Coquito is a delicious Puerto Rican drink that is often enjoyed during the holidays. It is made with coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, rum, and spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Coquito is sometimes called Puerto Rican eggnog, although it does not always contain eggs. Coquito is creamy, sweet, and rich, with a tropical coconut flavor and a warming kick of rum. Coquito needs to be refrigerated to keep it fresh and safe to drink. Coquito can last for several weeks or months in the fridge, depending on the ingredients and the alcohol content.
How to refrigerate coquito
Refrigerating coquito is very easy and simple. Here are some steps to follow:
- Transfer the coquito to glass bottles or jars. After making your coquito, you should transfer it to glass bottles or jars with tight-fitting lids. This will prevent any spills or leaks, and also protect your coquito from light and air exposure, which can affect its quality and flavor.
- Label and date your coquito. You should label and date your coquito bottles or jars, so you can keep track of how long they have been in the fridge. You can also write down the ingredients and the alcohol percentage, if you know them.
- Store your coquito in the coldest part of the fridge. You should store your coquito in the coldest part of the fridge, usually the back or the bottom shelf. This will ensure that your coquito stays cold and fresh for longer.
- Shake your coquito before serving. You should shake your coquito well before serving, as some of the ingredients may separate or settle over time. Shaking your coquito will help mix everything together and create a smooth and creamy texture.
How long does coquito last in the fridge
The shelf life of coquito depends on several factors, such as the ingredients, the alcohol content, and the storage conditions. Generally speaking, coquito can last for:
- 2 to 4 weeks in the fridge if using eggs. If your coquito recipe includes eggs, you should consume it within 2 to 4 weeks of making it. Eggs can spoil faster than other ingredients, and they can also make your coquito thicker and more custard-like over time.
- 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge if not using eggs. If your coquito recipe does not include eggs, you can keep it for longer in the fridge, up to 4 to 6 weeks. Eggs are not a traditional ingredient in coquito, and many people prefer to omit them for safety and taste reasons.
- 6 to 12 months in the fridge if using a high alcohol content. If your coquito recipe uses a high alcohol content, such as 20% or more, you can store it for even longer in the fridge, up to 6 to 12 months. Alcohol acts as a natural preservative that inhibits bacterial growth and oxidation. However, you should still check your coquito for any signs of spoilage before drinking it.
How to tell if coquito is bad
Coquito is usually safe to drink as long as it has been stored properly in the fridge and has not passed its expiration date. However, you should always check your coquito for any signs of spoilage before drinking it. Some of the signs that indicate that your coquito is bad are:
- Change in color or appearance. If your coquito has changed color or appearance, such as becoming darker, cloudy, lumpy, or curdled, it may be spoiled. Coquito should have a creamy white color and a smooth consistency.
- Change in smell or taste. If your coquito has changed smell or taste, such as becoming sour, bitter, rancid, or metallic, it may be spoiled. Coquito should have a sweet coconut aroma and flavor with hints of rum and spices.
- Mold or bacteria growth. If your coquito has any visible mold or bacteria growth on the surface or inside the bottle or jar, it is definitely spoiled and unsafe to drink. Mold or bacteria can cause food poisoning or other illnesses.
Coquito needs to be refrigerated to keep it fresh and safe to drink. Coquito can last for several weeks or months in the fridge, depending on the ingredients and the alcohol content. You should always check your coquito for any signs of spoilage before drinking it.
