On December 21st every year, we pay tribute to the iconic holiday beverage of Puerto Rico- coquito. National Coquito Day is a joyful chance for everyone to savor this delicious coconut-based drink that’s become a holiday staple. What we’re celebrating is more than just a beverage; it’s a chance to appreciate Puerto Rican culture, history, and the cherished traditions attached to it.
Whether you hail from Puerto Rico or just love the exploration of culinary delights, National Coquito Day offers a unique experience for all. Participate in the festivities by crafting your own Coquito at home or find it at local cultural events.
History of National Coquito Day
Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican beverage that is most often associated with the Christmas season. The drink is a coconut-based version of eggnog that is both creamy and festive, spiced with cinnamon and occasionally nutmeg, and it often contains a measure of rum.
The precise origins of Coquito are not clearly documented. However, it is believed to have been influenced by the Spanish colonial period in Puerto Rico, stretching back to 1493 when Christopher Columbus arrived on the island. Together with the Spanish settlers came their culinary traditions, one of which was the drinking of eggnog during festive occasions. Over time, the local inhabitants adapted the recipe to incorporate native ingredients, namely coconut, which was abundant on the island.
As sugar cane cultivation expanded on the island in the 16th century due to the favorable tropical climate, the production of rum began. The addition of rum to Coquito became commonplace, offering a warming effect to the drink.
Due to Puerto Rico’s ties with the United States, Coquito became popular within the U.S. as Puerto Ricans migrated and brought their traditions with them. Today, Coquito is enjoyed not only in Puerto Rico, but also in large Puerto Rican communities in the U.S., especially in New York City and other parts of the East Coast.
National Coquito Day Timeline
Christopher Columbus Introduces Sugar Cane to Caribbean
Christopher Columbus plants the first sugar cane crops in the Caribbean during his second voyage.
Development of Puerto Rican Rum
Puerto Rico began producing rum, a byproduct of their sugar cane crops.
Inception of Coquito
Rum mixed with milk and spices, a precursor to Coquito, is believed to have first been made in the 1800s.
Coquito Popularity Spreads
Coquito becomes a traditional holiday drink beyond Puerto Rico, spreading to other Latin American counties and the United States.
First Annual Coquito Contest in New York
The International Coquito Federation holds the first annual Coquito Contest in New York, marking its acceptance in the mainstream.
First Coquito Festival in Miami
Miami, Florida hosts its inaugural annual Coquito Festival, signifying its popularity in the city's large Puerto Rican community.
Ideas to Celebrate National Coquito Day
Coquito Making Party
Invite your friends over for a Coquito making party. You can experiment with different variations and have a taste test at the end. Remember to have everyone's recipe on hand, so other guests can try making them at home later.
Coquito Tasting at Local Liquor Store
Reach out to your local liquor stores or supermarkets to see if they would be interested in hosting a Coquito tasting event. This would be a fun way to sample different brands and flavors.
Coquito Recipe Exchange
Start a recipe exchange with your friends and family. It's a fun, creative way to share your favorite recipes and try out others' favorite Coquito recipes.
Coquito Pop-up Shop
If you or someone you know has a knack for making Coquito, consider setting up a pop-up shop for the day! You can sell your delicious concoction and perhaps even offer samples.
Coquito Cocktail Hours
Host an online cocktail hour (or arrange one at a local bar) where everyone drinks their favorite version of Coquito and shares their stories related to this traditional drink.
6 Interesting Facts About Coquito (Drink)
Origin of Coquito
Coquito, a traditional festive beverage, originates from Puerto Rico. It is particularly associated with Christmas celebrations.
Main Ingredients
Coquito consists of spiced rum, sweet condensed milk, coconut milk, vanilla extract, cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon. It's a tropical twist on the classic egg nog.
Egg Debate
There's a long-standing debate about whether to include egg yolk in a Coquito recipe or not. Traditionalists assert the original version doesn't use egg, while others enjoy the creamy consistency eggs bring.
Coquito Festivals
Coquito contests and events are popular in some areas. Each year, New York holds an International Coquito Festival where participants compete with their own Coquito recipes.
Varieties of Coquito
There are many variations of Coquito, including vegan, almond, pistachio, chocolate and coffee flavours. There's a Coquito recipe for everyone's liking.
Non-alcoholic Coquito
For those who prefer a non-alcoholic version, Coquito can be made without rum, making it a sweet, creamy coconut beverage suitable for all ages.
National Coquito Day FAQs
Next National Coquito Day Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | December 21st | Thursday |
| 2024 | December 21st | Saturday |
| 2025 | December 21st | Sunday |
| 2026 | December 21st | Monday |
| 2027 | December 21st | Tuesday |
| What is the pattern? | Every December 21st | |
National Coquito Day Word Search
- Coquito
- Beverage
- Tradition
- Vanilla
- Caribbean
- Creamy