When is this day celebrated? December 21
What is a Coquito? Coquito is the traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. It embodies the island’s spirit, as it is a coconut and Puerto Rican rum based drink for which most families have recipes that are shared by generations. It is the Puerto Rican version of a rummy, coconut flavored eggnog. It is traditionally made only during the holidays and is enjoyed as an aperitif, after-dinner drink or given as a gift and shared among friends and family. Nobody knows the exact origins of the drink, as there are many theories, nor the original recipe, but what it does call for is milk, cream of coconut and Puerto Rican rum-usually DON Q® or PALO VIEJO® rums as they are the preferred rum brands on the island. On National Coquito Day, you should make, toast, share, gift, and cozy up to Coquito to celebrate the holidays, life, family, friends and traditions!
Why is this day being celebrated? December 21st is the perfect day as it is during the hype of the holidays and right before Christmas Eve. It is the perfect day to celebrate Puerto Rican heritage, holiday traditions and invite others to know and taste the deliciousness that is Coquito! It is a tradition we need to ensure continues to be passed down and celebrated for future generations during the holiday season!
Who created this day? DON Q® founded this holiday to celebrate Puerto Rico’s beautiful holiday spirit and tradition that is embodied in the coquito in 2018.
How to celebrate: Coquito is a holiday drink that calls for being shared with family and friends. When you make a batch of Coquito, you have to refrigerate it for at least 4 hours, but 2 to 3 days after it is made, it tastes even better! So on December 21, you should share a glass of Coquito (traditionally served chilled in a small cordial or shot glass, sprinkled with ground cinnamon), gift a bottle of Coquito or prepare the Coquito batch for Christmas Eve celebrations. You can even call for a friendly Coquito throw-down/competition among your friends. Winner takes bragging rights! On National Coquito Day, you should make, toast, share, gift, and cozy up to Coquito to celebrate the holidays, life, family, friends, and traditions!