Canned coconut water makes a light base for mocktails, smoothies and iced coffee: five easy options are a pineapple cooler, a mint-lime refresher, iced coconut coffee, a mango smoothie and a sparkling spritz. Each recipe below uses one 330 ml can. At about 19 kcal per 100 ml, coconut water adds natural sweetness and potassium with far fewer calories than juice or syrup.
Key facts at a glance
- Chill the can first — coconut water tastes best very cold.
- Unsweetened coconut water gives you control over sweetness.
- Coconut water ice cubes keep drinks from tasting watered down.
- Pairs well with pineapple, lime, mint, mango, coffee and ginger.
- Use within 1–2 days once opened, refrigerated.
1. Pineapple coconut cooler
- 200 ml coconut water
- 100 ml pineapple juice
- Squeeze of lime, ice
Stir together and serve over ice. A piña colada-style drink without cream or alcohol.
2. Mint-lime refresher
- 330 ml coconut water
- Juice of 1 lime
- 6–8 mint leaves, lightly crushed
Muddle mint with lime in a glass, add ice and top with coconut water. Mojito-style, alcohol-free.
3. Iced coconut coffee
- 1 shot espresso or 60 ml strong coffee, cooled
- 200 ml coconut water
- Ice
Pour coconut water over ice and float the coffee on top. A popular café drink in Vietnam and beyond.
4. Mango coconut smoothie
- 150 ml coconut water
- 150 g frozen mango
- Half a banana
Blend until smooth. Add more coconut water for a thinner drink.
5. Coconut sparkling spritz
- 150 ml coconut water
- 150 ml sparkling water
- A few slices of cucumber or a strip of lime peel
Build over ice for a light, low-calorie spritz.
Tips
- Freeze coconut water in ice-cube trays.
- Balance acidity with a little lime if a drink tastes flat.
- For cocktails, coconut water pairs well with white rum, gin or tequila.
Frequently asked questions
What mixes well with coconut water?
Pineapple, lime, mint, mango, coffee, ginger and sparkling water.
Can I use coconut water in smoothies?
Yes. It adds light sweetness and potassium with fewer calories than juice or milk.
How long does opened canned coconut water last?
Transfer it to a sealed container, refrigerate and use within 1–2 days.
Is coconut water good in coffee?
Yes. Iced coffee with coconut water is light and slightly sweet without added sugar.
Canned coconut water from ACM Beverage
ACM Beverage produces canned coconut water in Vietnam. See the 330 ml coconut water original, the 320 ml lime coconut water and the 500 ml coconut water with pulp. Related reading: fruit-flavoured coconut water.
