Name: Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 4 h 15 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 14 oz sweetened condensed milk; 12 oz evaporated milk; 15 oz cream of coconut; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/8 tsp ground cloves; 12 oz Puerto Rican or another white rum

Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 7 reviews

If you’re on the hunt for a festive drink that brings island warmth straight to your glass, you’re going to love this Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe. It’s creamy, coconutty, and spiced just right — a tropical twist on the classic eggnog, minus the eggs! I’ve made this for holiday parties and casual get-togethers, and every single time it’s a crowd-pleaser. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to nail this delicious Puerto Rican treat at home.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simplicity Meets Authenticity: Just a handful of ingredients blended together for that real Coquito experience without fuss.
Balanced Flavors: The blend of spices, sweetness, and rum creates a smooth, well-rounded drink, not too overpowering.
No Eggs, No Stress: This eggless version is perfect if you want safety and ease without losing richness.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It gets better after chilling, so it’s perfect for prepping in advance for parties or holiday dinners.

Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog, Coconut Eggnog, Puerto Rican Coquito, Tropical Holiday Drinks, Vegan Eggnog - A clear glass is shown being filled with a creamy beige liquid from a transparent pitcher held by a woman's hand at the top left corner. The liquid has a smooth texture with tiny dark specks. The glass is placed on a wooden surface scattered with three cinnamon sticks lying diagonally and several whole nuts, including walnuts and nutmeg. In the background, there are three pinecones with white tips along with green pine branches, creating a cozy and festive atmosphere. The whole scene is set on a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe plays a role, creating that luscious, creamy texture and iconic flavor. Plus, you’ll want to pick quality pantry staples — especially when it comes to rum and cream of coconut.

Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog, Coconut Eggnog, Puerto Rican Coquito, Tropical Holiday Drinks, Vegan Eggnog - Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of sweetened condensed milk, a small white ceramic bowl of evaporated milk, a small white ceramic bowl of cream of coconut, a small white ceramic bowl with a few drops of vanilla extract, a small white ceramic bowl filled with ground cinnamon, a small white ceramic bowl with ground nutmeg, a small white ceramic bowl with ground cloves, and a small white ceramic bowl of white rum, all arranged in perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Sweetened Condensed Milk: Adds sweetness and thick creaminess without needing extra sugar.
Evaporated Milk: Balances the condensed milk’s sweetness with a smooth, milky texture.
Cream of Coconut: The star of the show — it delivers that rich coconut flavor and velvety body.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor and adds a subtle depth.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings a warm spice note that’s classic in eggnog.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a slightly sweet & nutty aroma, essential for that holiday feel.
Ground Cloves: A little goes a long way to spice things up without overpowering.
Puerto Rican or White Rum: Authenticity and warmth come from this; quality matters here for the smoothest finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to tweak my Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe based on who I’m serving it to. Sometimes I go heavier on the rum for a festive adult party; other times, I dial it back or skip it altogether for a family-friendly version. The recipe is super flexible — so have fun making it yours!

Virgin Version: I often make a batch without rum and swap in coconut milk for a kid-friendly, non-alcoholic treat that still tastes indulgent.
Dairy-Free Swap: If you prefer dairy-free, try canned full-fat coconut milk instead of evaporated milk — it adds even more coconutty richness.
Extra Spice Kick: When I want a punchier spice vibe, I sprinkle a bit of grated fresh nutmeg on top just before serving.
Sweetness Adjustment: If you like it less sweet, just cut back slightly on the sweetened condensed milk and taste as you go.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

I start by grabbing all the ingredients and measuring them out — it makes the process so smooth. Since this recipe comes together in a flash, a little prep really helps. Plus, using room temperature milk products blends better, so I leave them out for a bit before starting.

Step 2: Blend Everything Until Smooth

Pop everything into a blender — the sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, rum, vanilla extract, and spices. I pulse it a few seconds until the texture is completely smooth and creamy. Don’t over-blend or it’ll get too frothy, which you don’t want here.

Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Marry

Pour the mixture into a glass jar or a bottle with a lid — something airtight is key here. Refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but honestly, I find overnight is even better. It lets all the spices soften and the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Shake Before Serving

This is a must — give your Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe a good shake before pouring. Coconut cream tends to settle, so this wakes everything back up and makes sure you get that smooth, velvety sip every time.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Use Quality Cream of Coconut: I’ve learned that not all cream of coconut brands are created equal — go for one with a smooth texture and rich coconut flavor to avoid a grainy drink.
Don’t Skip the Chill: Even if you’re eager, letting it sit in the fridge allows all those warm spices to bloom and makes the drink smoother.
Shake Well Before Each Pour: Coconut fats separate naturally, so shaking keeps every glass perfectly blended and creamy.
Avoid Over-Blending: Too much blending will add unwanted airiness and can change the texture — I stick to just a quick pulse to combine.

How to Serve Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe

Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog, Coconut Eggnog, Puerto Rican Coquito, Tropical Holiday Drinks, Vegan Eggnog - Two clear glasses filled with a creamy beige drink are shown on a white marbled surface. Each glass has a single cinnamon stick standing upright in the center of the drink. The drink's top layer is smooth with a light sprinkle of brown spice powder and white coconut flakes. Around the glasses, there are whole nutmegs, cinnamon sticks, and scattered coconut flakes. In the background, a white container and some pine cones are partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love keeping it classic with a simple sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top — instantly elevates the look and aroma. Sometimes, I drop in a cinnamon stick for a pretty stirrer that adds a little extra spice as it sits. Sweetened coconut flakes are my fun twist; they add texture and make it feel extra tropical.

Side Dishes

Puerto Rican coconut eggnog goes beautifully with lightly spiced desserts like pastelillos or guava pastries. At holiday dinners, I pair it with savory options like roasted pork or tostones to balance the sweetness and keep things festive!

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I like to serve this in festive mugs or jars rimmed with toasted coconut flakes and a dusting of cinnamon sugar. Add a little umbrella or a mini paper palm leaf for a tropical vibe that guests always comment on. It’s a fun way to make it feel special beyond just the flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep any leftover Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe in a sealed glass jar in the fridge. It stays fresh and tasty for up to 5 days, which means I usually get a day or two of happy morning sips after a party.

Freezing

I haven’t frozen this eggnog often because its creamy texture is best fresh or chilled. Freezing can cause separation, which might affect the mouthfeel — so I recommend making smaller batches you’ll enjoy within a few days instead.

Reheating

You actually want to enjoy this Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t typical. If you do want it warm, heat gently on the stove over low heat and stir constantly to prevent curdling or separating.

FAQs

Can I make Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe without alcohol?

Absolutely! You can easily make a virgin version by omitting the rum and replacing it with coconut milk or skim milk. It still tastes creamy, rich, and festive — perfect for kids or anyone avoiding alcohol.
How long does the Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog stay fresh?

When stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for up to 5 days. Make sure to give it a good shake before each serving to recombine the coconut cream.
What’s the difference between cream of coconut and coconut milk?

Cream of coconut is sweetened and thicker, often used in cocktails like piña coladas, while coconut milk is unsweetened and thinner. For this recipe, cream of coconut gives that signature creamy sweetness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

Yes! In fact, I highly recommend making it at least 4 hours ahead or overnight. The chilling time lets flavors meld perfectly for the best taste and creamy texture.

Final Thoughts

This Puerto Rican Coconut Eggnog Recipe holds a special place in my heart — it’s the kind of drink that transports me to warm island shores even on the coldest winter night. I love sharing it because it’s simple, crowd-pleasing, and a little bit indulgent without being complicated. If you’re looking to add a tropical twist to your holiday season or just want a cozy treat with friends, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again. Give it a try — I think you’re going to enjoy every creamy, spiced sip!