If you're looking for a hydrating tropical drink that's naturally sweet and energizing, this rambutan juice recipe is for you. It’s inspired by electrolyte drinks like 100 Plus or Gatorade—but made with nothing but fresh, real fruit! Juicy rambutans, fresh coconut water, and zesty calamansi lime juice come together in this vibrant, plant-based beverage.
If you love exploring tropical fruits like rambutan, then make sure to check my top 13 tropical fruits in South East Asia. I also go in depth about the rambutan fruit and have lots of recipes with this cool fruit such as these spicy rambutan popsicles, rambutan ice-cream, or this rambutan jam.
Why I love making this rambutan juice
This juice is a functional drink made with only four ingredients and no refined sugar. It’s naturally sweet, zesty, and slightly salty—perfectly balanced and made for warm days.
Living in a tropical country, I often turn to nature’s own hydrating fruits to beat the heat. Rambutans are one of my favorite fruits to use—not just because they’re sweet and juicy, but because they pair beautifully with other tropical flavors. If you’re new to this fruit, check out my post all about the rambutan fruit—you’ll learn how to choose, peel, and enjoy them in a variety of ways.
Ingredients needed for rambutan juice
You only need four whole food ingredients to make this refreshing drink:
- 6 ripe rambutans – peeled and deseeded
- 1 fresh coconut – use the water and scrape out the soft coconut meat
- Juice of 3 calamansi limes
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
Pro tip: If you love making recipes with real coconut, you might also enjoy making your own coconut yoghurt at home—it’s another great way to use fresh coconut meat.
How to make rambutan juice
This rambutan juice recipe is simple and quick to prepare:
- Peel the rambutans and remove their seeds. The translucent flesh should be soft and juicy.
- Crack open the fresh coconut. Pour out the coconut water and scrape the soft flesh inside.
- Juice your calamansi limes and remove the seeds.
- Add the rambutan flesh, coconut water, coconut meat, calamansi juice, and salt into a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately—or chill for later.
🍹 Want to see the full process? Watch the video here.
Tips and tricks for perfecting your rambutan juice
- Use ripe rambutans – Ripe ones are easier to peel and taste sweeter. Read my tips on selecting rambutans in this rambutan fruit guide. You can also used canned rambutans if you don't have access to fresh ones.
- Young coconuts are best – Their water is sweeter and the meat is more tender.
- Adjust flavors to taste – Add more calamansi for tang or an extra pinch of salt for an electrolyte boost.
- Chill before drinking – It’s even more refreshing when served cold. I like to serve it over ice.
- Shake before serving - Because we don't strain the pulp, its best to give this juice a shake before serving.
Frequently asked questions about rambutan juice
Yes you can! I love using fresh coconut though because you can utilise the coconut meat as well. It also ensures that this recipe is 100% all natural.
Calamansi is a small, sour citrus fruit popular in Southeast Asia. It has a unique flavor that’s tart like lime with a hint of sweetness—perfect for brightening up drinks and dishes.
If calamansi isn’t available, try using lime juice or a blend of lime and mandarin orange juice.
Definitely. With coconut water, salt, and fruit sugars, it acts as a natural electrolyte drink—great after workouts or on hot days (everyday in Malaysia!).
Variations
- Add mint or basil – Fresh herbs elevate the flavor.
- Turn it into popsicles – Pour into molds and freeze for a fun summer treat. You might also love these spicy rambutan popsicles—they’re a bold twist on tropical refreshment.
Let's Make Rambutan Juice!
This rambutan juice is hydrating, energizing, and packed with real tropical flavor—no need for artificial ingredients. It’s the kind of recipe that brings the tropics to your glass with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
If you love this juice, you might also enjoy my rambutan jam—a delicious way to preserve rambutans and enjoy their flavor all week long.
Rambutan Juice
Ingredients
- 6 rambutans
- 1 young coconut
- 3 calamansi limes
Instructions
- Peel the rambutans and remove their seeds. The translucent flesh should be soft and juicy.
- Crack open the fresh coconut. Pour out the coconut water and scrape the soft flesh inside.
- Juice your calamansi limes and remove the seeds.
- Add the rambutan flesh, coconut water, coconut meat, calamansi juice, and salt into a blender.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour into a glass and enjoy immediately—or chill for later. Shake well before serving.
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