As we keep Puerto Rico in our minds and heart this holiday season, we are fully on the Coquito-obsessed bandwagon. So we head down to Suffolk Arms in the Lower East Side to try Giuseppe Gonzáles version. As a proud Puerto Rican, and bad-ass top bartender, Giuseppe very confidently tosses his in the ring as one of the best in town.
This Nuyorican makes two versions every year, Tradicional and Especial, both of which have garnered massive cult-followings around New York City and beyond. The fine folks at Suffolk Arms offer up a taste to the guests during the holidays, but his limited edition bottles of Coquito are not for sale. Sorry folks, for now they are only reserved for friends and family of Suffolk Arms.
However, we were lucky enough that Giuseppe shared his Tradicional recipe with us just in time for Christmas.
“Tradicional is the simplest and easiest reproduction of old-school Coquito,”Gonzáles explains of this version. “It is a 1950’s style and is a template for everyone.”
Feliz Navidad y de nada in advance for the recipe everyone!
Photo by Tyler Zielinski @bon_vivantito
Guiseppe’s Tradicional Coquito Recipe
- 12 oz Evaporated Milk
- 15 oz Cream of Coconut
- Baking Spices to Personal Taste (you didn’t think he would give all his secrets, did you?)
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla
- Star Anise
- Nutmeg
- 10 oz Don Q Ańejo Rum (or Puerto Rican Rum of Choice)
Bring evaporated milk and cream of coconut to a simmer over heat and stir constantly. Take off heat and let cool for 20 minutes and add Rum. This will be relatively shelf stable if bottled. Chill before serving.
Suffolk Arms Details
269 E Houston St, New York, NY 10002
suffolkarms.com | (212) 475-0400
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