Vegan Coquito: Puerto Rican Eggnog Recipe

If you're looking for a delicious, dairy-free drink that your vegan and non-vegan friends alike will love, vegan coquito is the answer! A vegan version of the popular holiday drink from Puerto Rico, this beverage is sure to please everyone; plus, it's easy to whip up in no time. The heavenly combination of creamy coconut milk, silky vegan coconut cream, flavorful spices, and a hint of white rum will warm your kitchen with its fragrant aroma. Whether you're looking for a cozy winter nightcap or a refreshing summer sipper, a vegan coquito is a perfect treat. So what are you waiting for? Get your vegan coquito fix today and taste the wonderfulness that this Puerto Rican recipe has to offer!

Why You'll Love This Dairy-Free Coquito Recipe

Tastes Great- Vegan coquito is deliciously creamy with a hint of freshly ground cinnamon sticks and nutmeg, creating a warm and cozy drink.

Simple Ingredients- This recipe is easy to follow and doesn't require any special ingredients. All you need is coconut milk, condensed milk, coconut cream, spices, vanilla extract, and rum. While vegan coquito is naturally gluten-free, make sure to double-check all pre-packaged items to ensure they are, in fact, gluten-free.

Easy To Make- Making Puerto Rican vegan coquito is a breeze. Blend the ingredients, pour it into a chilled glass, and enjoy!

Rich And Creamy- This vegan coquito is smooth and creamy with a velvety texture that will tantalize your taste buds.

Perfect For Any Occasion- Whether you're throwing a party or just want something to sip on, this vegan coquito recipe is the perfect holiday drink and will leave everyone asking for more! You can easily make a double batch for larger gatherings.

What Is Coquito? 

Coquito is an iconic Puerto Rican drink that is popular during the holiday season and throughout the colder months. It could be best described as a more delicious and exotic version of egg nog - aptly dubbed the "Puerto Rican Eggnog". The traditional coquito recipe contains coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and light-colored rum. The flavors in this vegan coquito recipe are the same as its non-vegan counterpart, but this vegan version is egg free and uses canned coconut cream for an extra creamy texture, and retains all of the same delicious flavors that make coquito so popular.

Equipment Needed 

• Food Blender
• Measuring Cups and Spoons
• Chilled Glasses for Serving

Ingredients 

• Coconut Milk- Provides a rich and creamy base for the coquito. You can use a carton or canned coconut milk.
• Almond Milk- Adds a nutty flavor.
• Rum- Gives the coquito a subtle yet delicious kick.
• Vegan Condensed Milk- Substitutes regular condensed milk for a dairy-free option. (I used Nature's Charm sweetened condensed milk.)
• Canned Coconut Cream- Adds a satisfying creamy texture.
• Vanilla Extract- Enhances the flavor of the coquito.
• Cinnamon- This creates a warm and inviting flavor to the beverage.
• Nutmeg- Gives the coquito its unique taste.

How To Make Vegan Coquito With Coconut Milk

For a creamy vegan coquito, blend the coconut milk, almond milk, condensed milk, canned coconut cream, and the rest of the ingredients together in a food blender until velvety smooth. Pour the dreamy concoction into chilled glasses and enjoy! If you want a colder beverage, refrigerate for at least one hour before serving, however, four hours of chill time is ideal.

How To Serve Vegan Coquito

Coquito is traditionally served cold as a dessert beverage. If you want to get creative, try making a vegan coquito float by topping it with some dairy-free vanilla ice cream or vegan whipped cream. For an extra special touch, garnish with rum raisins, cinnamon sticks, vegan marshmallows, or shredded coconut around the rim. The possibilities are endless!

Popular Substitutions & Additions 

• Use low-fat coconut milk, oat milk, or unsweetened almond milk instead of regular for a more delicate flavor.
• If you prefer a sweeter nutmeg, add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon, maple syrup, or nutmeg when blending.
• Add fresh or frozen fruit like strawberries or pineapple for a delicious twist.
• You can also add a splash of lime or orange juice for extra flavor.
• Sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, ground cinnamon, or coconut flakes on top.
• For an even more delicious coconut flavor, add a little coconut to the blender along with your other ingredients. A generous handful of shredded coconut or coconut flakes would be perfect.
• To make your vegan coquito a little thinner, add a little more coconut milk. Alternatively, to make the coquito thinner, add a little more coconut cream.
• Use white rum, dark rum, or spiced rum in place of pale rum.

Can You Freeze Homemade Dairy-Free Coquito?

Yes, you can freeze the coquito for up to three months in an airtight container. To thaw, leave in the fridge overnight. You may need to stir or blend the coquito again with a splash of extra milk before serving if it separates while freezing. You can also make the vegan coquito two days ahead of time and store it in an airtight glass bottle, sealed jar, or airtight container in the fridge. Make sure to shake or stir well before serving. Enjoy!

Vegan Coquito FAQs

What type of rum should I use?

While the traditional coquito recipes from Puerto Rico calls for a pale rum, you can use any type of rum that you like. White rum, dark rum, and spiced rum all make excellent options.

Can I make this vegan coquito recipe without alcohol? 

Absolutely! Just omit the rum and replace it with an equal amount of coconut milk or almond milk.

Is there something I can use in place of the rum? 

Yes, you can use vodka or coconut-based liqueurs instead of rum. You can also leave out the alcohol entirely for an alcohol-free coquito.

Can I use oat milk in this vegan coquito recipe?

For best results and the most coconut flavor, use full-fat coconut milk and coconut cream in this recipe, but you can also use other types of non-dairy milk, such as almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk as a substitute. The flavor may be slightly different than when using coconut milk. You may want to adjust the sweetness level with a little bit of maple syrup if using other types of dairy-free milk instead.

Is coconut cream and cream of coconut the same thing?

No, they are not the same. Coconut cream is a thick and creamy coconut milk-based product, while the cream of coconut is a sweetened condensed version containing sugar and other ingredients. Coconut cream will give you the best results for this vegan coquito recipe.