Folks on St. Croix will compete to see who makes the best coquito – the coconut-infused, creamy, rum-spiked holiday drink – at the 11th annual Coquito Festival.
The event is slated to begin about noon Dec. 15 at La Reine Chicken Shack. Visitors can get a taste and stock up on their favorite blend for the holidays. There will be live music throughout the day and a visit by Santa Claus.
Coquito has roots in Puerto Rico and Virgin Islanders make it after Thanksgiving and let it mellow to be enjoyed through the Christmas and Carnival holidays.
Blenders will come out with their family-perfected versions of coquito for the public to sample and buy. Over the years, flavors such as chocolate, pistachio and vanilla have become popular in addition to the traditional blend, served as shots, over ice or in coffee.
