Save Guava Coquito is a tropical and vibrant twist on the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. This creamy beverage blends the richness of coconut milk with the sweet, floral notes of guava marmalade, creating a festive refreshment that is perfect for Christmas celebrations. Easy to prepare and deeply satisfying, it is a colorful way to bring Caribbean warmth to your holiday table.
Save Known as 'Puerto Rican Eggnog,' Coquito is traditionally served during the long holiday season in the Caribbean. By incorporating guava marmalade, this version offers a thicker texture and a beautiful hue that distinguishes it from the standard white coconut version. It is a creamy, indulgent treat that balances the warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg with the brightness of tropical fruit.
Ingredients
- 1 (14 oz / 400 ml) can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 (13.5 oz / 400 ml) can full-fat coconut milk
- 1 (12 oz / 355 ml) can evaporated milk
- ½ cup guava marmalade or paste, softened
- 1 cup white Puerto Rican rum
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional garnish: Ground cinnamon and cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Step 1: Blend the base
- In a blender, combine sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, evaporated milk, guava marmalade, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Blend until completely smooth and the guava is fully incorporated.
- Step 2: Add the rum
- Add the rum and blend again until well mixed.
- Step 3: Chill and store
- Pour the mixture into a large glass bottle or jar. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until thoroughly chilled. Shake well before serving.
- Step 4: Serve
- Serve cold in small glasses. Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
If you find that your guava marmalade is quite thick, or if you are using guava paste, be sure to soften it first with a splash of warm water before adding it to the blender. This ensures a perfectly smooth texture. Additionally, always store the coquito in the refrigerator and give the bottle a vigorous shake before every pour, as the coconut milk and fruit may naturally settle over time.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily customize this drink to your preference. For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the white rum entirely. To adjust the thickness, use less evaporated milk for a more viscous drink or add more guava marmalade for a bolder fruit flavor. If you prefer a lighter drink, you can adjust the amount of rum to taste.
Serviervorschläge
For the most authentic experience, serve the Guava Coquito ice-cold in small cordial glasses. The richness of the drink means a small portion is often enough. Enhance the presentation by dusting the top with ground cinnamon and placing a whole cinnamon stick in the glass for a festive touch that guests will love.
Save This Guava Coquito is a delightful way to explore new flavors while honoring holiday traditions. With its creamy coconut base and sweet guava twist, it is sure to become a new favorite for your festive gatherings. Enjoy this taste of the tropics and have a wonderful holiday season!
Recipe FAQ
- → How long does guava coquito last in the refrigerator?
Guava coquito stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Always shake well before pouring, as natural separation may occur. The flavors often develop and improve after a day or two of chilling.
- → Can I make guava coquito without alcohol?
Yes, simply omit the rum for a non-alcoholic version. You may want to add an extra splash of coconut milk or a bit more vanilla extract to maintain the creamy consistency and depth of flavor.
- → What can I use if I can't find guava marmalade?
Guava paste works perfectly when softened with a splash of warm water. You can also substitute with guava preserves or puree. The goal is achieving that distinct tropical fruit sweetness throughout the creamy base.
- → How do I make my coquito thicker?
Reduce the evaporated milk by half or add an extra quarter cup of guava marmalade. Blending thoroughly helps create a smoother, richer texture. The mixture naturally thickens slightly during chilling as well.
- → What's the best way to serve guava coquito?
Serve ice cold in small glasses or shot-sized portions typical of traditional coquito service. Garnish with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon and a cinnamon stick for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement. Shake vigorously before pouring.
- → Can I freeze guava coquito for longer storage?
While fresh is best, you can freeze coquito for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and shake very well before serving. The texture may be slightly different after freezing but remains delicious.