It isn’t a Puerto Rican Christmas without Coquito (aka an isleño version of eggnog, but better). And here in NYC, it isn’t a Nuyorican Christmas without the annual Coquito Masters competition. For nearly 15 years, this competition has scoured the tri-state area for the perfect concoction of coconut cream, coconut milk, condensed milk, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, egg yolk, and — most importantly — rum. In other words, doing the Lord’s work can we get an AMEN.
For one talented winner, Coquito Masters is the annual opportunity to give their abuela bragging rights for an entire year. For the rest of us thirsty drunkards, it’s the annual opportunity to get wasted, fat, and festive sampling aspiring recipes from all the boroughs.
Having already held seven qualifier events, this year’s Coquito Masters competition is almost at the finish line. The New York finals will take place December 13th at Harlem’s Taino Towers, where you can sample the best the boroughs have to offer and cast your vote for the winner. The New York State winner will then move on to the next phase of the competition in early 2015, up against winners from Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey, and more. Check out the Coquito Masters facebook page for details, and get your stretchy pants ready!
Taino Towers
240 E. 123rd Street