Coquito

By MJH

Carmen the Restaurant, Coral Gables, FL
Demand for the Coquito, a Latin take on eggnog, was so great that Carmen now serves the drink year-round, not just during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups water
• Thick strips of zest from 2 limes
• 25 cinnamon sticks
• 2 1/3 cups sugar (1 pound)
• One 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
• One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
• 16 ounces light rum
• 1/4 cup pure vanilla extract
• 3 large egg yolks (optional)

Preparation

Step 1

In a medium saucepan, combine the water with the lime zest and 1 cinnamon stick and simmer over moderate heat for 15 minutes.

Strain into a large heatproof bowl and refrigerate until chilled, at least 1 hour.

Whisk in the sugar, coconut milk, evaporated milk, light rum, vanilla and egg yolks, if using; whisk until the sugar is dissolved.

Refrigerate the drink until chilled, about 2 hours.

Stir well and ladle into small chilled martini or cordial glasses; garnish with the remaining cinnamon sticks.