☞ DRINK: Coquito Masters 2012 Qualifier Event

Saturday, December 8th, 6:00PM-8:30PM, Hosting International Coquito Masters 2012 Qualifier Event at The Mink Building, 1361 Amsterdam Avenue, corner of 127th Street, Suite 340. Who makes the best coquito? Coquito is often referred to as Puerto Rican eggnog, but it is a global drink rich in all things coconut. Cinnamon from India, vanilla from South America, nutmeg and cloves from the Banda Islands and rum from the Caribbean. It is a distant cousin to posset (England) rompope (Costa Rica, El Salvador and Mexico) rompopo (Guatemala and Honduras) punch de crème (Trinidad and Tobago) and cola de mono (Chile).

It is a metaphor for Puerto Ricans who themselves are a blend of indigenous Taino Indian, African and European heritages. Traditionally the beverage is served during the Christmas and Three Kings Day holidays. For the past ten years Coquito Masters founder, Deborah Quinones, has been holding an annual coquito making contest that seeks to find the best coquito maker in the region. The event continues to grow each year and is held at community based centers in the tri-state area. Help bring in the holidays by joining us at this year’s Coquito qualifiers’ contest at SoHarlem; Creative Outlet. Come taste and be the judge of who goes on to the final competition or join the competition if you have your own special coquito by contacting: COQUITOMASTERS@GMAIL.COM