Pistachio Coquito: From Puerto Rico with Love

A luxurious Puerto Rican holiday beverage that adds a nutty twist to traditional coquito. This drink always sets the holiday mood, creating warm memories with every sip.
A glass of pistachio nutty coquito is traditional drink

Pistachio Coquito brings a unique twist to my Christmas celebrations. Its smooth, nutty flavor complements classic holiday dishes perfectly.

Pistachio coquito recipe 

Pistachio Coquito is a festive variation of coquito. It’s a traditional Puerto Rican holiday drink. This drink is similar to eggnog but with a tropical twist. This creamy beverage combines pistachio with coconut milk, evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk, rum, and various spices.

A cup of pistachio coquito is sprinkled with ground nutmeg
Coquito with pistachio

Pistachio Coquito has a creamy texture and sweet, nutty flavor. The festive green hue makes it a showstopper at every Christmas gathering. Sharing this vibrant green drink always brings joy to my loved ones.

Here’s how to make Pistachio Coquito, one of the best pistachio drinks:

A glass of pistachio nutty coquito is traditional drink

Pistachio Coquito

A luxurious Puerto Rican holiday beverage that adds a nutty twist to traditional coquito. This drink always sets the holiday mood, creating warm memories with every sip.
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Prep Time 11 minutes
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Nutrition

Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 8gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 25mgSodium: 115mgSugar: 33g

Ingredients
  

  • 14 oz coconut milk
  • 7 oz sweetened condensed milk
  • cup of evaporated milk
  • 1/2 cup of pistachios finely ground
  • 1 tsp of vanilla extract
  • 1 tsp of ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp of ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup of rum optional, adjust to taste
  • Crushed pistachios and cinnamon sticks for garnish optional
  • Ice cubes

Instructions
 

  • In a blender, combine the coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, ground pistachios, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  • Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  • If using rum, pour it into the blender and pulse a few times to incorporate.
  • Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness or rum level if desired.
  • Fill glasses with ice cubes.
  • Pour the Pistachio Coquito mixture over the ice in each glass.
  • Garnish with crushed pistachios and a cinnamon stick if desired.
Keyword Christmas drink, creamy cocktail, pistachio coquito, pistachio recipe
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How to pair

Here are some suggestions for foods that complement pistachio drink:

  1. Desserts
    • Pistachio ice cream or baklava creates a harmonious theme.
    • Coconut macaroons or panna cotta pair well. It enhances the coconut notes in the coquito.
    • Flan’s creamy texture complements the coquito’s nutty flavor.
    • Vanilla or nut-flavored cheesecake pairs well with nutty coquito.
    • Chocolate mousse or brownies contrast with the drink’s sweetness.
  2. Savory Dishes
    • Roasted pork or chicken balances thecoquito’s sweet, creamy flavor.
    • The sweetness of coquito can balance spicy foods, such as spicy shrimp tacos or curries.
    • Spiced curry or rice enhances the cocktail’s flavors.
  3. Brunch Items
    • Pancakes or waffles with syrup complement the coquito at brunch.
    • Croissants or cream-filled pastries pair nicely with pistachio coquito.
  4. Charcuterie boards
    • Brie or gouda cheeses contrast nicely with pistachio coquito.
    • Pistachios, almonds, and dried fruits echo pistachio coquito’s flavors.

Variations

Pistachio coquito versions

  1. Dietary Modifications
    • The dairy-free version uses cashew milk.
    • Low-fat coquito uses light coconut milk and pistachio paste.
  2. Pistachio Coquito with ice cream
    • Add 1 cup of pistachio ice cream right after step 2
    • Blend it again until the mixture is creamy and frothy.
    • The calories for this version will be higher, about 400-450 calories.
  3. Non-alcoholic version omit the rum. This creates a family-friendly drink.

Coquito Versions

Coquito or Puerto Rican eggnog has many variations.

  • Classic coquito includes coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, vanilla, cinnamon, and rum.
  • Coquito with Eggs adds egg yolks. This variation is called ponche de coco or ponche.
  • Chocolate Coquito adds chocolate and Nutella.
  • Pumpkin Coquito includes pumpkin puree and pumpkin pie spices.
  • Vegan version replaces dairy ingredients with almond or oat milk.
  • Coffee Coquito adds espresso for a caffeinated twist.
  • Fruity Variations add banana, guava, or pineapple juice, creating a coquito de piña colada.
  • Spiced Variations add star anise, ginger, or masala chai for extra warmth.
  • Non-Alcoholic Version skips rum but remains creamy and delicious.
  • Pitorro coquito uses pitorro rum and is garnished with cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Cinnamon Fireball Coquito replaces some rum with Fireball whisky for a spicy kick.

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