As far as I can tell, Puerto Ricans celebrate the longest holiday season in the world. And it’s already started.

​The festivities begin in November and end with the “octavitas,” eight days after the Three Kings Day in January.

And there’s no better way to celebrate than with our traditional drinks and foods.

Every Christmas, my mom used to make her famous coquito to give away to friends and family  as a gift and, ever since, her recipe has become a tradition in our family. 

And there is no Christmas without coquito in my home. That’s the one thing I can count on every year.
What is Coquito?

“Spanish invaders brought to the Caribbean a European penchant for possets — the brandy-, madeira- or sherry-fortified forebear of our nog — but it wasn’t long before the Spaniards’ recipe got cozy with local rum and began to pop up wherever they settled. Soon enough Mexico had rompope, Venezuela had ponche crema and Puerto Rico had what they call coquito,” the publication Punch explains.

And, ever since these colonial days, coquito has been the traditional Puerto Rican creamy coconut-based alcoholic beverage enjoyed during the holiday season, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s. 

“Culturally, this is Puerto Rico’s largest drink during the holiday season. It signifies the coming of Christmas. It is served to friends, family, and guests. Every family has their own unique recipe that’s usually a carefully guarded secret. It’s a signature to celebrate life, success, love and culture,”  Jessie Marrero, general manager of Qui Qui DC, a Puerto Rican restaurant in Washington, D.C. tells the Food Network.

Its name translates to “little coconut” in Spanish. Yes, it’s somewhat similar to eggnog but features a distinct tropical twist.

The primary ingredients of coquito include coconut milk or cream, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and often a mix of rum, typically white or spiced, adding a delightful kick to the concoction. 
To enhance its flavor profile, some recipes incorporate ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, vanilla extract, and nutmeg, lending it a warm and aromatic essence.

If you want to impress your friends or guests this Christmas, serve coquito. And, even though YouTube is full of recipes, I’m going to share my mom’s secret recipe with you. I think it’s the best recipe out there. You’ll thank me later.
I invite you to add this to your holiday season, and maybe you’ll feel the same way I do (happy and ready to celebrate).

Mami’s Coquito 

Ingredients
2 cans of coconut milk
1 can of condensed milk
2 cans of evaporated milk 
1 can Coco López coconut cream
1 cup of white rum (Palo Viejo, Don Q, or Bacardi)
1/4 cup of brandy (Felipe II)  
4 tsp vanilla extract  
3 tsp ground cinnamon​

Directions:
Combine all of the ingredients, place in a pitcher in the refrigerator, cool, and enjoy it in 2 hours. Garnish glass or cup with one or two cinnamon sticks

Read the original story here: ​https://nuestrostories.com/verizon/coquito-chronicles-puerto-ricos-creamy-holiday-tradition/

Today we’d like to introduce you to Izadeli 'Iza' Montalvo.

​Hi Iza; we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Since I was seven, storytelling has been a part of who I am. On those lazy Sundays, my bisabuela María Olán would whisk me away to her childhood in 1940s Puerto Rico. She’d describe her life with such vividness. I remember this tale about a festive street parade that danced through our living room. Her stories taught me how narratives can bridge worlds. As a teen, you’d often find me glued to international channels, fascinated by how stories connected people. The unique cultural quirks, not the commonalities, caught my eye.
Growing up bilingual and bicultural, I soon realized I had a unique ability to blend these diverse cultural narratives. Whether it was poetry, plays, or journalism, I poured this passion into every word. My studies in communications at St. John’s University were just the beginning. In my two decades in journalism – as a newspaper editor, reporter, radio host, and TV producer –and working with members of the U.S. Congress, I learned firsthand the power of a well-told story.
But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. I hit a professional ceiling, and life threw its curveballs – my husband’s illness at the time and the joys and challenges of raising a neurodiverse son and a high school graduate in the middle of a pandemic reshaped my worldview. Terrified but determined, I channeled everything into launching my own business. Those early years were a mix of triumphs and setbacks, but every sacrifice has been worth it.
This journey, while demanding, has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s taught me resilience and the importance of genuine connection. And that’s what I bring to the table – a lifetime of lessons learned not just in and outside the newsroom but on the balcony and in the kitchen with my bisabuela, where my love for storytelling truly began.


Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Has it been a smooth road? Far from it. Starting Olán Media was a leap into the unknown, especially with no formal business training. At first, I felt like an imposter, stepping into a world I barely knew. But, with the support of my family, guidance from mentors, and a shift in my mindset, I turned my doubts into strengths. My background, rich in cultural insights and multilingual abilities, became my edge in this new venture.
In the beginning, juggling every role was overwhelming, and yes, I stumbled quite a bit. But each mistake was a lesson in entrepreneurship. I learned to view fear as a driving force, not a roadblock, and to use my network effectively. The most significant breakthroughs often happen when you tackle difficulties head-on, not when you avoid them.

Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Olán Media, we’re at the forefront of cross-cultural communication, tailoring our services to effectively bridge brands with multicultural audiences. Our expertise lies in Latino Strategy and engagement, Cross-Culture PR and branding, Bilingual Content Creation, and Crisis Management Counsel. We focus on more than just translating content; we strive to dismantle cultural barriers, providing strategies that enhance engagement and visibility in diverse markets. We aim to strengthen relationships for businesses and boost their reputation, ensuring they succeed in a culturally rich environment.

​What are your plans for the future?
I’m excited to launch Cross-Culture Connect, a unique framework designed to enhance cultural fluency in thought leaders and businesses. After two years of intensive coaching and entrepreneurial retreats worldwide, this initiative will offer personalized coaching, immersive retreats, and strategic personal branding transformations. I aim to guide leaders and brands in utilizing their cultural insights effectively, mastering empathetic leadership communication, and developing an executive presence that transcends borders. Ultimately, I envision Olán Media becoming the go-to partner for purpose-driven brands eager to connect authentically with a diverse and evolving audience.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.olanmediagroup.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/izamontalvonews
• Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/izamontalvo
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/izamontalvonews
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/crosscultureconnect