Coconut Recipe

Combine liquids

Shake canned coconut milk well. In a medium mixing bowl or pitcher, whisk together 2 cups full-fat canned coconut milk, 1 cup water, and 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice until smooth and homogenous.

Taste the base for body and adjust water: use less water for creamier results or more water if you want a lighter beverage.

Bloom shredded coconut

Place 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut and 1/2 cup freshly grated/desiccated coconut in a small bowl. Pour 1/2 cup of the prepared coconut milk mixture over the coconut and let sit 10 minutes to soften and infuse the liquid.

Blend for silky texture

Transfer the coconut + milk mixture into a blender. Add the remaining coconut milk mixture. Blend on high for 45–60 seconds until the shredded coconut is broken down and the liquid looks smooth and slightly frothy.

If you prefer a chunkier texture, reserve a tablespoon of shredded coconut to stir in after blending instead of blending it all.

Sweeten and season

Pour blended coconut liquid back into the pitcher. Whisk in 3 tablespoons granulated sugar (or more to taste), 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey if using, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt until sugar dissolves. Taste and adjust sweetness and salt. Chill 15–30 minutes if serving cold.

Optional slurry

If you want a slightly thicker, creamier mouthfeel, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water to make a slurry. Warm about 1/2 cup of the coconut mixture in a small saucepan over low heat, whisk in the slurry and cook, stirring, until thickened (1–2 minutes). Remove from heat, cool slightly, then whisk back into the rest of the coconut milk mixture.

Toast coconut for garnish

Heat a small dry skillet over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons toasted coconut flakes or sweetened flaked coconut and stir constantly until golden and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from skillet to cool so they don’t continue browning.

To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes. Pour coconut drink over ice. Garnish with toasted coconut flakes, a wedge of lime, and a sprig of fresh mint if desired. Stir before drinking. Keeps refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days; shake or stir before serving as separation may occur.