Two very different coconut products

Carton coconut drinks are usually formulated for drinking and have a much lighter texture than canned coconut milk. A tin intended for cooking can separate into thick cream and watery liquid, making a cold coffee oily or unexpectedly rich. The carton product is the starting point for this recipe, not a direct nutritional equivalent to dairy milk.

Read the ingredients list because some coconut drinks are blended with rice, oats or other ingredients. Those additions affect sweetness and texture. Shake the carton before measuring so settled ingredients are redistributed, but do not assume that a thick layer from a cooking tin will behave in the same way.

Keeping the glass balanced

Coconut is noticeable even in a light drink, so the coffee should have enough character to stand alongside it. Use a small strong brew rather than adding a large mug of coffee, which leaves little room for ice and makes the finished drink unnecessarily diluted.

A small amount of maple syrup can soften bitterness, but coconut drinks differ so much that it is better treated as optional. Start without it if the carton tastes sweet on its own. Adding a spoon of syrup is easier than removing sweetness already present in both the drink and a flavoured coffee.

A little separation can happen as the glass stands. Stir before the next sip rather than blending the drink into a foam. If a particular brand repeatedly forms coarse flakes, try a version intended for coffee and make sure the espresso is cool before mixing.

What you'll need

  • 60 ml strong brewed coffee or espresso
  • 160 ml cold unsweetened coconut drink from a carton
  • 1–2 tsp maple syrup, optional
  • 100 g ice cubes

Let's make it

  1. Brew the coffee into a heatproof cup and stir in the optional maple syrup. Cool in a shallow cold-water bath for about 15 minutes, keeping water out of the coffee.
  2. Shake the carton of coconut drink as directed on its label. Fill a large glass with ice and pour in the measured coconut drink.
  3. Add the cooled coffee, stir gently and taste. If the coconut drink is already sweetened, omit the syrup initially. Serve straight away.

Make it your own

For a richer version, use a barista-style coconut drink, checking whether it contains other plant ingredients.

Decaffeinated coffee works with the same measurements.

Keeping it fresh

Serve freshly mixed. Keep the opened carton refrigerated according to its label. Any untouched mixed drink should be covered, refrigerated promptly at 5°C or below and used within 24 hours, with fresh ice added only at serving.

Allergen notes

Check the coconut drink for added soya, oats or nuts and for precautionary allergen statements. A plant-based label is not a guarantee of suitability for a particular allergy.