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National Coquito Day

Drink · December 21

Coquito is a creamy Puerto Rican coconut drink with rum and warm spices, often made in big batches, bottled cold and shared with family and friends.

National Coquito Day falls on Monday, December 21, 2026. That is 55 days away.

Coquito is a Puerto Rican holiday drink made from coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, rum and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The name means "little coconut," and the drink tastes the way that sounds: rich, sweet and very coconutty.

It is served cold, usually in small glasses with a dusting of cinnamon on top. Many families have their own version and guard it a little. Some add vanilla or cloves, some swap in a different rum, and some leave out the alcohol entirely so everyone at the table can have a glass.

Part of the tradition is sharing. Coquito is often made in large batches, poured into glass bottles and handed out to neighbors, coworkers and relatives. A bottle on the doorstep says a lot without much talking.

Some recipes include egg yolks for extra body. Since coquito is chilled, stored and passed around rather than cooked before drinking, egg versions should use pasteurized eggs, or the yolks should be cooked gently with the milk into a custard base and cooled before the rest goes in. Many cooks skip eggs altogether, and the drink is just as creamy without them. Either way, keep the bottles in the refrigerator.

Shake the bottle before pouring. Coconut fat likes to settle and firm up in the cold, and a good shake brings it back together.

Ways to celebrate

• Try making an eggless coquito with coconut milk, condensed milk and cinnamon.
• Ask a relative or friend how their family makes coquito.
• Share a small bottle with a neighbor, labeled if it contains rum.
• Make an alcohol-free batch so everyone can join in.
• Dust a glass with fresh cinnamon or nutmeg before serving.

Dates

All national days on December 21

Also on December 21

• National Crossword Puzzle Day
• National French Fried Shrimp Day
• Humbug Day
• Winter Solstice
• Don't Make Your Bed Day
• National Flashlight Day
• Look on the Bright Side Day

Categories: Drink days