Coquito Recipe
Zacapa 23 Rum, Coconut, Condensed Milk, Vanilla – Egg Custard, Winter Spices
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Ingredients
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Base Coquito
Spices & Aromatics
Finishing & Garnish
Method
Base Coquito
- 1
Temper and cook custard
In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, whole milk, and canned coconut milk. Warm over medium-low heat until just steaming (do not boil). In a separate bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Slowly ladle 1/2 cup of the warm milk mixture into the yolks while whisking constantly to temper. Gradually whisk the tempered yolks back into the saucepan.
- 2
Cook to thicken
Stir the mixture constantly over low heat until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon, about 6–8 minutes. Do not allow it to boil or the eggs will curdle. Remove from heat.
- 3
Sweeten and flavor
Whisk in the sweetened condensed milk and vanilla extract until fully incorporated and smooth. Allow the mixture to cool for 10 minutes.
- 4
Add rum
Once the mixture has cooled to warm (not hot), stir in the Zacapa 23 rum. Stir thoroughly to integrate. Cooling before adding rum preserves aroma and prevents alcohol evaporation.
Spices & Aromatics
- 5
Infuse spices
With the heat off (or while the custard cools), add the ground cinnamon, ground cloves, grated nutmeg, cinnamon sticks, and orange zest to the warm mixture. Cover and let steep for 20–30 minutes to build aroma. Taste after 20 minutes and adjust ground spices if you prefer a stronger profile.
- 6
Strain
Remove cinnamon sticks and strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a large bowl or pitcher to remove any zest or spice fragments and ensure silkiness.
Finish & Chill
- 7
Cool completely
Let the strained coquito come to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (preferably overnight). Chilling allows flavors to meld and the texture to thicken slightly.
- 8
Adjust and serve
Before serving, stir the coquito. If the mixture has thickened more than you like, whisk in up to 1/4 cup whole milk to thin. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice: add up to 1–2 tbs sweetened condensed milk or a pinch more ground cinnamon if desired.
- 9
Garnish
Pour into chilled glasses. Dust each serving with a small pinch of ground cinnamon and, if desired, float 2 tsp additional Zacapa 23 on top for aroma.