What's Cooking, VI? This Month We're Making Coquito!

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The Virgin Islands are brimming with delightful holiday traditions and unique foods that bring us together in celebration. From November onwards, the festive spirit is captured beautifully with the arrival of coquito at our tables and gatherings! While its history in the Virgin Islands isn't extensively documented, coquito is thought to have roots in Puerto Rico. The name itself, meaning "little coconut" in Spanish, highlights the creamy coconut at its heart. This delightful drink is a variation of the traditional Spanish ponche and has wonderfully evolved to incorporate flavors like vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Each region of Puerto Rico adds its own twist, showcasing the island's rich cultural tapestry. Here in the Virgin Islands, coquito has truly become a beloved holiday favorite, delighting many at local bars and restaurants. Cheers to celebrating together with this delicious tradition!

This month, our volunteer coordinator, Lucie Rodriguez, submitted her recipe for coquito:

Coquito

Ingredients

• 1 can (13 oz) condensed milk
• 1 can (13 oz) cream of coconut
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 1 can (13 oz) evaporated milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1/2-quart rum (optional)

Pour all the ingredients into a blender and mix until well combined. Empty into a glass container, refrigerate and serve cold.

Makes 13 servings, each 1/2 cup.

Calories - 343
Far (g) - 15
Protein (g) - 7
Carbohydrates (g) - 26
Sodium (mg) - 86
Cholesterol (mg) - 22

Food is a wonderful expression of love, culture, and history! AARP VI joyfully celebrates the vibrant cuisine of the Virgin Islands each month by showcasing your cherished recipes on our webpage. Let’s share the flavors of our islands with the world! We'd love for you to submit your recipe and its story to: VIAARP@aarp.org.