With the weather getting warmer, it’s the perfect time to give coconut water a try.
What’s coconut water? First, it’s important to know what it isn’t. Coconut water is NOT:
- Any drink with artificial or natural coconut flavoring.
- The same as coconut milk.
Benefits of Coconut Water
Not only is coconut water a great low-sugar, low-calorie alternative to other juices, it also comes with a number of other potential health benefits. It’s a popular choice with athletes because it is hydrating, and naturally rich in electrolytes such as potassium, sodium, and manganese. When you’re working out and sweating a lot, you need to re-hydrate with more than just water: you need those electrolytes that coconut water is naturally rich in. And compared to a typical sports drink, coconut water usually has fewer calories, less sodium, and more potassium. Even better, you can experiment with coconut water with easy at-home recipes! With its refreshing taste and ability to support rehydration (especially important on hot summer days), now is the ideal time to experiment with the below nutritious and hydrating homemade coconut water recipes.Nutritious and Hydrating Homemade Coconut Water Recipes
Basic Coconut Water Recipe
You can make any of these recipes using a base of unsweetened coconut water. If you have access to coconuts, you can make your own base! The only ingredient you need is one young green coconut.Directions
- Remove the coconut husk by cutting a circle around the top and pulling it open.
- Pour the coconut water into a glass, or stick a straw in the coconut and drink! You can add a splash of mango juice or a drizzle of honey right into the coconut to mix things up. Or save the coconut water for some of the recipes below.
Coconut Water Lemonade Recipe
This easy twist on coconut water is sure to become a spring and summer staple!Ingredients
- 4 cups coconut water (canned or fresh)
- 5 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Juice of 3 calamansi limes (substitute with 3 regular limes if you prefer)
- 3 tablespoons agave nectar (or your favorite sugar-free sweetener)
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 2 cups of ice
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Slice lemons into pieces and set aside
- Combine all remaining ingredients (except ice) in a large juice pitcher. Stir until mixed well.
- Add sliced lemons and ice to the pitcher
- Pour into glasses, garnish with mint leaves, and enjoy!
Coconut Cucumber Limeade Recipe
Here’s another refreshing twist on coconut water you’ll enjoy all summer long.Ingredients
- 2 cups unsweetened coconut water (canned or fresh)
- ¼ cup raw honey
- 4 limes, juiced
- 1 English cucumber
- 2 cups ice
Directions
- Halve, seed, and chop your cucumber (leave four thin cucumber wheels to use as an optional garnish).
- Combine lime juice, chopped cucumbers, coconut water, ice, and honey in a blender.
- Pulse until smooth
- Serve over ice, with cucumber wheels as garnish.