Tree Trimming and Coquito — Not Without My Coffee

This will be the earliest we've put up our Christmas tree. Ever. And from now on I’m committed to having it up before Thanksgiving so...

I decided to make some coquito while we decorate the tree. If you don't know what coquito is, you are missing out, but I'm here to help. Coquito is "Puerto Rican eggnog" and while there are a bunch of different ways to make it, and a lot of people will debate you on the true authentic recipe, I like to keep mine simple. I don't actually use eggs in my recipe and that's usually the way my family prefers it, but many do, and it tastes just as delicious. Also, you can enjoy this drink without alcohol as a sweet coconut beverage. I made a non-alcoholic batch so I could share some with the girls- they loved it!

SIMPLE

Puerto Rican

COQUITO RECIPE

Ingredients

2 cans cream of coconut

1 can evaporated milk

1 can sweet condensed milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

White rum- to your liking. We like to use Bacardi

Cinammon and cinammon sticks for garnish

Directions

In a blender, mix all ingredients with ice on high for about 5 minutes. Chill for at least 2 hours. Serve in a low-ball glass garnished with cinammon stick and sprinkled with ground cinammon.

I'll keep this on hand for movie nights or an after-dinner treat but it also makes an excellent hostess gift so you can amaze all your friends during the holidays!