Guava Coquito: A Creamy Vegan Twist on a Holiday Classic

Last Updated on February 13, 2026 by Leonardo Recipes Team

When the holiday season approaches, my thoughts inevitably drift to a cozy gathering filled with laughter and the enticing scent of festive flavors. One drink that captures this spirit perfectly is Guava Coquito a tropical twist on the classic Puerto Rican coquito that I simply can t resist. Picture this: the creamy indulgence of coconut paired with the vibrant sweetness of guava, all wrapped up in a symphony of warm spices. It s a drink that embodies joy and celebration, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties.

What I love most is how quickly this delightful concoction comes together just five minutes of blending, and you ll have a festive treat that s as impressive as it is delicious. Plus, I ll share some fun variations that cater to everyone, including vegan and kid-friendly options. This Guava Coquito isn t just a drink; it s an invitation to sip on sunshine and share heartfelt moments with loved ones. So grab your blender and let s bring a taste of the tropics to our celebrations!

Why is Guava Coquito a Must-Try?

Guava Coquito is truly the star of any holiday gathering!

Quick Preparation: Imagine blending up this tropical delight in just five minutes, ready to serve!
Irresistibly Creamy: The rich combination of coconut and guava creates a luxurious texture.
Festive Spice: Aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg fill your home with warmth and charm.
Versatile Options: Whether you prefer a vegan treat or a kid-friendly version, this recipe offers delightful substitutions.
Gathering Pleaser: Your friends and family will love this unique holiday drink, making it a memorable addition to any celebration.

Make sure to include this refreshing holiday drink at your next gathering!

Guava Coquito Ingredients

For the Coquito

• Cream of Coconut Adds sweetness and creaminess; substitute with additional full-fat coconut milk for a lighter version.
• Evaporated Milk Provides richness; use coconut evaporated milk for a vegan version.
• Full-fat Coconut Milk Contributes a creamy texture and is necessary for the tropical flavor profile.
• Guava Marmalade Acts as the main flavor enhancer; guava paste can be used blend with evaporated milk first.
• Ground Cinnamon Adds warmth and spice, essential for the festive experience.
• Nutmeg Complements cinnamon; use freshly grated for the best taste.
• Salt Enhances all flavors beautifully.
• Vanilla Extract Introduces a fragrant note that elevates the drink s aroma.
• Puerto Rican Aged Rum The spirit base that gives depth; Bacardi or any clear rum can be substituted if needed.

For the Garnish

• Shredded Coconut Adds texture and a delightful tropical flair.
• Guava Marmalade Drizzle on top for extra sweetness and visual appeal.

This Guava Coquito is a must-have for your holiday celebrations!

How to Make Guava Coquito

1. Blend Ingredients: In a large blender, combine the cream of coconut, evaporated milk, full-fat coconut milk, guava marmalade, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla extract, and Puerto Rican aged rum.

2. Low Speed Mixing: Blend at low speed for about 2-3 minutes until all ingredients are fully combined and the mixture is smooth and creamy.

3. Transfer & Store: Carefully pour the blended mixture into a glass container, ensuring all the deliciousness makes it in!

4. Refrigerate: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours; for best flavor, let it sit overnight.

5. Final Shake: Before serving, shake well to redistribute any settled spices and ensure a consistent flavor throughout.

6. Serve: Pour your Guava Coquito into glasses and garnish with a drizzle of guava marmalade and a sprinkle of shredded coconut.

Optional: Add a cinnamon stick for a festive garnish and extra spice aroma.

Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Make Ahead Options

These Guava Coquito preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time without sacrificing flavor! You can blend all the ingredients up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate the mixture (the flavors truly deepen with time). Just remember to shake the container before serving to ensure the spices are well distributed. For optimal quality, store the coquito in an airtight container; this helps maintain its creamy texture and delicious taste. When you re ready to impress your guests, simply pour the chilled Guava Coquito into glasses and garnish with shredded coconut and a drizzle of guava marmalade, offering you that tropical holiday spirit with minimal effort!

Expert Tips for Guava Coquito

• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure all ingredients are well-blended to avoid clumps, especially if using guava paste instead of marmalade for your Guava Coquito.
• Chill Well: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight; this allows flavors to meld beautifully and enhances the drink s overall taste.
• Adjust Sweetness: For a sweeter Guava Coquito, consider adding ½ can of sweetened condensed milk; taste before serving and modify as desired.
• Vegan Substitutions: Use coconut evaporated milk and additional coconut cream for a rich, dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy during the holidays.
• Garnish Creatively: Don t skimp on garnish shredded coconut and a drizzle of guava marmalade add texture and visual appeal to elevate your drink presentation.

Storage Tips for Guava Coquito

• Fridge: Store your Guava Coquito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. This drink improves in flavor as it stays chilled!
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the Guava Coquito in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Just remember to leave some space for expansion.
• Reheating: If you ve frozen it, thaw the Guava Coquito overnight in the fridge and shake well before serving to ensure an even consistency.
• Serving Reminder: Always give your Guava Coquito a good shake before pouring to redistribute the delicious ingredients, especially after storage.

Guava Coquito Variations

Feel free to get creative and tailor this delightful drink to your taste and dietary preferences!

• Vegan Delight: Swap traditional evaporated milk with coconut evaporated milk to create a creamy, vegan-friendly delight. This maintains the luscious texture without missing out on flavor.

• Kid-Friendly: Omit the rum and add extra guava marmalade for a sweeter treat that kids will adore. It s a great way to make sure everyone can enjoy this festive drink!

• Richer Creaminess: For an even silkier texture, add an extra can of coconut cream, adjusting the other liquids as needed to ensure a perfect balance. This twist amplifies the tropical vibes in every sip.

• Spice It Up: Add a dash of allspice or cloves to elevate the warmth in your Guava Coquito, giving it a deeper complexity that s perfect for cozy gatherings.

• Touch of Heat: For those who love a little kick, toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper; this unexpected twist brings a delightful warmth that pairs beautifully with the sweetness!

• Chocolate Lovers: Blend in some cocoa powder or a splash of chocolate syrup for a decadent chocolate guava twist that turns this festive drink into a dessert experience.

• Fruity Burst: Experiment with adding pureed fresh fruits, like mango or passion fruit, to create a tropical fruit medley that takes your Guava Coquito to the next level.

• Seasonal Flavors: Enhance the holiday spirit with a splash of pumpkin spice or a few drops of orange extract for a seasonal flavor that adds a festive flair to your drink.

Whichever variation you choose, you re sure to craft a Guava Coquito that s as unique as your celebrations!

What to Serve with Guava Coquito?

Elevate your holiday gatherings with delicious accompaniments that perfectly complement this creamy tropical drink.

• Spicy Nachos: The crunch of tortilla chips with spicy toppings contrasts beautifully with the smooth richness of the coquito, creating a delightful balance.
• Coconut Shrimp: Juicy shrimp coated in crispy coconut offer a savory, tropical twist, making them perfect for pairing with the flavors in your drink.
• Tropical Fruit Salad: Bright and refreshing, a medley of mango, pineapple, and kiwi enhances the drink s fruity notes, making every sip feel like a vacation.
• Pecan Pie Bars: The sweet nuttiness of these bars adds a comforting touch, while their rich flavor harmonizes beautifully with the spices in the Guava Coquito.
• Rum Cake: For an indulgent finish, this moist cake infused with rum echoes the drink s spirit and keeps the festive theme going.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream can serve as a playful dessert to cool down the flavors of the coquito, offering a delightful contrast.
• Sparkling Water: Keep it light and refreshing with a fizzy drink; sparkling water cuts through the richness while adding a touch of celebration to your meal.

These pairings will make your gathering not just about the drink but a full holiday experience, filled with flavor and joy!

Guava Coquito Recipe FAQs

What type of guava should I use for my Guava Coquito?
I recommend using guava marmalade for its sweetness and flavor depth. If you prefer, you can substitute with guava paste; just blend it with the evaporated milk before incorporating it into the main mix for a smoother consistency.

How long can I store Guava Coquito in the fridge?
Store your Guava Coquito in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months. The flavors will actually improve over time, so don t shy away from making a batch ahead of your holiday party!

Can I freeze Guava Coquito?
Absolutely! You can freeze your Guava Coquito in a freezer-safe container for up to 6 months. Just make sure to leave some space for the liquid to expand as it freezes. When you re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and shake well before serving to get that delightful creamy texture back.

What if my Guava Coquito is too sweet?
If your Guava Coquito turns out sweeter than you d like, you can balance it by adding a splash of coconut or almond milk. Stir well before serving, and taste to see if it needs further adjustment. A hint of acidity from lime juice can also brighten the flavor and reduce perceived sweetness!

Is there a vegan option for this recipe?
Yes! To make a vegan-friendly Guava Coquito, substitute the regular evaporated milk with coconut evaporated milk and increase the amount of coconut cream for added richness. This way, everyone can enjoy this creamy tropical delight!

Can I make this drink kid-friendly?
Of course! Simply omit the Puerto Rican aged rum altogether. Instead, add a bit more guava marmalade to enhance the sweetness, making it a fun and festive drink for the kids to enjoy during the holiday celebrations.