Coquito Day

Coquito. Charlene McBride / wikimedia / 2017 / CC BY 2.0

The 21st of December is Coquito Day.

A coquito is a very sweet Puerto Rican Christmas holiday drink.

It is made from tinned milk, rum and coconut cream.

There are many variations. Flavouring may be added such as almond, pistachio, chocolate, etc. Spicing usually includes cinnamon, and may also include nutmeg, anise, cloves, and allspice.

Coquito is easy to make — it’s done in a blender — and easy to serve. It is also best made ahead, which makes it perfect for parties.

You can give bottles as presents (advise them to keep it refrigerated until served.)

Drink coquito within four days of making. ^[1]”All the wonderful creamy and boozy holiday drinks South Florida loves — coquito, crema de vie, kremas and ponche crema, which are all better than eggnog — will only keep in the fridge for four days after they are made, a USDA spokesperson said. ‘Past four days, it’s risky to drink it,’ said Maribel Alonso, a USDA food safety specialist. She should know. Alonso is from Puerto Rico and coquito is as much a part of her Christmas as Papá Noel (Santa Claus).” Frias, Carlos. How long will coquito keep in your fridge? Not as long as you think. Miami, Florida: Miami Herald. 24 December 2019.

While egg nog is something that many people love or hate, a lot of people seem to like coquito the first time they try it. So if you’ve never tried it, why not make today the day?

#NationalCoquitoDay

History

The alcohol company “Destilería Serrallés”, owners of Don Q® Rum, said, “National Coquito Day will be observed annually on December 21st” ^[2]Don Q Rum Presents National Coquito Day. PR Newswire. 15 November 2018. Accessed November 2020 at https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/don-q-rum-presents-national-coquito-day-300751421.html

“On December 21st, 2018 we will celebrate the first ever National Coquito Day!” ^[3] Accessed November 2020 at http://nationalcoquitoday.com/

“Last month, I had dinner with Yisell Muxo of Don Q, the #1 selling rum in Puerto Rico, and the woman who helped spearhead the establishment of National Coquito Day. Muxo told me that ‘The Coquito is an integral and delicious part of Puerto Rican holiday traditions.’ We realized there wasn’t a national day devoted to celebrating this iconic drink, so we took the necessary steps to register the day and officially establish National Coquito Day.” ^[4]Hammond, David. Celebrate the First National Coquito Day, December 21. Wednesday Journal. 18 December 2018. Accessed November 2020 at https://www.oakpark.com/Dining/Blogs/12-18-2018/Celebrate-the-First-National-Coquito-Day,-December-21/

Sources

Burr, Robert. National Coquito Day – December 21. Rob’s Rum Guide. 17 December 2018. Accessed November 2020 at http://www.robsrum.com/2018/12/17/national-coquito-day-december-21/

Doss, Laine. Where to Get Coquito in Miami. Miami, Florida: Miami New Times. 13 December 2018. Accessed November 2020 at
https://www.miaminewtimes.com/restaurants/where-to-get-coquito-in-miami-2018-10950361

Fougner, Tara. Let’s toast “WEPA” To National Coquito Day On December 21st With Puerto Rico’s Beloved Holiday Drink. Thirst Magazine. 20 December 2018. Accessed November 2020 at https://thirstymag.com/lets-raise-glass-say-wepa-national-coquito-day-december-21st/

Guiffo, John. There’s Still Plenty Of Time For Coquito, Puerto Rico’s Delicious Holiday Coco-Eggnog. Forbes Magazine. 31 December 2013. Accessed November 2020 at https://www.forbes.com/sites/johngiuffo/2013/12/31/theres-still-plenty-of-time-for-coquito-puerto-ricos-delicious-holiday-coco-eggnog/