Hi Housewives!

Today, I’m sharing my recipe for coquito with you.  Coquito is an eggnog like alcoholic beverage traditionally served in Puerto Rico. It is usually a drink that people serve during the Christmas season through the New Year.  I am not a fan of eggnog so this is the perfect Christmas drink for me!  I came across this delicious cocktail when I was in college.  I was working at a hair salon on Saturdays to make some extra cash and every Christmas a client of the salon, Isabella, would make batches of it and sell it.  The salon owner would serve it to the clients and workers on Saturdays!  When I tried it I instantly loved it.  Unfortunately, life went on and we all went our separate ways and I lost touch with those people.  I’ve never been able to find someone who made it quite as good as her.  So, after years of searching, I decided to try to make my own.  This Italian girl can conquer this, I think.  LOL

I’ve heard horror stories that it takes hours of boiling and eggs or egg whites etc.  which ultimately led to my procrastinating.  However, after some research, I found that there are many different versions of this drink with or without eggs.  I decided to try it without the raw eggs as using raw eggs in my drink didn’t really appeal to me.  I made it last night and it is chilling in the fridge.  The real test will be tonight when my friends come over for a taste test!

• 2 15-ounce cans of cream of coconut
• 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 12-ounce can of evaporated milk
• 61/2-7ounces of white rum (use more or less if you like)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• a dash of nutmeg
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• Shredded coconut

Mix all ingredients in a blender.  Refrigerate for about an hour before serving.  Serve cold.  This makes about 32 ounces.  I will update you on how it came out tomorrow!  

Enjoy!

RHC

Update:  Ok well I have to admit it was ok but definitely needs some fine tuning…I put more nutmeg in by accident and I prefer more coconut in it as well.  I will not give up on this though and plan on making another batch real soon..adding less nutmeg and more cream of coconut

UPDATE:  This year I used an actual nutmeg and lightly grated some into my coquito (very little).  You can always add more if you want but once its in you can’t take it out so go lightly.  I used 2 cans of coconut instead of one and liked this more because I prefer more of a coconut taste.  You can even coat the rim of your glass with shredded coconut or include it in your blender.  Get creative! Enjoy!  I am happy with this year’s results!  Merry Christmas!