Strawberry Coquito: A Delicious Holiday Twist on a Classic

Strawberry Coquito, a vibrant twist on the classic Puerto Rican holiday beverage, is about to become your new favorite festive indulgence. Imagine the creamy, coconutty goodness of traditional coquito, now infused with the sweet, summery flavor of fresh strawberries. It’s a taste of sunshine in a glass, perfect for celebrating any occasion, especially when you want to add a touch of tropical flair!

Coquito, meaning “little coconut,” has deep roots in Puerto Rican culture, traditionally enjoyed during the Christmas season. Passed down through generations, each family often has their own secret recipe, making it a truly personal and cherished tradition. While the original recipe boasts a rich blend of coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, and spices, variations abound, reflecting the diverse tastes and creativity of the island’s people.

What makes coquito so beloved? It’s the irresistible combination of creamy texture, sweet coconut flavor, and warming spices that create a truly comforting and celebratory drink. And this Strawberry Coquito takes that experience to a whole new level! The addition of strawberries not only adds a beautiful pink hue but also introduces a delightful fruity sweetness that perfectly complements the richness of the coconut. It’s easy to make, incredibly delicious, and guaranteed to impress your friends and family. Get ready to experience a taste of paradise with this delightful twist on a classic!

Ingredients:

• 1 (13.5 ounce) can coconut cream
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• 1 cup white rum (optional, or more to taste)
• 1/2 cup strawberry puree (fresh or frozen strawberries work)
• 1/4 cup cream of coconut (Coco Lopez recommended)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
• Fresh strawberries, sliced (for garnish)
• Cinnamon sticks (for garnish, optional)

Preparing the Strawberry Puree:

Before we dive into the coquito itself, let’s make sure our strawberry puree is ready to go. This is a crucial step, as the quality of your puree will directly impact the flavor and texture of your final product. I prefer using fresh strawberries when they’re in season, but frozen ones work just as well, especially when you’re craving this treat out of season.

1. Wash and Prep the Strawberries: If you’re using fresh strawberries, give them a good rinse under cold water. Remove the stems and any bruised or damaged parts. If you’re using frozen strawberries, you can skip this step.
2. Puree the Strawberries: Place the strawberries in a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth. You might need to scrape down the sides a few times to ensure everything is evenly pureed.
3. Strain the Puree (Optional but Recommended): For the smoothest coquito, I recommend straining the puree through a fine-mesh sieve. This will remove any seeds or larger pieces of strawberry that might have escaped the blending process. This step is especially important if you’re using fresh strawberries, as they tend to have more seeds.
4. Set Aside: Once your puree is ready, set it aside. We’ll be adding it to the coquito mixture later.

Blending the Coquito:

Now for the fun part! This is where all the magic happens. We’re going to combine all the ingredients in a blender and create that creamy, dreamy coquito base. Make sure your blender is clean and ready to go. I find that a high-powered blender works best, but any blender will do the trick.

1. Combine the Milks: In your blender, combine the coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk. These three milks are the foundation of our coquito, providing that rich, creamy texture we all love.
2. Add the Cream of Coconut: Next, add the cream of coconut (Coco Lopez is my personal favorite). This adds an extra layer of coconut flavor and sweetness, making the coquito even more decadent.
3. Incorporate the Strawberry Puree: Pour in the strawberry puree that you prepared earlier. The amount of puree you use will depend on your personal preference. If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, feel free to add a little more.
4. Add the Spices: Sprinkle in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. These spices add warmth and complexity to the coquito, balancing out the sweetness of the milks and strawberries. Don’t skip the salt – it really enhances the other flavors!
5. Add the Vanilla Extract: Pour in the vanilla extract. This adds a touch of sweetness and aroma, rounding out the overall flavor profile.
6. Add the Rum (Optional): If you’re making an alcoholic version of the coquito, now’s the time to add the rum. I recommend using white rum, as it has a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the other ingredients. Start with 1 cup and adjust to taste. Remember to drink responsibly!
7. Blend Until Smooth: Close the lid of your blender and blend on high speed until everything is completely smooth and well combined. This should take about 1-2 minutes. Make sure there are no lumps or chunks of strawberry remaining.
8. Taste and Adjust: Give the coquito a taste and adjust the flavors as needed. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more sweetened condensed milk. If it needs more spice, add a pinch more cinnamon or nutmeg. If you want a stronger strawberry flavor, add a little more strawberry puree. And if you want more of a kick, add a little more rum!

Chilling and Serving:

Patience is key! While you might be tempted to dive right in, chilling the coquito is essential for developing its flavors and achieving that perfect, creamy consistency. This allows all the ingredients to meld together and create a truly unforgettable drink.

1. Transfer to a Pitcher or Bottles: Pour the coquito into a pitcher or individual bottles. I like to use glass bottles with airtight lids, as they keep the coquito fresh and prevent it from absorbing any unwanted flavors from the refrigerator.
2. Chill for at Least 4 Hours (or Overnight): Refrigerate the coquito for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This will allow the flavors to fully develop and the coquito to thicken slightly. The longer it chills, the better it will taste!
3. Shake Well Before Serving: Before serving, give the coquito a good shake to redistribute any ingredients that may have settled at the bottom.
4. Serve Cold: Pour the coquito into glasses and garnish with sliced fresh strawberries and cinnamon sticks (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

Coquito is a versatile drink, and there are endless ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a few tips and variations to get you started:

• Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet coquito, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk. You can also use a sugar substitute, but be aware that this may affect the texture of the coquito.
• Add More Spice: If you like a spicier coquito, you can add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice. You can also use a cinnamon stick to infuse the coquito with even more cinnamon flavor.
• Make it Non-Alcoholic: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version of the coquito, simply omit the rum. You can also add a splash of rum extract for a hint of rum flavor without the alcohol.
• Experiment with Different Fruits: While strawberry coquito is delicious, you can also experiment with other fruits, such as pineapple, mango, or guava. Just be sure to adjust the amount of fruit puree to your liking.
• Add Chocolate: For a chocolatey twist, add a tablespoon or two of cocoa powder to the blender. You can also drizzle chocolate syrup over the top of the coquito before serving.
• Use Different Types of Milk: While coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, and evaporated milk are the traditional ingredients, you can experiment with other types of milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk. Just be aware that this may affect the texture and flavor of the coquito.
• Make it Vegan: To make a vegan coquito, use vegan coconut cream, vegan sweetened condensed milk, and vegan evaporated milk. You can also use a plant-based milk alternative, such as almond milk or soy milk.
• Storage: Coquito can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Be sure to shake well before serving.

Troubleshooting:

Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common problems and how to fix them:

• Coquito is too thick: If your coquito is too thick, add a little more evaporated milk or coconut milk to thin it out.
• Coquito is too thin: If your coquito is too thin, add a little more sweetened condensed milk or coconut cream to thicken it up. You can also chill it for a longer period of time, as this will help it thicken naturally.
• Coquito is not sweet enough: If your coquito is not sweet enough, add a little more sweetened condensed milk.
• Coquito is too sweet: If your coquito is too sweet, add a little more evaporated milk or coconut milk. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice to balance out the sweetness.
• Coquito is grainy: If your coquito is grainy, it may be because the coconut cream has separated. To fix this, blend the coquito again until smooth. You can also strain the coquito through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any remaining coconut solids.

I hope you enjoy this Strawberry Coquito recipe as much as I do! It’s the perfect drink for any occasion, and it’s sure to impress your friends and family. Cheers!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Coquito isn’t just a drink; it’s a vibrant celebration in a glass, a fusion of tradition and innovation that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it takes the classic, comforting flavors of coquito and elevates them with the bright, summery sweetness of fresh strawberries. The result is a creamy, dreamy concoction that’s perfect for any occasion, from festive holiday gatherings to casual summer barbecues. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m confident it will become a new favorite in your household. But the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! With just a few simple ingredients and a blender, you can whip up a batch of this deliciousness in no time. Forget spending hours in the kitchen; this recipe is all about maximum flavor with minimal effort. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a recipe that’s both delicious and easy? Beyond its incredible taste and ease of preparation, this Strawberry Coquito is also incredibly versatile. Serve it chilled in small glasses as a decadent dessert, or pour it over ice for a refreshing afternoon treat. For a truly indulgent experience, top it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Looking for variations? The possibilities are endless! Try adding a splash of rum for an extra kick, or experiment with different types of milk, like almond milk or coconut milk, to create a dairy-free version. You could even add a touch of lime juice for a zesty twist. If you’re feeling adventurous, try infusing the coquito with other fruits, like raspberries or blueberries. The key is to have fun and experiment until you find your perfect flavor combination. Serving Suggestions: * Classic Coquito Style: Serve chilled in small glasses, garnished with a cinnamon stick. * Strawberry Coquito Float: Pour over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. * Festive Cocktail: Add a splash of rum or vodka for an adult-friendly version. * Brunch Delight: Serve alongside pancakes or waffles for a special brunch treat. * Dairy-Free Option: Substitute regular milk with almond milk or coconut milk. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of Strawberry Coquito for yourself. I’ve poured my heart and soul into perfecting this recipe, and I truly believe it’s something special. It’s more than just a drink; it’s a taste of sunshine, a celebration of flavor, and a reminder that the best things in life are often the simplest. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, fire up your blender, and get ready to indulge in the most delicious Strawberry Coquito you’ve ever tasted. I promise you won’t be disappointed. And once you’ve made it, I’d love to hear about your experience! Share your photos and comments on social media using #StrawberryCoquito and let me know what you think. Did you make any variations? What did your friends and family think? I can’t wait to see your creations and hear your stories. Happy blending! I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and leave a comment below! Your feedback helps me create even more delicious recipes for you to enjoy. Cheers to good food, good company, and the perfect Strawberry Coquito! Print