🍂 Fall into Flavor: Puerto Rican Holiday Traditions with Mami, Abuela, and Isla Provisions

As the air turns crisp (well, as crisp as it gets in Puerto Rico!) and the days grow shorter, the heart of the home begins to glow—especially in la cocina. Fall marks the beginning of the holiday season, and for many Puerto Ricans, that means gathering with Mami and Abuela to prepare the traditional dishes that make this time of year so special. 

From the rhythmic sound of banana leaves being folded to the sweet scent of cinnamon and coconut wafting through the house, these recipes aren’t just food—they’re memory, culture, and love served warm. 

Local Coquito beverage with cinnamon sugar rim

🥥 Coquito: Puerto Rico’s Creamy Holiday Toast 

No holiday gathering is complete without a chilled bottle of Coquito. This coconut-based drink is the Puerto Rican’s answer to eggnog—richer, spicier, and undeniably Puerto Rican. 

Coquito Recipe (Serves 6–8) 

Ingredients: 

• 1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk 

• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 

• 1 can (15 oz) cream of coconut 

• 1 can (13.5 oz) coconut milk 

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon 

• 1 tsp vanilla extract 

• 1–1.5 cups white rum (adjust to taste) 

• Cinnamon sticks for garnish 

• Instructions: 

• Blend all ingredients until smooth. 

• Pour into a glass bottle and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. 

• Shake well before serving. Garnish with cinnamon sticks or a sprinkle of nutmeg. 

🍃 Pasteles are wrapped in tradition. Making pasteles is a labor of love—and a team sport. You’ll find Momma grating green bananas, Abuela seasoning the pork, and cousins tying the bundles with string. These savory parcels are filled with seasoned meat and wrapped in banana leaves, then boiled to perfection. The process is time-intensive 

Recipe book open to the Tembleque recipe

🍮 Tembleque: A Wiggly Coconut Delight 

Tembleque, named for its jiggle (“temblar” means to tremble), is a silky coconut pudding that’s simple to make and impossible to resist. 

Ingredients: 

• 2 cans (13.5 oz each) coconut milk 

• ½ cup sugar 

• ¼ cup cornstarch 

• ¼ tsp salt 

• Ground cinnamon for garnish 

Instructions: 

1. In a saucepan, whisk coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch, and salt until smooth. 

2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened (about 5–7 minutes). 

3. Pour into molds and chill for 2–3 hours. 

4. Sprinkle with cinnamon before serving. 

🛒 Where to Get It All: Isla Provisions 

Whether you're hosting a holiday dinner or prepping for a cozy night in, Isla Provisions has everything you need to bring these traditions to life. From fresh produce and pantry staples to specialty items like local rum and cream of coconut, you can find it all on our website. 

We source locally, pack thoughtfully, and deliver with care—so you can focus on what matters most: sharing food, stories, and laughter with the ones you love.