Iced and Refreshing Coffee
Coconut Water Iced Coffee
Quick answer
Coconut water is not coconut milk. It is lighter and more transparent in the cup, with a taste that varies by brand and whether it is sweetened. Read the carton before using it; an added-sugar version will make the drink sweeter than a plain one.
Key takeaways
- The recipe uses cooled espresso to reduce how quickly the ice melts.
- Taste the coconut water by itself before mixing.
- Coconut water has a flavor of its own, and cartons differ in sweetness.
Ingredients
- 40 ml cooled espresso
- 160 ml chilled coconut water
- 120 g ice.
Method
- Pour coconut water over ice, add espresso and stir.
- This recipe uses coconut water, not coconut milk.
Keep the espresso chilled
The recipe uses cooled espresso to reduce how quickly the ice melts. Brew it shortly before serving and let it cool without leaving it exposed for a long period. Pour the coconut water over ice first, then add espresso and stir once to combine.
Adjust to the carton
Taste the coconut water by itself before mixing. If it is sweet, the espresso may need to be more prominent; if it is mild, the coffee can lead the drink. Use the listed proportions for the first cup, then adjust one ingredient at a time. For a dairy-based cold drink, compare a classic iced latte.
Check sweetness before mixing
Coconut water has a flavor of its own, and cartons differ in sweetness. Taste the chilled product before adding espresso. If it already tastes sweet, the coffee may be enough to balance it; if it is mild, the espresso may dominate. The recipe contains no added sweetener, so sample first before changing the drink.
Serve cold and keep the ingredients distinct
Pour the coconut water over ice, add the cooled espresso, and stir as directed. The drink is meant to be light rather than creamy; coconut milk is a different product and would make a thicker drink. For another clear, cold coffee, compare the espresso tonic.
What to look for in coconut water
Check the carton to see whether the coconut water is plain or has added sugar or flavor. A sweetened product will make the coffee taste different from an unsweetened one, and brands vary in how pronounced their coconut flavor is. Chill it before mixing so the ice does not have to cool a warm drink.
Serve shortly after mixing
The recipe uses ice to chill and dilute the drink. If you leave it standing, the coffee will become more watery as the ice melts. Prepare only the serving you plan to drink, and stir once so the espresso and coconut water combine without losing too much freshness.
A tip for serving
Coconut water differs from coconut milk or a coconut milk drink. It keeps this coffee light and refreshing; a creamy alternative changes the drink substantially.