National Coquito Day

Coquito, a drink that is part of holiday traditions in Puerto Rico, is celebrated today with National Coquito Day. The holiday was created in 2018 by Destilería Serrallés, the producers of Don Q, Puerto Rico's foremost rum. Roberto Serrallés, a sixth-generation rum maker and VP of Destilería Serrallés's Business Development, stated that "National Coquito Day allows us to highlight the spirit of our joyful celebrations and our culture, share Coquito recipes, and amplify the awareness of this holiday cocktail throughout the world." For the holiday's first observance, Don Q held a contest for the best coquito recipe, and the winner received a trip to Las Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian in Puerto Rico.

One theory about the origin of coquito—which means "little coconut" in Spanish—is that the Spanish created it during Puerto Rico's colonial period when they mixed their eggnog with local rum and that the locals then altered it, using coconut instead of eggnog, making it what it is today. (Coquito remains very similar to hard eggnog.) But it may not have developed until around the turn of the twentieth century, and it also didn't appear in print until it was printed in two Puerto Rican cookbooks, first Cocine a Gusto in 1950, and then in The Puerto Rican Cookbook.

Early coquito recipes consisted of rum, cream, and coconut. Recipes may call for both coconut milk and coconut cream today. Other common ingredients are sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, and spices like cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. Egg yolks are sometimes added. Chocolate, pistachio, almonds, and many other ingredients have made appearances. The main ingredient is Puerto Rican Rum—usually white rum, or sometimes Pitorro—although a coquito can be prepared as a mocktail. Coconut gives it much of its flavor and texture. Recipes are passed down through generations and vary by family.

The best coquito is aged in the fridge for a few days before being served, but it can be served after sitting in the fridge for only an hour or two. It can last from four to eight weeks if it is sealed in an airtight container unless it is made non-alcoholic or with eggs, then its shelf life is much shorter. It should be stirred before serving, and should be served cold. It is often made as an after-dinner drink, and often garnished with a cinnamon stick and sprinkled with nutmeg. It may also be served in a shot glass. It is drunk today, on National Coquito Day, but may become a staple as early as Thanksgiving and remain through Epiphany. It is the most common closest to Christmas.

How to Observe National Coquito Day

The best way to celebrate is to make your own coquito cocktails! Try a recipe from Don Q or the Food Network. You could also get a premade bottle, which a few companies make. If you have a family recipe, share it with others, or at least make them some coquito from it!

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