By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on July 18, 2023 | Last Updated on November 6, 2023
Carnation Coquito is a traditional cocktail that is perfect for the holiday season. This creamy, coconut-based libation is sure to please the taste buds of even the pickiest of drinkers!
Rich and flavorful, it has all of the classic ingredients plus a hint of spice to make it truly special. With just a few simple steps you can mix up a batch of this delicious cocktail in no time.
The perfect accompaniment to your winter celebrations, this carnation coquito is sure to become an instant classic! So let’s get started – here’s everything you need to know about making the perfect carnation coquito.
What is Carnation Coquito?
Carnation Coquito is a traditional holiday beverage. It’s creamy, coconut-based libation that has all the classic ingredients plus a hint of spice to make it truly special.
This festive drink combines sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, and white rum with just the right amount of spices such as ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It’s a holiday favorite that’s sure to please the taste buds of everyone who takes a sip!
Carnation Coquito is not only popular in Caribbean countries, but it has also become very popular in other parts of the world.
It has become so popular that it is now served at all types of celebrations from Christmas and New Year parties to weddings and birthdays. It is truly a delicious way to celebrate with family and friends!
What does it taste like?
Carnation Coquito has a rich and creamy flavor with hints of coconut. The sweetness of the condensed milk is balanced out by the slight bitterness from the rum. The nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves give it a warm and comforting feel that makes it perfect for cold winter nights.
The texture is light and frothy thanks to the crushed ice which is added during the blending process. This Caribbean-inspired cocktail can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature, making it a great option for all types of occasions.
How did I first get introduced to the Carnation Coquito?
I was first introduced to the Carnation Coquito a few years ago at a holiday party. I had never heard of it before but was intrigued by its unique flavor and aroma. After trying it, I realized that this winter cocktail was something special.
The combination of sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, rum and spices made for an incredibly smooth and flavorful beverage that was unlike anything I had ever tasted.
Since, then, I have made it a tradition to make this delicious drink every year for the holidays. The sweetness of the condensed milk is balanced out by the slight bitterness from the rum which gives it depth and complexity. The spices bring warmth and make this cocktail perfect for a cold winter night.
It’s a great way to spread holiday cheer and share some of my favorite flavors with friends and family. Plus, the easy preparation makes it a breeze to make for large groups.
Making Carnation Coquito has become an annual tradition in my home over the years and I look forward to bringing this cocktail to all our holiday gatherings. It’s always a hit and one that I’m sure will be around for many years to come!
How to make Carnation Coquito?
Making a classic Carnation Coquito is easy and only requires a few basic ingredients. All you need is to gather the ingredients & follow the step-by-step instructions below:
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Ingredients
- Sweetened condensed milk: This is the key ingredient for making a classic carnation coquito. It adds sweetness and thickness to the drink.
- Evaporated milk: Evaporated milk gives the drink a silky texture that balances out the sweetness of condensed milk.
- Coconut milk: Coconut milk provides a nutty, tropical flavor to your carnation coquito.
- White rum: You can use light or dark rum depending on your taste. Avoid using flavored rums as they usually contain added sugar that will make the drink too sweet.
- Vanilla extract: This extract helps to round out all of the flavors and add a hint of sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves: These spices provide an earthy flavor and add warmth to the beverage.
- Crushed ice: This will help to chill your carnation coquito quickly and give it a light, frothy texture when blended.
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg (optional): Sprinkling some of these spices over the top of your carnation coquito will add extra flavor and garnish.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a blender, combine the condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, white rum, vanilla extract, and spices. Blend on high until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Step 2
Add in the crushed ice and blend for an additional 20-30 seconds or until the mixture has reached a smooth consistency.
Step 3
Serve your carnation coquito in glasses with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon or nutmeg on top (optional).
Tips
-If you prefer a stronger rum flavor, add in an additional 1/4 cup of white rum.
-You can also use flavored rums for a more unique carnation coquito.
-This can easily be doubled or tripled for larger groups.
Carnation Coquito Recipe
Equipment
- glass or container
- Blender
Ingredients
- Ground cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish optional, meticulously added to the final presentation, enhancing the visual appeal and adding a sprinkle of aromatic and spicy notes.
- 1/2 can 6.75 ounces of coconut milk, skillfully incorporated to infuse the cocktail with a tropical and exotic flavor, adding a creamy and slightly nutty undertone.
- 1/2 cup of white rum adjust to preference, meticulously measured to provide a delightful and spirited kick, balancing the sweetness of the milk and adding a touch of warmth to the cocktail.
- 1/2 can 7 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, carefully chosen for its rich and creamy sweetness, providing a luscious and indulgent base for the cocktail.
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract thoughtfully selected to impart a sweet and aromatic essence that enhances the overall flavor profile, adding depth and richness.
- 1/8 teaspoon of ground cloves thoughtfully included to provide a subtle and earthy note, adding a touch of warmth and complexity to the drink.
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon skillfully added to provide a warm and comforting spice note, adding a delightful hint of sweetness and complexity to the drink.
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg carefully incorporated to complement the other spices and contribute a warm, nutty flavor that adds depth to the cocktail.
- 1/2 cup of crushed ice skillfully used to create a refreshing and chilled consistency, ensuring a cool and invigorating drinking experience.
- 1/2 can 6 ounces of evaporated milk, thoughtfully added to contribute a velvety and smooth texture, enhancing the overall creaminess of the drink.
Instructions
- Throw the condensed milk, evaporated milk, coconut milk, white rum, vanilla extract and spices into a blender. Blend at full power until all the components are flawlessly amalgamated.
- Subsequently, carefully pour in the crushed ice and blend for another 20 to 30 seconds until you obtain a velvety feel.
- Serve your carnation coquito in glasses with a sprinkle of freshly ground cinnamon or nutmeg as an adornment (if desired).
Notes
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Carnation Coquito?
Carnation Coquito pairs well with a variety of dishes from light and refreshing salads to hearty stews. To complete your holiday meal, try serving Carnation Coquito alongside some of these favorites:
-Roasted turkey with sides of mashed potatoes and green beans
-Grilled shrimp tacos with pineapple salsa
-Caramelized onion tart served with a side of arugula salad
-Coconut shrimp curry served over steamed jasmine rice
How to store leftover Carnation Coquito?
Leftover Carnation Coquito can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
To reheat, simply pour the desired amount into a microwave-safe cup and heat on high for 1 minute or until warm.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Although Carnation Coquito does not contain any harmful ingredients, it is best to avoid drinking this cocktail while pregnant due to its alcohol content.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggests that pregnant women should limit their alcohol intake or abstain from drinking completely during pregnancy.
FAQs
Is Carnation Coquito alcoholic?
Yes, this recipe does contain alcohol. The amount of rum can be easily adjusted to your preference.
What is the best rum to use for Carnation Coquito?
Light or dark rum can both be used for this recipe. Avoid flavored rums as they contain added sugar which will make the drink too sweet.
Can this be doubled or tripled?
Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled or tripled for larger groups. The ingredients can easily be scaled up to accommodate a larger crowd.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for joining us on this journey to learn about the Caribbean-inspired cocktail, Carnation Coquito. With its creamy texture and unique flavor profile, this winter drink is sure to be a hit at any holiday gathering.
Just gather your ingredients, follow the step-by-step instructions, and you’ll have a delicious carnation coquito in no time! Please share this article with friends and family to help spread the holiday cheer.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
