Every culture has its holiday traditions, and for Puerto Ricans, indulging in coquito with friends and family during this time of year is a must. The coconut-based alcoholic beverage is similar to eggnog with a Latin twist. While this rich drink was created in Puerto Rico, it has become a staple for people of all cultures over the years because of its distinct deliciousness. Locals don’t have to look far to get their hands on some coquito for their upcoming celebrations, in fact, Hoboken + Jersey City restaurants have taken the classic drink to new heights. From coquito-flavored banana pudding to traditional-style coquito in a bottle to vegan options, there’s something for everyone on this list. Read on for a list of coquito-flavored drinks and treats in the Hoboken and Jersey City area.
Hoboken
GTK | 1014 Washington Street + 356 Varick Street
GTK serves up a twist on classic carrot cake. This dessert has a regular carrot cake base that is soaked in coquito. For added sweetness, a drizzle of dulce de leche is placed on top.
Read More: Hot Chocolate in Hoboken + Jersey City: A List of the Best Spots
Panela | 36-42 Newark Street
Photo Credit: Panela
Latin American restaurant Panela is known for its authentic cuisine, craft cocktails, and tropical atmosphere. For the holiday season, Panela serves up its take on the original coquito recipe. The drink is called Blitzen, and it’s a chocolate version of the traditional coquito drink.
Jersey City
Baonanas | 210 Hudson Street
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Fan-favorite Baonanos never disappoints. The team has made the locally famous banana pudding in a coquito flavor. It’s light and fluffy with mousse, infused with coconut milk, nutmeg, and cinnamon, layered with softened vanilla wafers and freshly sliced bananas. To top it off, it’s dusted with cinnamon, nutmeg, and toasted coconut flakes for added texture.
Grind Coffee | 360 Communipaw Avenue
Photo Credit: @grindcoffeejc
Always whipping up cutting-edge coffee and drinks, Grind Coffee has its finger on the pulse of what’s happening and what’s cool. Regulars and newbies alike can taste the signature coquito latte which is back on the menu just in time for the cold weather.
Milk Sugar Love | 19 McWilliams Place
Ice cream shouldn’t only be labeled as a summer treat — the creamy dessert can also be enjoyed during the winter, and Milk Sugar Love proves that with its Coquito Mac Daddy Ice Cream Sandwich. The dish is an ice cream sandwich made with two French macarons filled with coquito ice cream. There is a taste of dulce de leche when biting into the center of the dessert and it has a topping of rainbow sprinkles.
RoofTop at Exchange Place | 1 Exchange Place
Photo Credit: Rooftop at Exchange Place
While this spot is known for its New York City skyline views, it is also known for its seasonal drinks. During the winter, RoofTop at Exchange Place makes a traditional coquito drink — complete with sweetened condensed milk, whole milk, coconut milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and spiced rum.
Torico | 20 Erie Street
This family-owned and operated business curated a delicious coquito-flavored ice cream flavor from the family’s traditional drink recipe. It’s curated from sweet coconut milk, warmed with the spices of anise, cinnamon, nutmeg, and, of course, rum.
Rumba Cubana | 235 Pavonia Avenue
With multiple restaurants throughout Northern New Jersey, Rumba Cubana brings a taste of Cuban cuisine without having to travel far. As guests come to dine, a complimentary shot of coquito is given upon request. However, this special varies by each Rumba Cubana location, while supplies last.
Würstbar | 516 Jersey Avenue
Photo Credit: Würstbar
Cozy Coquito is a holiday cocktail at Würstbar this season. The drink is made with coconut milk, crème de coconut, condensed milk, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These ingredients are mixed and served in a glass, topped with coconut flakes. This creamy coconut eggnog drink is a perfect post-dinner drink, with holiday flavors in every sip.
Bonus
ILoveCoquitoNJ | Online
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This coquito business sells the sought-after Puerto Rican egg nog all year round. The company offers traditional or vegan coquito, and patrons can also get it in a festive bottle dress! The shop is based in New Jersey and has made appearances at the HDSID holiday market. Coquito orders can be made online via Etsy here.
DIY Coquito Recipe by @curlsnpearlsss.eats
Photo Credit: @curlsnpearlsss.eats
If you’re not able to go out and shop for coquito, the drink is easy to make at home. One of our HG writers, Elena Gergis, has shared a recipe that is in fact both vegan and dairy-free. It is made with three variations of coconut milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and rum. The entire recipe can be found on her blog Curlsnpearlss here.
See More: Where to Buy Holiday Desserts in the Montclair Area
Brooklyn Coquito | Online
Photo Credit: Brooklyn Coquito
This business is not based in New Jersey, but it has delivery and pick-up options available. It is a family-owned business based out of Brooklyn, New York. The coquito comes in variations, such as a single bottle, a case of six bottles, and seven mini bottles. Customers can order original dairy coquito or a non-dairy version of the drink. All of Brooklyn Coquito’s products can be browsed through here.
