As the holiday season approaches, one of the most beloved festive drinks in Puerto Rico is coquito, a creamy coconut-based beverage that has become a symbol of warmth and celebration. This delightful drink, often referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog, is made with a delicious blend of coconut milk, sweet condensed milk, cinnamon, and a kick of rum, capturing the essence of the tropics in each sip. While homemade recipes are cherished, several brands have emerged, offering bottled versions that make it easy to enjoy coquito with minimal preparation. To help you discover your next favorite festive drink, we have compiled a list of the best coquito brands to try this season, each bringing their unique twist to this traditional delight.
Illustration of coquito
Best brands of coquito in 2025
Bacardí Coquito
Bacardi Coquito is a renowned and authentic cream-based coconut liqueur, deeply rooted in Puerto Rican holiday traditions. Made with Bacardi Superior Rum, this ready-to-serve cocktail incorporates a mix of vanilla, cinnamon, and other festive spices, embodying the Caribbean culture. Bacardi's Coquito is a convenient alternative for those who love the traditional drink but lack the time to prepare it themselves. With Bacardi being a dominant player in the rum market, holding significant market share globally, their Coquito product is a seasonal favorite that celebrates the holidays with its silky coconut flavor and toasty spices. For more information on Bacardi Coquito, visit their official website.
Coquito Felices Fiestas
Traditional coquito, a staple holiday drink in Puerto Rico, is highly regarded for its rich and creamy texture, made with ingredients like coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, and spices. It is a beloved family activity to prepare, often served in shot glasses during festive gatherings. Popular rum brands like Bacardi and Don Q are commonly used to enhance its flavor. Coquito plays a key role in Puerto Rico's extended 45-day holiday season, starting after Thanksgiving and ending in mid-January. This cherished drink is celebrated for its unique taste and the important tradition it represents. For a detailed recipe and more insights, visit the Discover Puerto Rico website.
Puerto Rico Distillery Coquito
The Port Morris Distillery's Coquito, inspired by Puerto Rican traditions, stands out as a premium producer of this holiday drink. By substituting dairy with coconut and house-made cinnamon water, their version is gluten-free and vegan-friendly, offering a unique amber-colored liqueur. This innovation retains the traditional spirit while catering to modern dietary needs. The distillery's pitorro, a type of Puerto Rican moonshine, is aged for up to two years and blended with New York apples and honey, creating a distinct flavor profile. This blend has proven popular, with last year's production selling out quickly. To explore more details or make a purchase, visit the Port Morris Distillery Pitorro Coquito page.
El Coquí Coquito
El Coqui Coquito, while not a specific brand mentioned in the sources, can be associated with the traditional Puerto Rican drink coquito, which is a staple of holiday celebrations. Coquito, made with ingredients like canned coconut milk, cream of coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and Puerto Rican rum, is a beloved drink that embodies the culinary identity and resilience of the Puerto Rican community. It is often made in large batches, with recipes yielding around 53 ounces or 6 servings, and can be stored refrigerated for 4-6 months. The drink's popularity is highlighted by events like the Coquito Masters competition, which celebrates various variations of the recipe. Coquito is a symbol of cultural heritage and community spirit, especially among Nuyoricans.
Tia María Coquito
Tia Maria is not specifically known as a brand for Coquito, but it can be a key ingredient in making this traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. Coquito, often made with coconut milk, rum, cinnamon, cream of coconut, and condensed milk, is a beloved beverage among Nuyoricans and other Latinx communities. While Tia Maria, a coffee liqueur, might be used in some variations of Coquito for its rich flavor, it is not a primary producer of Coquito. The importance of Coquito lies in its cultural significance, particularly highlighted after Hurricane Maria in 2017, where it became a symbol of community resilience and culinary identity. For those looking to make authentic Coquito, traditional recipes and local vendors are often preferred. For more insights, you can explore why Coquito is important to Nuyoricans.
Mimi's Coquito
Mimi's Coquito is not identified as a prominent brand in the provided sources, but if it were to be considered one of the best producers of coquito, it would likely be due to its adherence to traditional Puerto Rican recipes and high-quality ingredients. Coquito, a coconut and rum punch, typically includes ingredients like sweetened coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and white rum, resulting in a drink with about 9% ABV. The recipe is often egg-free and can be made easily in a blender, highlighting the convenience and richness of the drink. However, without specific data on Mimi's Coquito, it's important to note that other brands and homemade recipes are more commonly discussed. Coquito is a significant part of Puerto Rican holiday traditions, especially around Christmas and New Year's celebrations. For more details on traditional coquito recipes, visit coquito recipes.
Ron del Barrilito Coquito
Ron del Barrilito, the oldest Puerto Rican rum brand still in production since 1880, is highly regarded for its premium rums, making it an excellent choice for crafting Coquito, a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. The brand's rums, such as the Two Stars aged between 3 to 5 years in Oloroso white oak barrels, add exceptional flavor and character to Coquito. With its natural bronze color and aromas of plums, almonds, and vanilla, Ron del Barrilito's rum enhances the Coquito recipe. The brand's commitment to traditional methods and no artificial ingredients ensures a high-quality base for this beloved drink. Since its inception, Ron del Barrilito has maintained its family secrets and traditional craftsmanship, making it a staple in Puerto Rican spirits.
Los Hermanos Coquito
Los Hermanos is not a brand known for producing coquito; instead, it is renowned for its award-winning sangria. However, if we are discussing top producers of coquito, these drinks are traditionally made by various families and vendors in Puerto Rico, each with their own unique recipes. Coquito typically contains ingredients like coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and Puerto Rican rum, resulting in a drink with about 9% ABV. The drink is a staple during Christmas and New Year's celebrations and has gained popularity through events like the Coquito Masters competition. Coquito's rich flavor and cultural significance make it a beloved holiday drink. For more on this delightful beverage, visit The Spruce Eats' guide to Coquito.
Hacienda San Pedro Coquito
Hacienda San Pedro, although primarily known for its high-quality coffee, does not have a Coquito brand. However, if you are looking for top-notch Coquito producers, brands like Ron del Barrilito and Don Q are highly regarded in Puerto Rico. Ron del Barrilito, launched in 1871, is aged for 3 to 5 years in Oloroso white oak barrels, adding a rich flavor profile to Coquito. Don Q, led by the sixth generation of the Serralles family, offers terroir-driven expressions that complement Coquito well. These brands are popular for their distinct flavors and quality. Discover more about Puerto Rican drinks and food pairings on Alcohol Professor.
Candela Mamajuana Coquito
Candela Mamajuana is a leading producer of premium coquito, leveraging its exotic blend of ultra-premium Dominican rum, natural spices, and honey to create a decadently sweet and milky holiday cocktail. This spiced rum, handcrafted in the Dominican Republic with all-natural ingredients and aged in American oak barrels, has seen significant growth, with a 35% increase in sales over the last 52 weeks as of January 2023. The Coquito Kit by Candela Mamajuana includes a 750ml bottle of their 30% ABV rum, along with necessary ingredients like condensed milk, coconut milk, and coconut cream, making it a perfect gift for the holiday season. Notably, 97% of people who tried Candela Mamajuana Spiced Rum in-store enjoyed it, and the brand has a conversion rate of nearly 30% at in-store tastings. Distributed across Florida, California, New York, New Jersey, and the Dominican Republic, Candela Mamajuana is a favorite among consumers, especially females who make up 60% of all purchases.
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