In the Pee Dee region, it’s long been understood that, if you are looking for a niche item or a beverage off the beaten path, Micky Finn’s is the place you want to look. With thousands of products on its shelves, Micky Finn’s is by far the largest liquor, beer, and wine store in the entire region. But the store doesn’t simply rest on its laurels. It’s constantly adding new products to the shelves every week.

That’s just what the store is doing this week with Noelia’s Coquito, a new product in the Pee Dee region. Indeed, the Coquito itself can’t be found on any shelves in Florence except for those at Micky Finn’s.

For those who aren’t familiar with Coquito, the product is a traditional Christmas drink in Puerto Rico. The beverage is made using a number of ingredients including coconut cream, sweetened condensed milk, coconut milk, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, vanilla, and Puerto Rican rum. Depending on who and where the drink is made, the ingredients may vary. The consistency of the drink is similar to egg nog and is often referred to as “Puerto Rican egg nog,” though Coquito contains no eggs.

While the drink is popular within the Puerto Rican community, it is usually made at home and not readily available for purchase – until now.

But not only is Micky Finn’s’ new offering unique to the area by nature of the product, it is also unique because Noelia’s Coquito is also Micky Finn’s own label and thus can only be found at Micky Finn’s.

Noelia’s Coquito is 17% ABV (34 Proof) and is available for $22.99 (cash discount) $23.81 (card purchase) for a 750ml bottle.

Noelia’s Coquito has quite the story behind as well. Originally made by Noelia herself, the brand was created by and for Noelia, who was stricken with a massive brain tumor. Noelia was forced to “bootleg” her product and sell it for survival.

Ultimately, she did survive and so did the product that saved her life.

As she describes her product:

Born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, my entire family and I left our island when I was just a little girl. However, our rich Puerto Rican values and traditions stayed with me.

One of those traditions is homemade coquito: a traditional Christmas drink that originated in Puerto Rico – made with rum and coconut. Pronounced ko-kee-toe, it means “little coconut.” With coquito, we continue to celebrate the holidays, family gatherings, good times, and simply life in general.

What made me share this recipe was having a massive brain tumor which, ultimately, I survived. Sadly, not many can say that. That said, I’ve viewed it as a genuine opportunity to do something bigger with my life. I saw it as providing another chance to me and my children – for each of us to evolve, grow, and continue making Coquito as a family tradition.

For years, I’ve only shared my authentic home-made Coquito with my family and close friends. Now, I wish to share this gift with you. I hope you enjoy the sweet, creamy taste of Puerto Rico as much as I do.

If you’re shopping for the perfect holiday drink, Micky Finn’s always has plenty of options. But, if you’re looking for a new twist on the holidays, Noelia’s Coquito may very well be the drink for you.

Noelia's Coquito is available at all three locations. 

Micky Finn's One Stop Party Shop
194 S. Cashua Drive.
Florence, SC 29501

Micky Finn's Liquor and Beverage Warehouse
3035 Dr. Johnny Bruce. Rd.
Florence, SC 29506

Micky Finn's South Side
550 Pamplico Hwy
Florence, SC 29505

Photo by Zach Davis