Dessert

Pistachio Coquito Recipe

Name: Pistachio Coquito Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Puerto Rican
Ingredients: 1 cup shelled pistachios; 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk; 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk; 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk; 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut; 1 cup white rum (optional); 1 tsp vanilla extract; ½ tsp ground cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; A pinch of salt; Crushed pistachios for garnish

Byreem everly December 22, 2025December 22, 2025

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Introduction

Pistachio Coquito is a creamy, tropical twist on the classic Puerto Rican holiday drink. Rich with pistachios and warm spices, it offers a smooth, nutty flavor perfect for festive gatherings or cozy nights. This easy-to-make recipe will delight anyone who loves a festive, flavorful beverage.

A clear glass with small vertical ridges holds a creamy, thick white drink almost to the top, garnished with small brown and green crumbles scattered on the surface. Behind it, a wooden tray holds another glass of the same drink, partially visible, with white flowers placed around it. The drink and tray sit on a neutral brown surface that will be changed to a white marbled texture. Small scattered flower petals and crumbs decorate the area near the glass. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup shelled pistachios
1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk
1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut
1 cup white rum (optional)
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
A pinch of salt
Crushed pistachios for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Soak the pistachios in hot water for 10 minutes to soften them, which helps create a smooth and creamy texture.
Step 2: Drain the pistachios and place them in a blender. Add the coconut milk, cream of coconut, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. Blend until the mixture is silky smooth.
Step 3: Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan. Add ground cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Warm the mixture over low heat for five minutes, making sure it doesn’t boil.
Step 4: Allow the mixture to cool completely. If using, stir in the white rum gently to combine well.
Step 5: Strain the liquid through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids. Using a funnel, pour the strained coquito into glass bottles. Chill in the refrigerator for at least two hours before serving.
Step 6: Shake the bottle well before pouring. Serve in small glasses topped with a sprinkle of crushed pistachios. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the rum and enjoy a creamy pistachio beverage perfect for all ages.
To enhance the nutty flavor, lightly toast the pistachios before soaking.
Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
If you prefer a thicker coquito, reduce the amount of coconut milk slightly.

Storage

Store the pistachio coquito in airtight glass bottles or jars in the refrigerator for up to one week. Shake well before each serving, as separation may occur. Reheat gently on the stove if you prefer it warm, but avoid boiling to preserve the creamy texture.

How to Serve

A clear glass with a thick layer of creamy white drink fills it almost to the top, with small bits of crushed nuts sprinkled on the surface for texture and color contrast. Behind the glass, there is a round white plate with a similar glass partially visible on it, and delicate small white flowers are placed around the drinks both on the plate and the white marbled surface. The setting is gentle and clean, with a soft focus on the background, highlighting the main drink in the foreground. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Pistachio Coquito ahead of time?

Yes, making it a day or two in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just keep it refrigerated and shake well before serving.

What if I don’t have cream of coconut?

You can substitute with sweetened coconut cream or add a little extra creaminess with coconut milk and sugar, but the flavor might be less rich and sweet.