If You Like Piña Coladas: Coconut Cocktails Worth Traveling For

Nothing says tropical vacation quite like a coconut drink. What could be better than relaxing in a sultry clime with a delicious drink topped with a little umbrella? From sunny beaches to lively city bars, coconut-based cocktails offer a taste of paradise in every sip.

There’s something truly magical about these drinks. They’re the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and refreshing, instantly transporting you to a place where the sun always shines and the waves gently crash. While you might think all coconut drinks are the same, each country has its own twist. These coconut cocktails carry the spirit of the tropics in every drop, combining local ingredients and traditions with a splash of fun.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or an armchair explorer, let’s raise a glass to the coconut — a global superstar of the cocktail world. Cheers to discovering new flavors and stories, one delicious sip at a time.

Puerto Rico

Did you know the famous Piña Colada was invented in Puerto Rico? This delightful mix of coconut cream, white rum, pineapple juice, and ice was first crafted right in the heart of San Juan. For an authentic taste of this classic cocktail, head to the Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, where you can enjoy this legendary cocktail in a luxurious setting. Legend has it that the Caribe is where the first ever Piña Colada was blended, poured, and enjoyed. Another must-visit spot is La Factoria, also in Old San Juan. Known for its creative cocktails, speakeasy vibe, and notoriously unmarked location, this bar serves its own takes on tropical drinks, often featuring fresh coconut water and local rum.

But the Piña Colada isn’t the only coconut delight Puerto Rico has to offer. If you’re visiting during the holiday season, you’ve got to try a coquito. This rich, creamy drink — often called Puerto Rican eggnog — is a festive favorite from Thanksgiving through the Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastián in mid-January. Made with condensed milk, evaporated milk, cream of coconut, white rum, vanilla extract, and a dash of cinnamon, a nice glass of coquito is sure to get you in the holiday spirit — even without the snow. Try an Iced Coquito Latte at 787 Coffee for a caffeinated twist on the classic drink.

Thailand

Thailand is a paradise for coconut lovers, and nothing beats the pure refreshment of fresh coconut water. For a truly local experience, grab a fresh coconut from a street vendor in Bangkok or Phuket—they’ll chop it open right in front of you, and you can sip straight from the shell. Plus, coconut water isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with electrolytes and nutrients that help keep you hydrated and refreshed, making it the perfect tropical thirst-quencher.

For another type of coconut-inspired drink, try the Thai Coco Cocktail at Nahm Fine Cuisine in Bangkok. This cocktail combines creamy coconut milk, a splash of rum, and a hint of lemongrass for a perfect balance of sweet and zesty flavors. It’s the ideal sip for anyone looking to experience a taste of Thailand in a glass.

Brazil

Brazil is a haven for tropical drinks, and if you love coconuts, you’re in for a treat. Try the Batida de Coco, a delicious cocktail made with coconut milk, cachaça (Brazil’s famous sugarcane spirit), and condensed milk. This creamy concoction is both sweet and refreshing; it tastes like summer in a glass. With coconut a popular ingredient in many beverages and dishes in Brazil, the drink makes a lovely complement to any meal or snack. Some places will even serve it directly out of a hollowed out coconut. Head over to Suru Bar in Rio de Janeiro, where you can enjoy a perfectly mixed Batida de Coco along with a variety of other traditional Brazilian drinks and snacks.

Indonesia

When you’re in Indonesia, make sure to try es kelapa muda. This refreshing drink is made with chilled coconut water and tender coconut flesh, topped with a sweet syrup often flavored with vanilla, cinnamon, or cloves. It’s perfect for cooling down on a hot day and enjoying Indonesia’s tropical flavors. You can find it everywhere, from street vendors to beachside cafes. For something a little different, try it in the Semarang region, where it’s sometimes mixed with slices of jackfruit.

Indonesia also offers another fantastic coconut drink called es teler. This delightful treat combines coconut water, young coconut flesh, avocado, jackfruit, and condensed milk, creating a creamy, sweet dessert drink that’s like a tropical fruit salad in a glass. You can find es teler at many local eateries and street food stalls, especially in Jakarta. For an extra special version, look for places that top it with shredded ice and a drizzle of syrup, enhancing the flavors and making it a perfectly refreshing treat for a hot summer day.

Hawaii

Imagine sipping a sweet, electric blue drink while feeling the warm Hawaiian breeze—that’s the Blue Hawaiian experience for you. Created in the 1950s by Harry Yee at the Hilton Hawaiian Village in Waikiki, the Blue Hawaiian captures the essence of the islands with its blend of coconut cream, rum, pineapple juice, and Blue Curacao. For an authentic experience, head to the Tapa Bar at the Hilton where it was created or explore other bars in Waikiki, like Papa Kona or RumFire Poipu Beach in Kauai, for their versions of this classic cocktail.

For something a bit different, try the Coconut Mojito at Duke’s Waikiki in Honolulu, which mixes coconut, mint, lime, and white rum for a light, tropical twist on the classic mojito. And if you’re looking for a fun, laid-back spot to enjoy even more coconut delights, head over to Cuckoo Coconuts in Waikiki. With its relaxed atmosphere, live music, and playful coconut cups, it’s the perfect place to unwind and soak up the Waikiki nightlife.

If you’re up for a drink that’s as wild as it is delicious, the Coco Loco is calling your name. Originating from the beaches of Colombia, this tropical cocktail lives up to its name. The delicious drink is made by hollowing out a fresh coconut and filling it with a mix of rum, vodka, tequila, coconut cream, lime juice, and a splash of grenadine. The Coco Loco offers a smooth, refreshing taste and a true Colombian adventure. You can find it along the Caribbean coast, where it’s a staple for both locals and tourists.

Or, try a Limonada de Coco, a non-alcoholic blend of fresh lime juice, coconut cream, sugar, and ice that offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. It’s a refreshing choice for anyone who loves the rich taste of coconut without the booze. For a delicious Limonada de Coco, head to Andrés Carne de Res in Chía, a lively restaurant and bar offering a wide range of traditional Colombian dishes and drinks.

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Mexico

FAQs:

Q: Can I find non-alcoholic coconut drinks in these locations?
A: Yes! Many places offer non-alcoholic versions of their coconut drinks or other coconut-based beverages like fresh coconut water or coconut lemonade. Just ask the bartender or server for a non-alcoholic option.

Q: Are these coconut drinks vegan-friendly?
A: Many coconut drinks are vegan-friendly, especially those using coconut water or coconut milk. However, some may contain honey or dairy, so it’s best to ask the bar or restaurant for details.

Q: What’s a good time of year to visit these destinations for coconut drinks?
A: While you can enjoy coconut drinks year-round, the best time to visit tropical destinations like Hawaii, Mexico, Colombia, Thailand, Brazil, and Indonesia is during their dry seasons, typically from November to April. This ensures warm weather and plenty of sunshine.

Q: How much do coconut drinks typically cost?
A: Prices vary depending on the location and establishment, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $5 to $15 USD for a coconut cocktail at a bar or restaurant. Street vendors and local spots may offer lower prices.

Q: Can I buy fresh coconuts to make these drinks myself?
A: Absolutely! Fresh coconuts are widely available in local markets and grocery stores in these tropical regions. You can buy a coconut, drink the water, and use the flesh to make your own version of these popular drinks.

Are there any other delicious drinks that you go coco-nuts for? Let us know in the comments section below!