This creamy coconut-lime drink is a tropical mocktail ideal for summer gatherings. It’s made with sweetened condensed coconut milk for a luscious, refreshing finish.
Inspired by Brazilian limeade but with a coconut twist, this version uses sweetened condensed coconut milk and a touch of coconut extract for extra depth. You can swap some water for coconut water for an even more hydrating, tropical feel.
The recipe leans Caribbean in flavor and is intentionally non-alcoholic, making it a perfect family-friendly mocktail. Using sweetened condensed coconut milk gives rich creaminess without needing additional dairy.
Serve this alongside chips and a simple guacamole for an easy, crowd-pleasing combo. Below you’ll find variations, troubleshooting tips, and a printable recipe card.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Taste: Think key lime pie with a coconut twist — creamy, bright, and refreshing.
- Ease: Simple steps: juice the limes, dissolve sugar, and stir in the condensed coconut milk and extract.
- Time: Ready in about 10 minutes.
🛒 Key Ingredients
- Limes – Key or regular limes work; you need about 1 cup of lime juice (8–10 limes).
- Coconut extract – Adds concentrated coconut flavor; use coconut essence if that’s what you have, but extract is stronger.
- Sugar – White granulated sugar is standard. Coconut sugar can be used but will darken the drink.
- Sweetened condensed coconut milk – The star ingredient. If the can is firm, warm it briefly in hot water so it pours and blends smoothly.
See the recipe card below for exact quantities.
✏️ Substitutions & Variations
- Substitute up to 2 cups of the water with coconut water for extra electrolytes and subtle coconut flavor.
- Do not substitute sweetened condensed coconut milk with regular canned coconut milk — the texture and sweetness will be very different.
- For a boozy version, try adding a splash of coconut rum or light rum to taste.
- Make a fizzy version by topping with sparkling water right before serving, or add coconut syrup for a fizzy coconut-lime soda.
🥥 Coconut milk vs coconut water vs cream of coconut vs sweetened condensed coconut milk
- Coconut water: Clear, lightly sweet liquid from young coconuts; refreshing and low in calories.
- Coconut milk: Blended coconut flesh and water; rich but not sweetened unless specified.
- Cream of coconut: Thick, sweetened coconut product (e.g., Coco López) used in cocktails and desserts.
- Sweetened condensed coconut milk: Coconut milk simmered with sugar until thick and syrupy; a dairy-free alternative to sweetened condensed milk with a caramelized coconut note.
🧑🍳 Instructions
- Step 1. Place the unopened can of sweetened condensed coconut milk in a bowl of hot water for 5 minutes to loosen any solidified coconut fat. Juice the limes to yield 1 cup of fresh lime juice.
- Step 2. In a pitcher, combine the lime juice and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 3. Add the coconut extract and the warmed sweetened condensed coconut milk to the pitcher. Stir until fully combined.
- Step 4. Stir in the water last. Serve over ice with lime wedges. Serve fresh for best texture; if separation occurs, whisk briefly to recombine.
Serving suggestion: Dip glass rims in honey or agave and then in coconut flakes for a festive presentation. Serving in halved coconuts with little umbrellas is fun for parties.
📌 Troubleshooting
- If the sweetened condensed coconut milk is too solid: Warm the sealed can in hot water for a few minutes, then stir before adding to the pitcher.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
No. Dairy milk or cream will curdle when combined with acidic lime juice. Stick with coconut-based products for a stable, delicious texture.
Limes provide vitamin C and antioxidants. If you substitute coconut water for some of the water, you’ll add natural electrolytes like potassium.
Swapping some water for coconut water may not significantly lower calories, but it does increase electrolyte content and adds a subtle natural sweetness.
☀️ Refreshing Summer Recipes
Brown Sugar Peach Lemonade-
Brazilian Limeade
-
Blackberry Pear Lemonade
-
Watermelon Mint Lemonade Mocktail
📝 Printable Recipe
Lime in the Coconut Drink
Equipment
- 1 lime juicer
- 1 pitcher (at least 70 oz)
Ingredients
- 1 can (11.6 oz) sweetened condensed coconut milk
- 1 cup lime juice (about 8–10 limes)
- 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- 8 cups water (2 quarts) — optionally substitute up to 2 cups with coconut water
Instructions
- Place the unopened can of sweetened condensed coconut milk in a bowl of hot water for about 5 minutes to soften any solidified coconut fat.
- Juice enough limes to make 1 cup of lime juice.
- In a pitcher, combine the lime juice and sugar, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the coconut extract and the warmed sweetened condensed coconut milk to the pitcher. Stir until smooth, then add the water and mix well.
- Serve over ice with lime wedges. If separation occurs after chilling, whisk briefly before serving. Optional: rim glasses with honey or agave and dip in coconut flakes, and garnish with mint.
Notes
Warming the sealed can in hot water helps melt the coconut fat for easier mixing. Refrigerate for up to 3 days and whisk before serving if the mixture separates.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 59 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Sugar: 13 g
- Vitamin C: 9 mg
Hi, I’m Sara!
I’m a registered nurse and food blogger who loves simple, flavorful recipes. I test dips and snacks so you don’t have to — sharing tasty ideas one recipe at a time.