We know it’s only April, but we can’t help but celebrate the beauty of holiday drinks! We always find a reason to prepare for the cold holiday season upon us, because nothing can beat the feast and myriad of drinks to warm us up and keep our bellies satisfied.
If you’re thinking of what drinks to serve to adults for a chilly night, why not go a bit more exotic and expand your horizons beyond the typical spiked eggnog?
This is where we introduce the Coquito, which is something we call eggnog’s stronger, sassier cousin.
But funnily enough, it doesn’t even taste like eggnog!
We can all agree that it brings out the holiday spirits like one, though, especially in Puerto Rican culture.
For those new to the drink, you may be left with a few questions, such as: If I made a huge batch of coquitos and still have some leftovers, “How long does Coquito last?”
You wouldn’t want it to go to waste!
Short Answer:
While Coquito won’t last as long as other liqueurs, properly stored and bottled Coquito can last for up to one month. But this depends on the drink’s contents.
Read on to learn more about Coquito and its expiration date.
What is Coquito?
Coquito isn’t coconut eggnog. It’s a unique drink of its own. The word Coquito translates to “little coconut” in English. (*)
Coquito is made of canned coconut milk or evaporated milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and Puerto Rican rum. The drink can also include other flavorings like cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Because of that, you get a creamy coconut rum drink present in almost any Puerto Rican holiday celebration.
Coquito and eggnog are entirely different beverages. Coquito’s base is rum and coconut, while eggnog has an egg and cream base, though you can add rum or brandy. Traditional coquito recipes don’t include eggs, but some recipes have changed over time.
Not only can you make your own Coquito, but you can also purchase pre-made bottles of it in your local liqueur store. The price can range from $23-$25, depending on the flavor variety you get.
- Fun fact: Coquito is Puerto Rico’s most popular drink during the holidays as it signifies the coming of Christmas, along with the celebration of life, love, culture, and success. You serve this drink to family, friends, and other guests, with Puerto Ricans having their own unique and secret coquito recipe.
Does Coquito Go Bad? How Long Does It Last?
Coquito may not last as long as you’d expect, given its ingredient list. According to the USDA, Coquito can last for up to four days after making them. If your Coquito contains eggs or is non-alcoholic, expect it to have a shorter shelf life.
For coquitos without egg yolks, the shelf life is greatly extended by up to 4-6 months! Make sure you keep your Coquito in an airtight container to last this long.
If you’re making a coquito without alcohol, you can use rum extract instead of rum.
How Do You Know If Coquito Has Gone Bad?
You will know if your Coquito has gone bad if it smells like sour milk.
You can try giving it a taste test and have a small sip before serving to check if it has gone bad. If it smells and tastes like sour milk, it’s best to throw it away.
storing coquito: Do You Need To Refrigerate It?
Yes, you will need to refrigerate your Coquito. Not only does this help with its shelf life, but coquitos are best enjoyed chilled. If you accidentally leave your Coquito outside the fridge overnight, it may likely spoil because of the dairy.
- Pro-tip: Try freezing coquitos to create refreshing ice pops! Blend your Coquito, then pour it into your popsicle mold to freeze.
How Do You Make Coquito?
You can make Coquito yourself by following this recipe!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces of evaporated milk
- 14 ounces of sweetened condensed milk
- 15 ounces of cream of coconut
- ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg
- One teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1.5 cups of white rum
- Cinnamon sticks to garnish
- Nutmeg (optional)
Directions:
- Mix all the ingredients in a blender at high speed.
- Place the mixture in a bottle and refrigerate it for at least one hour.
- Give your Coquito a good shake before serving. Serve it cold in a small glass, then garnish with cinnamon sticks garnished with nutmeg. Enjoy!
You don’t need to add too much rum! You can start with one cup of rum or less, just enough for you to feel the alcohol without it being overly bitter or burning. Note that the longer you keep the Coquito, the stronger the rum flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have more questions about Coquito? We answer them below:
Wrapping It Up
If you want a festive holiday drink with a punch, look no further! Coquito is an excellent drink that warms your soul with rum and creamy ingredients. You can enjoy a bottle of this regardless of the season, especially during cold nights.
We hope our article answered your question, “how long does coquito last?” Now that you know the answer, why not make a batch of coquitos to serve during your next party with loved ones? Enjoy!
