This rich, velvety Coquito-Style Hot Cocoa is the official Winner of the 2025 Hot Cocoa Wars — a creamy fusion of classic hot chocolate and Caribbean coquito flavor. Made with coconut milk, cinnamon, rum extract, cocoa, and warm spices, it’s the perfect holiday drink to serve at parties, pop-ups, food festivals, or cozy nights at home.

This recipe is alcohol-free, kid-friendly, and packed with tropical holiday flavor. A bonus alcoholic version is included below for adults who want a traditional coquito kick.

Ingredients (Alcohol-Free Version – Original Winning Recipe)

• 1 (15 oz) can coconut cream

• 2⅓ tablespoons cocoa powder

• 1 (14 oz) can sweetened condensed milk

• 1 (13.5 oz) can coconut milk

• 1 can evaporated milk

• ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon

• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

• ⅓ teaspoon Cooking With Greens Pink Himalayan Sea Salt

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 1⅓ tablespoons rum extract (alcohol-free)

• 1½ cups coconut water

🔥 Instructions

1. Heat a large saucepan over low heat.

2. Add the coconut cream and sweetened condensed milk. Stir until smooth and melted.

3. Whisk in the cocoa powder until fully dissolved.

4. Add the coconut milk and bring the mixture to a low simmer (do NOT boil).

5. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and Cooking With Greens Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.

6. Add the coconut water, rum extract, and vanilla extract.

7. Cook on low until the mixture is warm, silky, and steaming.

8. Serve with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

🥥 Alcoholic Version (Adult Coquito Hot Cocoa)

This version tastes like a fusion of coquito AND hot chocolate with a warm rum finish.

Ingredients (Modifications Only)

Use the same recipe but replace the rum extract with:

• ¼ to ½ cup white rum, OR

• ¼ cup spiced rum for a deeper flavor, OR

• 3–4 oz coconut rum for a sweeter holiday profile

Instructions

1. Prepare the hot cocoa exactly the same as the alcohol-free version.

2. Turn off the heat once the cocoa is hot.

3. Stir in the rum of your choice.

4. Serve immediately.

5. Garnish with whipped cream, cinnamon, or shaved chocolate.

⚠️ Never simmer or boil the drink after adding alcohol — it evaporates flavor and creates harsh notes.

📦 Storage

• Keep refrigerated for 3–4 days in a sealed jar.

• Reheat on low, whisking as needed.

• Do not boil — it may separate.