If you're looking for a refreshing coconut shake that's naturally sweet, creamy, and packed with tropical flavour, this easy recipe is for you. Made with fresh coconut water, fresh coconut meat, and your choice of milk, this coconut smoothie is incredibly simple to make and comes together in just a few minutes.
Living in Southeast Asia, fresh coconuts are something I buy almost every week, and this has become one of my favourite ways to enjoy them. It's light enough for a hot day but creamy enough to feel like a treat!
If you're looking for more healthy drinks, browse all of my healthy smoothie recipes, try one of my banana protein shakes, make my classic vanilla banana protein shake, or cool down with my refreshing rambutan juice. If you have extra coconut meat left over, it's also perfect for making my homemade coconut yoghurt.
Why you'll love this coconut shake
- Naturally refreshing and hydrating.
- Made with fresh coconut water and coconut meat.
- Thick, creamy, and perfectly smooth.
- Easy to customise with your favourite milk.
- Ready in less than 5 minutes.
- Naturally vegan when made with soy or coconut milk.
Ingredients
- Fresh coconut water – Fresh coconut water gives this smoothie its naturally sweet tropical flavour. You'll need about 1 to 2 cups, which is usually the amount from one young coconut.
- Fresh coconut meat – The soft, tender coconut flesh creates the creamy texture. You'll need approximately 1 loose cup. If you happen to have extra coconut meat after making this smoothie, I highly recommend turning it into my homemade coconut yoghurt. It's surprisingly easy to make and is another delicious way to use fresh young coconuts.
- Milk – I recommend coconut milk or fortified soy milk for the creamiest texture, but dairy milk also works well. For an extra protein boost, fortified soy milk is my favourite option. You can also blend in your favourite vanilla protein powder to turn this into a filling breakfast smoothie similar to my banana protein shake.
- Salt – Just a small pinch enhances the sweetness and brings all of the flavours together.
- Ice – Makes the smoothie deliciously cold and thick.
Tips for the best coconut smoothie
- Use a young coconut with soft, jelly-like flesh rather than a mature brown coconut.
- Chill the coconut before opening so your smoothie is extra refreshing.
- Blend for at least 45–60 seconds to make the coconut meat completely smooth.
- Drink immediately for the freshest flavour and creamiest texture.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Fresh coconut water has the best flavour, but bottled coconut water works well if that's what you have available.
Absolutely. Canned coconut milk makes this smoothie extra rich and creamy. If you prefer a lighter drink, use refrigerated coconut milk or soy milk instead.
Yes. Fresh coconut water provides natural electrolytes, while the coconut meat contains healthy fats and fibre. Using fortified soy milk also adds protein and calcium.
Definitely! Mango, pineapple, banana, or dragon fruit all pair beautifully with the coconut flavours.
How To Make This Coconut Shake Recipe
Equipment
This recipe uses:
- High-speed blender (I use a Vitamix)
- Knife or coconut opener
- Glass for serving
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cups fresh coconut water
- 1 loose cup fresh coconut meat
- ½ cup (120 ml) coconut milk, soy milk, or dairy milk
- 1 cup ice
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Pour the fresh coconut water into a blender.
- Scoop out the coconut meat and add it to the blender.
- Add the milk, salt, and ice.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
Expert Tips
- One young coconut typically provides enough coconut water and coconut meat for this recipe.
- Coconut milk gives the richest flavour, while soy milk is my favourite option for extra protein.
- If your coconut is naturally very sweet, no additional sweetener is needed.
- For an even colder smoothie, freeze the coconut meat before blending.
More tropical smoothie recipes
If you enjoyed this coconut smoothie, be sure to explore my full collection of healthy smoothie recipes for more healthy breakfast and snack ideas. You might also enjoy my naturally hydrating rambutan juice, which uses fresh coconut water just like this recipe, making it another perfect drink for hot summer days. I also love this tropical dragonfruit smoothie and this tropical papaya smoothie recipe.
Coconut Shake Smoothie
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 cup fresh coconut water
- 1 loose cup fresh coconut meat approximately 120 grams
- ½ cup milk coconut milk, soy milk, or dairy milk
- 1 cup ice
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Pour the fresh coconut water into a blender.
- Scoop out the coconut meat and add it to the blender.
- Add the milk, salt, and ice.
- Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy.
- Serve immediately.
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