatic touch.
Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a hint of spice.
Ground nutmeg: Provides a slightly sweet and nutty flavor.
Ground cloves: Adds a deep, warm spice that complements the other flavors.
Technique Tip for Making Vegan Coquito
When blending the coconut milk, coconut cream, and almond milk, ensure they are at room temperature to achieve a smoother consistency. This prevents the coconut cream from solidifying and creating lumps. Additionally, to enhance the flavors, consider toasting the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves in a dry pan for a few seconds before adding them to the blender. This will release their essential oils and deepen the aromatic profile of your coquito.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
coconut milk - Substitute with oat milk: Oat milk provides a creamy texture and neutral flavor that complements the other ingredients well.
coconut cream - Substitute with cashew cream: Cashew cream offers a rich and creamy consistency similar to coconut cream, making it a great alternative.
almond milk - Substitute with soy milk: Soy milk has a similar consistency and neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for almond milk.
maple syrup - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly sweetener with a similar sweetness level and consistency to maple syrup.
vanilla extract - Substitute with almond extract: Almond extract provides a different but complementary flavor profile that can add a unique twist to the recipe.
ground cinnamon - Substitute with ground cardamom: Ground cardamom offers a warm, slightly citrusy flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the drink.
ground nutmeg - Substitute with ground allspice: Ground allspice has a similar warm and spicy flavor, making it a good alternative to nutmeg.
ground cloves - Substitute with ground star anise: Ground star anise provides a sweet and licorice-like flavor that can add depth to the recipe.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Vegan Drink
How to Store or Freeze Vegan Coquito
To store your coquito, pour it into an airtight container or a glass bottle with a secure lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted odors from seeping in.
Place the container in the refrigerator. Your coquito will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days. Make sure to give it a good shake before serving, as the ingredients may settle over time.
If you want to keep your coquito for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the coquito into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes.
When you're ready to enjoy your frozen coquito, transfer it to the refrigerator and let it thaw slowly. This will help preserve its creamy texture and rich flavors.
For a quicker thaw, you can place the container in a bowl of cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can alter the consistency and flavor of your coquito.
Once thawed, give your coquito a good shake or stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined before serving.
If you notice any separation or changes in texture after freezing and thawing, a quick blend in the blender can help restore its smoothness.
Always store your coquito in the coldest part of your refrigerator, typically the back, to ensure it stays at a consistent temperature.
For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding a cinnamon stick or a slice of fresh ginger to your coquito before refrigerating. This will infuse the drink with a subtle, aromatic note.
Remember to label your containers with the date of preparation, so you can keep track of its freshness and enjoy your coquito at its best.
How to Reheat Leftovers
- Pour the coquito into a small saucepan and heat over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. Be careful not to let it boil.
- Alternatively, microwave the coquito in a microwave-safe mug. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches your desired temperature.
- For a more luxurious experience, heat the coquito in a double boiler. This gentle method ensures even heating without the risk of curdling.
- If you prefer a cold drink, simply shake the coquito well and serve over ice.
Essential Tools for Making Vegan Coquito
Blender: Used to combine all the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Large jar or bottle: Used to store the coquito mixture in the refrigerator.
Measuring cups: Used to accurately measure the coconut milk, coconut cream, almond milk, and maple syrup.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure the vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the coquito mixture for at least 4 hours before serving.
Spatula: Used to scrape down the sides of the blender to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
Serving glasses: Used to serve the chilled coquito.
How to Save Time on Making This Vegan Drink
Use pre-made coconut milk: Opt for canned coconut milk to save time on preparation.
Measure ingredients in advance: Pre-measure all ingredients and keep them ready to streamline the process.
Blend in batches: If your blender is small, blend the ingredients in batches to ensure smooth consistency.
Chill quickly: Use an ice bath to cool the mixture faster before refrigerating.
Use a funnel: Pour the mixture into jars or bottles using a funnel to avoid spills and save cleanup time.

Coquito Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Coconut milk
- 1 cup Coconut cream
- 1 cup Almond milk
- ½ cup Maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon Ground cloves
Instructions
- 1. Combine all ingredients in a blender.
- 2. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- 3. Pour into a large jar or bottle and refrigerate for at least 4 hours before serving.
- 4. Shake well before serving. Enjoy chilled.
Nutritional Value
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