Does your business have big plans for the December holiday? Of course, we are referring to one of the most festive days of the year: December 21, AKA “National Coquito Day.”
The Coquito is Puerto Rico’s official holiday cocktail, and over the years it has been the centerpiece of legendary holiday celebrations on the island, as it embodies the dazzling tropical flavors and colors which have made the Puerto Rican parties world famous.
The Coquito is, in many ways, Puerto Rico’s answer to mainland eggnog, a seasonal treat that unites generations and has become a cherished tradition. The exact origins of the Coquito are shrouded in the milky haze of history, beverage historians believe the Coquito dates to around 1900, and the first recipes were published between 1950 and 1970.
This year, for the first time, the Coquito has been recognized with a national holiday on December 21 thanks to the efforts of our friends at Destileria Serrallés, producers of the beloved Don Q Rum.
COQUITO (batched)
750ml Don Q Cristal or Añejo rum
56 oz. Sweetened condensed milk
48 oz. Evaporated milk
24 oz. Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut
4 tsp Vanilla extract
4 tsp Ground cinnamon
¼ tsp Ground nutmeg
Directions: Mix all ingredients in a blender at high speed. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. Shake well and serve cold in small glasses.
The holiday season offers a unique opportunity for creamy cocktails and warm drinks, and the Coquito represents a new way for businesses to tap into that existing demand. Of course, the Coquito is already a beloved favorite among Puerto Rican consumers nationwide and is being driven by a growing interest in the island’s vibrant culture on the mainland.
"With the continuous growth of the Puerto Rican Diaspora, and the increasing presence of Puerto Ricans in the global music, arts and sports landscape, consumers want to learn more about our customs and traditions, including our gastronomy and rums," said Roberto Serrallés, sixth generation rum maker and VP of Business Development, in a recent statement.
He added, "Don Q is Puerto Rico's preferred rum, and 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."