Vegan Coquito

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Vegan coquito is made with a combination of coconut milk, coconut cream, vanilla extract, and white rum, along with a few other simple ingredients. This traditional Puerto Rican Christmas drink is perfect for the holiday season, but is actually comforting and delicious any time of year! The best part? It only takes 2 minutes of prep time and is naturally gluten-free too!

Coquito translates to “little coconut” but this drink has a ton of coconut flavor! The traditional version originated in Puerto Rico and is a popular option for holiday parties. The original recipe calls for dairy-based ingredients like sweetened condensed milk and evaporated milk, along with nutmeg, cinnamon, and coconut ingredients.

In this vegan version of coquito you will find the traditional flavor of sweet coconut and warm spice, but without any dairy! Try it out at your next holiday party, or whenever you’re craving something sweet. You will love this amazing recipe!

This festive drink can be enjoyed in a ton of different ways! Give it a tropical touch with pineapple slices, or try it as an alcohol-free coquito. For an extra yummy treat, turn this into a coquito milkshake with homemade coconut ice cream. You can also simply add rum to this coconut milkshake recipe!

👩🏽‍🍳 Why This Recipe Works

• Vegan friendly & gluten-free
• Perfect for coconut lovers
• Extra creamy texture
• Sweet and comforting
• No egg yolks needed
• Healthier than other alcoholic beverages
• Best vegan coquito recipe!

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🥘 Ingredients

With only 8 simple ingredients you will have the most delicious non dairy coquito! Find the exact measurements on the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Condensed Coconut Milk: While the original coquito recipe uses condensed milk, this vegan version will use the coconut alternative. This ingredient adds sweetness to the drink so no additional sugar is needed. You can also use evaporated coconut milk or make it a coquito without condensed milk for less sweetness.
• Coconut Cream: Using canned coconut cream is the healthier option for this drink. Typically this thick cream will be unsweetened. For a sweeter option, use Coco Lopez cream of coconut.
• Oat Milk: Oat milk is naturally super creamy and thicker than other plant-based milks, making it a great option! You can use other non-dairy milk options like soy milk or cashew milk, too. 
• Canned Coconut Milk: Full-fat coconut milk works the best for this drink, as it is the creamiest option. You’ll want to be sure to use a can of coconut milk vs a carton. Coconut milk from a carton tends to be more watery and has extra ingredients.
• Vanilla Extract, Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Ground cinnamon and nutmeg are the perfect spices for this cozy drink. Use pure vanilla extract for a nice aroma and warmth.
• White Rum: ¾ cup of white rum will give this vegan coquito the best punch! You can add more or less depending on how strong you want your holiday drinks (or any day drinks) to be!

🔪 Instructions

This easy vegan coquito recipe can be whipped up in minutes and is ready to go after a few hours of chilling. Your friends and family will be impressed with this fancy drink – they’ll think you spent hours crafting it! Here is how to make vegan coquito:

Blend Ingredients: Place all ingredients, except the rum, into a food processor or high-speed blender and blend for 1 minute.

Let Chill, Add Rum Before Serving: Remove and store in an airtight container or sealed jar for 3-4 hours in the fridge to allow it to chill completely and for the flavors to infuse. Stir in ¾ cup of rum when ready to serve.

Serve: Serve this coconut milk coquito cold in a glass topped with a cinnamon stick and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

💭 Expert Tips

• Let the vegan coquito chill to thicken. This no egg coquito recipe needs to thicken by chilling in the refrigerator. If you prefer a thinner drink, add additional oat milk and mix.
• Any type of rum will work in this recipe. White rum can be swapped for dark rum or even coconut rum, which would add a nice boost of coconut flavor!
• Adjust the strength: You can adjust the amount of rum depending on how strong you want this vegan coquito drink recipe to be!
• Adjust sweetness to taste. If you prefer a sweeter drink feel free to add a tbsp of maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar to the mix. 
• Avoid separation. Adding the rum just before serving prevents the ingredients from separating. If you notice separation, simply stir the drink to blend together again.

📖 Variations

• Vegan Coquito No Alcohol: For a non alcoholic coquito, leave out the rum! This drink is delicious as a mocktail sweet treat! Leaving out the alcohol makes it more like a coquito milkshake that even kids can enjoy.
• Vegan Coquito Almond Milk: Try this dairy free coquito recipe with almond milk instead of oat milk! Add a dash of almond extract for a twist on the flavor, too.
• Coquito Recipe Without Coconut Milk: If you have a coconut allergy or do not like the taste of coconut, you can still enjoy this eggless coquito recipe! If you are not vegan you can make this recipe with sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and regular milk. 
• Low Fat Coquito Recipe: Opt for a low fat coconut milk and light coconut cream to keep this vegan Puerto Rican coquito lower in fat!
• Low Calorie Coquito Recipe: You can make a light coquito recipe by cutting down the sugar used in this drink. Skip the vegan coconut condensed milk and use a sweetener like stevia. Doing a completely sugar free coquito recipe is still delicious, but healthier!
• Coquito Flavor Ideas: Add different flavors to your coquito! Try out a chai infused coquito or add in chocolate, matcha, orange, cranberry, and blackberry.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

• With Cinnamon: The best way to enjoy this lactose free coquito is cold in small glasses, as it is pretty rich. Top the drinks with cinnamon sticks and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• With Coconut: For a special touch add shredded coconut flakes to the rim of your glass or top with some vegan marshmallows!
• Raisins: You can elevate this drink even more with rum raisins. Pour raisins into a bowl with rum and let them soak in the fridge overnight. The next day the raisins will be soft and can be blended along with the other ingredients, or enjoyed whole as a garnish.
• With Other Sweet Treats: Pair this drink with other vegan holiday recipes like gingerbread bundt cake or vegan christmas pudding.

🧊 How To Store

If you would like to prepare this vegan coquito recipe without eggs in advance, you can make it and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I recommend storing it in an airtight container or airtight glass bottle. Note that it will separate naturally, but this is completely normal and to be expected. Simple stir or shake to blend again. You can add the rum at the time of preparation or right before serving. This recipe does not freeze well.

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