The Sinister Legend Behind The Coquito

The Coquito (which means "little coconut" in Spanish) has a long and rich history dating back to the early days of Puerto Rico. Traditionally it’s served during Puerto Rico’s extended holiday season—from Thanksgiving through the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in January.
Some historians trace its origins to the Taino people, the indigenous inhabitants of the island, who used coconut milk and water in their cooking.

Others believe that the drink has a more sinister beginning, introduced by a Spanish Pirate who plundered ships carrying rum around the island of Puerto Rico.
As legend has it, there was a Spanish Pirate, Cayetano Coquitina, known as Cayetano el Sombrío ("Cayetano the Shadow").

Cayetano loved rum, however he had stomach ulcers, probably from drinking too much rum. Cayetano was introduced to a Shaman in Puerto Rico who gave him a recipe that would allow him to drink his favorite drink, rum, without the stomach pain from the ulcers.
That recipe included coconut milk. You see coconut milk and coconut water have anti-ulcer properties. Both are said to have antibacterial qualities that help kill ulcer-causing bacteria.
Unfortunately, Cayetano Coquitina drank himself to death just before Christmas. To celebrate the freedom from this ruthless pirate who was stealing their rum, the people of Puerto Rico toasted his demise with Cayetano Coquitina’s favorite drink, and called it The Coquito.
The infamous drink lives on today and is a symbol of the island’s history and vibrant culture. It’s a symbol of hospitality and festivity, uniting families and friends during the most joyous time of the year.
Why not have a toast with us to the “Coquito” during this festive season of Christmas? You can get it at Golden Ox HERE and we’ll deliver it to you…or you can make it yourself.

Come into our store and if you mention “Cayetano el Sombrío” we have a special gift for you.
Recipe for Making Your Own Coquito
Coquito is often homemade, with families passing down unique recipes. If you have a favorite Coquito recipe I’d love to hear it. You can email it to me at nesh8588@gmail.com.

Here’s a Recipe for Coquito Served at the
Ritz-Carlton Dorado Beach, in Puerto Rico

Ingredients
6 oz coconut milk
14 oz condensed milk
12 oz evaporated milk
7.5 oz cream of coconut
5 oz white rum
1 tsp vanilla extract
Dash of cinnamon
Garnish: Cinnamon stick
Glassware: Rocks glass

Instructions

1. Place all ingredients into a blender, and blend until mixed well.
2. Pour into a bottle and refrigerate.
3. Serve in small glasses over ice and garnish with cinnamon sticks.

And… if you want the best rum at the best prices, visit our selection HERE.
All The Best This Holiday Season
Guru Patel and Staff
Golden Ox Liquors
p.s. The Legend of Cayetano el Sombrío may not be true, after all it’s just a legend and may have been made up by some swashbuckling rum runner who just wanted to sell more rum! However, the Coquito is still one of my favorite drinks to celebrate the season with family and friends!
p.p.s. And if you are Swashbuckling Adventurous here are a couple of Coconut rums that are a Pirate’s Favorite:
1. Blue Chair Bay Coconut Spiced Cream Rum
2. Rumchata Cream Liquor Coconut Rum