Coquito

• Recipe by Cocktails 2005

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

1. 2 1/4 cups water
2. Thick strips of zest from 2 limes
3. 25 cinnamon sticks
4. 2 1/3 cups sugar (1 pound)
5. One 14-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk
6. One 12-ounce can evaporated milk
7. 16 ounces light rum
8. 1/4 cup pure vanilla extract
9. 3 large egg yolks (optional)

Directions

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.
2. 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.