Description
Coconut Cooler is a refreshing tropical beverage blending fresh coconut meat and water with creamy condensed and evaporated milk, enhanced by a hint of vanilla. This chilled drink is perfect for hot days, offering a smooth texture with optional coconut pieces for added bite and garnishes like mint or pineapple for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Fresh Ingredients
- 1 medium coconut (cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup coconut water (from the coconut)
- Ice, as needed
Liquids & Dairy
- 8 cups water (divided)
- 14 ounces sweetened condensed milk
- 12 ounces evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Coconut: Using a knife, make a small hole in the coconut to drain the coconut water, then carefully split the coconut in half. Chop the coconut meat into small pieces for blending.
- Blend Ingredients: Combine the chopped coconut meat, fresh coconut water, 4 cups of water, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and vanilla extract in a blender. Blend until the coconut is very soft and the mixture is smooth.
- Strain Mixture (Optional): Pour half of the blended mixture through a fine strainer into a pitcher, ensuring a silky texture. Add the remaining mixture without straining to retain some fresh coconut pieces for texture, or strain all for a smoother drink. Optionally, drip a tablespoon or two of coconut pulp back into the pitcher for enhanced flavor.
- Add Remaining Water and Chill: Stir in the remaining 4 cups of water to the pitcher. Mix well, then refrigerate until cold or serve immediately over ice-filled glasses to maximize refreshment.
- Garnish and Serve: Add decorative and flavorful garnishes such as coconut slices, fresh mint leaves, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or fresh pineapple slices to elevate presentation and taste.
Notes
- For a completely smooth drink, strain all the blended mixture to remove coconut bits.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of sweetened condensed milk.
- Use fresh coconut water for authentic flavor; bottled coconut water can be substituted if fresh is unavailable.
- Garnishes like cinnamon add a subtle warm note that contrasts the coolness of the beverage.
- This recipe can be made vegan by substituting condensed and evaporated milk with coconut milk or other plant-based milks and sweeteners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending and chilling
- Cuisine: Tropical/Caribbean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (about 230 ml)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: coconut cooler, tropical drink, coconut milk drink, refreshing beverage, coconut water drink, summer cooler
