Whether it’s for the upcoming holiday season or just an ordinary day, you won’t go wrong serving Coquito.
While thinking of making a batch of Coquito to be served for later is fine, you can’t help but wonder – how long does Coquito last?
If you’re new to this drink, you’re at the right place.
Let us know more about this tasty drink– how long you can store it, the factors affecting its lifespan, and signs that it has gone bad. Keep reading.
How Long Will Homemade Coquito Last?
According to the USDA, Coquito can last up to four days after it has been made. However, its shelf life may be shorter if it contains eggs and is non-alcoholic.
Due to its ingredients, homemade Coquito may not last as long as other alcoholic beverages.
For Coquitos that don’t contain egg yolks, their shelf life can extend up to two to six months.
But, make sure to keep them in an airtight container to achieve this shelf life, and keep them refrigerated.
How Long Does Coquito Last In The Fridge?
With Eggs
A refrigerated Coquito with eggs can last for about 3 to 4 days. But if you want to extend its shelf life, we recommend using pasteurized eggs (slightly heated within their shells).
Coquitos with pasteurized eggs can last for up to weeks.
Without Eggs
Without eggs, Coquito can last for about four to six months in the fridge. Also, you can maximize its shelf life when you mix rum in it.
Don’t forget to store it properly using a sealed container for better storage.
With Alcohol
An alcoholic Coquito can last for about two months in the fridge. You can order a rum and have it delivered to your home. But the good news is – you can extend it more if you don’t mix eggs in it, making it last for up to 6 months.
If you really want eggs in it, use pasteurized eggs instead of raw eggs to achieve maximum shelf life.
Related Posts:
- Popular Sweet Alcoholic Drinks For Beginners
- Popular Fruity Alcoholic Drinks In Stores
- Popular Fruity Drinks To Order At A Bar
Without Alcohol
Coquito without alcohol will not last long as with alcohol. Without alcohol, you can only store it in the fridge for four days (which you can safely consume).
This is true, especially if it contains eggs. But without eggs, you can store them for up to 6 days maximum to be safe for drinking.
Tip: Coquito is best mixed with Don Q, but you can use any white rum you like. Then, store it in a properly sealed container for the best storage.
“No amount of physical contact could match the healing powers of a well made cocktail.”
— David Sedaris, Author/American Humorist
Factors That Affect Coquito’s Life Span
Ingredients
Coquitos are made using white rum, some spices, and milk (and, for some, eggs). And given that there is milk on its ingredient, it may not last long as you’d expect it to.
Milk is a dairy product prone to bacterial growth, causing it to spoil quickly.
Since Coquito has milk, this ingredient will contribute greatly to the life span of the drink.
Also, Coquito usually contains cream of coconut, which has a short life span as well.
Once it goes bad, it will affect the whole drink mixture– triggering spoilage.
Read: How Long Can Clamato Last?
How It’s Stored
How you store Coquito–whether homemade or store-bought– can significantly impact its life span.
As we’ve mentioned earlier, you must store it in an airtight, sealed container to prevent unwanted moisture, which causes mold growth.
Most importantly, keep it refrigerated at all times. Aside from considering its shelf life, Coquitos are best served chilled.
If you unintentionally leave your Coquito off the fridge overnight, it will likely spoil due to the dairy ingredients. But how long does club soda last?
How To Know It Has Gone Bad
The best way to determine if your homemade Coquito has gone bad is to taste and smell test it.
If it smells like sour milk, that’s a clear sign that it has gone bad, and you shouldn’t consume it.
Also, you can taste it (to fully convince yourself) to know it is already spoiled.
If you get a sour or any off taste, you should discard it right away. It’s no longer safe to consume.
FAQs Related to How Long Does Coquito Last
Is Coquito supposed to be refrigerated?
Yes. Coquito should be refrigerated, whether homemade or you bought them in-store. Refrigeration helps extend its shelf life. Also, it is best served chilled.
Is Coquito good after a week?
Not really. If Coquito has eggs in it and is non-alcoholic, it might not be good after a week.
But without eggs but with alcohol, it can likely be good for weeks and even months.
How long does the leftover coquito last?
Leftover Coquitos can last only a few days, about 2 to 3 days. Since it’s already exposed off the fridge, microbes are likely formed there.
Even if you refrigerate it afterward, it will not last as long as freshly made Coquitos.
Does Coquito Spoil Quickly Due to Its Ingredients?
Coquito contains ingredients such as coconut milk, condensed milk, and rum, which are prone to spoilage if not stored correctly. However, when refrigerated promptly and kept cold, coquito can maintain its quality for a reasonable period.
Can I Freeze Coquito to Extend Its Shelf Life?
Yes, you can freeze coquito to prolong its shelf life. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before consuming.
How Do I Know if Coquito Has Gone Bad?
Signs that coquito has gone bad include a sour or off smell, unusual discoloration, or separation of ingredients. If you notice any of these signs, it’s best to discard the coquito to avoid the risk of foodborne illness.
Can I Still Drink Coquito After Its Expiration Date?
While coquito may still be safe to consume after its expiration date, its quality may deteriorate over time, affecting its taste and texture. It’s advisable to use your judgment and conduct a sensory evaluation before consuming expired coquito.
Does Adding Rum to Coquito Affect Its Shelf Life?
Adding rum to coquito can help preserve it to some extent due to the alcohol content. However, it’s important to note that the other ingredients in coquito, such as dairy products, may still contribute to its spoilage if not stored properly.
Can Coquito Be Left at Room Temperature?
It’s not recommended to leave coquito at room temperature for an extended period, as it can promote the growth of harmful bacteria. Always refrigerate coquito promptly after serving and discard any leftovers that have been left out for more than 2 hours.
Are There Any Tips for Extending the Shelf Life of Coquito?
To extend the shelf life of coquito, ensure it is stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator as soon as possible after serving. Keep it away from strong odors and contaminants to maintain its freshness.
Can I Adjust the Recipe to Increase Coquito’s Shelf Life?
You can adjust the recipe by using ingredients with longer shelf lives, such as pasteurized coconut milk or cream of coconut, to help extend coquito’s shelf life. However, it’s essential to maintain proper refrigeration and hygiene practices to ensure food safety.
Key Takeaways
If you’re craving a festive drink filled with rum and creamy ingredients, you’ll want to try Coquito.
Regardless of the season, it’s a great drink to serve to your guests or just for your time alone.
If you want to prepare them in advance, consider how long you can store them and be aware of the ingredients you’ll mix in.
With the right ingredients and proper storage, you can keep them for months— refrigerated. Enjoy!
Reference:
- https://www.drinkaware.co.uk/facts/alcoholic-drinks-and-units/difference-between-alcoholic-and-non-alcoholic-beers
