National Coquito Day

National Coquito Day is the perfect excuse to enjoy this beloved holiday drink from Puerto Rico. Coquito is a must-have at Christmas, but why wait? December 21 is your official reason to try (or perfect) this creamy coconut treat!

History

Coquito, which translates from Spanish as “little coconut,” is a traditional Puerto Rican cocktail made with coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and white rum. The result is a rich, festive, and unmistakably tropical flavor. While the true origins are uncertain, some say the drink was influenced by Spanish colonial recipes and evolved over centuries as rum and coconut became signature island ingredients. Originally, regular milk was the base, but adding coconut turned it into the unique Coquito we know today.

National Coquito Day was created in 2018 by Destilería Serrallés, Puerto Rico’s oldest family-owned rum distillery. Despite being a fairly new celebration, it quickly became popular and is now part of American holiday traditions.

Interesting facts

• Many Puerto Rican families keep their Coquito recipes a closely guarded secret, passed down through generations.
• Ready-made Coquito is available in supermarkets, especially near Christmas.
• Some people add extra liqueurs or flavors for a unique twist.
• New York has hosted the Coquito Masters competition since 2002.
• Coquito is typically served in small glasses and garnished with cinnamon or nutmeg.

How to take part

Celebrate National Coquito Day by hosting a party and mixing up your own batch of Coquito! Try classic and modern variations, and share your creations with friends. Don’t forget to take photos and post your masterpieces on social media—cheers!

When is National Coquito Day in 2025?

National Coquito Day is observed on December 21 each year.

Observations