SANFORD, Fla. — The tradition of making and drinking coquito — considered the Puerto Rican eggnog — with friends and family during the holidays has become problematic as the pandemic rages on, but a Central Florida restaurant is hoping to keep that tradition going responsibly.

What You Need To Know

  • Coquito is a traditional Puerto Rican drink enjoyed during the holiday season

  • Known for its coquito, Luisa's Cellar is now bottling it to take home amid pandemic

  • Part of restaurant's coquito proceeds being given to Sanford Historic Trust

  • RECIPE: Scroll to bottom for an original coquito recipe from Luisa's Cellar

Mary Montalvo, owner of Luisa’s Cellar in downtown Sanford, creates custom flavors of the coconut and rum cocktail, including, tiramisu, cheesecake, and Nutella.

“Coquito sales, trust me, it has helped December be a little more robust,” Montalvo said.

Thanks to the coronavirus pandemic, she said her business now is a far cry from where it was in February when it reached it’s its peak.

“I’ve been trying my best to keep on swimming and I know everything shall pass. This, too, shall pass,” Montalvo said.

She also credits social media for helping her business stay afloat.

Montalvo said her business follows Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines. It’s open at 50% capacity right now so customers can maintain social distancing. Face masks are mandatory.

“We’re so close, that we have a vaccine and all that, and to increase risk (of infection) doesn’t make sense to me,” Montalvo said.

This year, for the first time, she is selling bottles of coquito so people can take them home and enjoy. 

“Things have changed this year but I think that people still feel festive,” Montalvo said. "They want to get rid of the year. It’s been a very heavy year.”

Part of the proceeds from the sale of coquito goes toward Sanford Historic Trust.

Luisa's Cellar Coquito Recipe

Here is Montalvo’s recipe for the original flavored coquito she serves at her wine bar, Luisa’s Cellar on 206 Sanford Avenue. The recipe is a combination of her mother’s and Luisa’s (Montalvo’s grandmother who the wine bar is named after). The recipe below is missing the secret family ingredient but it’s still delicious!

2 Cans of Coconut Cream

2 Cans of Evaporated Milk 

2 Cans of Condensed Milk

2 Cups of Rum

2 teaspoons of Vanilla Extract

2 teaspoons of Cinnamon

 

The recipie makes about seven 4-ounce servings.