The 10 best Coconut Cream cocktails

Introduction

Indulge in Creamy Coconut Bliss

Coconut cream is an essential ingredient in many beloved cocktails, offering a rich and creamy texture that brings a tropical touch to any drink.

Its versatility allows it to pair seamlessly with a variety of spirits and mixers, making it a popular choice among cocktail enthusiasts. The thick, luscious cream not only adds depth but also a delicate sweetness that enhances the overall flavor profile of cocktails. With its ability to complement fruity, nutty, and even minty flavors, coconut cream is the star in both classic and contemporary concoctions, perfect for any occasion.

Top 10 Coconut Cream cocktails

  • · · · · · ·   Grasshopper Cream
  • · · · · · ·   Bahia
  • · · · · · ·   Piña colada
  • · · · · · ·   Amaretto Colada
  • · · · · · ·   Swimming Pool
  • · · · · · ·   Gold Cup
  • · · · · · ·   French Colada
  • · · · · · ·   Walnut Peach piña colada
  • · · · · · ·   Painkiller
  • · · · · · ·   Coconut White Russian

Conclusion

More about Coconut Cream

1. Grasshopper Cream

A dreamy concoction that perfectly balances richness with refreshing taste. By combining milk and cream with the herbal sweetness of crème de menthe and the chocolaty notes of crème de cacao, this drink offers a decadent, dessert-like experience. The coconut cream's function here is essential, adding a level of creamy sophistication that ties all the flavors together into a seamless, indulgent beverage perfect for after-dinner sipping.

Ingredients

Method

Add one shot of coconut cream, one shot of crème de cacao, one shot of crème de menthe and one shot of milk to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well and strain into a cocktail glass to serve
Go to recipe

2. Bahia

This cocktail is a testament to the power of combining classic tropical flavors in new and exciting ways. The fusion of pineapple juice and white rum creates a refreshing base, while the addition of coconut cream adds a luxurious, creamy texture, elevating the drink far beyond the ordinary. The blend of flavors not only delights the taste buds but also evokes the feeling of a serene beach escape, all within the comfort of your glass.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a blender with ice and blend until smooth
Pour into a highball glass
Garnish with a pineapple wedge, a maraschino cherry and a mint sprig, and serve
Go to recipe

3. Piña colada

As one of the most iconic cocktails to feature coconut cream, this drink brings together pineapple juice and white rum in a smooth, refreshing blend. The coconut cream not only thickens the drink, lending it an irresistible creamy texture, but also balances the acidity of the pineapple juice, resulting in a beverage that's both rich and eminently drinkable. This cocktail's popularity is a testament to the universal appeal of its flavor combination.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a blender with ice and blend until smooth
Pour into a hurricane glass
Garnish with a slice of pineapple and a cocktail cherry before serving
Go to recipe

4. Amaretto Colada

Here, the introduction of amaretto offers a delightful twist, infusing the drink with a deep nutty flavor that complements the tropical notes of pineapple and coconut magnificently. The cream not only adds to the richness but also helps to meld the distinct flavors into a harmonious whole. This cocktail exemplifies how the addition of coconut cream can elevate a drink from simple to sublime, creating a multi-layered flavor profile that's both satisfying and complex.

Ingredients

Method

In a blender add a couple of scoops of crushed ice, then add all the ingredients
Blend slowly for 30 seconds, letting the ingredients slowly mix together
Pour into a hurricane glass, garnish with a pineapple wedge and serve
Go to recipe

5. Swimming Pool

This cocktail is a vibrant showcase of how coconut cream can play a supporting role yet make a significant impact on a drink's overall profile. The creamy ingredient is cleverly combined with vodka, pineapple juice, and a touch of blue curaçao for color and nuances of citrus. The result is a visually stunning drink with a creamy texture and an eclectic mix of flavors that tantalize the palate, inviting the drinker to dive into a pool of tropical bliss.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a hurricane glass filled with crushed ice
Garnish with tropical fruit, such as a pineapple wedge, and serve
Go to recipe

6. Gold Cup

The unexpected combination of whiskey and coconut cream in this cocktail demonstrates the ingredient's versatility. Accentuated with lime juice, sugar syrup, and fresh basil, the drink offers a complex bouquet of flavors. The coconut cream softens the whiskey's bite and introduces a creamy luxury, making the cocktail smooth and inviting. This unique blend illustrates how coconut cream can bridge the gap between traditional cocktail crafting and innovative mixology.

Ingredients

Method

Place a small handful of basil leaves with coconut cream and lime juice in a blender and blend together until you have a liquid form
Pour into a cocktail shaker with sugar syrup and The Wild Geese Classic Blend Irish whiskey, then shake hard with ice
Serve in a rocks glass over crushed ice and add a passion fruit shell
Fill the shell with blue curaçao and garnish with the zest of a lemon
Add your nation's flag to celebrate your team for the final, and serve
Go to recipe

7. French Colada

Blending classic tropical components with a touch of French sophistication, this drink combines pineapple juice, white rum, and coconut cream with the rich flavors of cognac and crème de cassis. The coconut cream not only adds a silky texture but also balances the stronger spirits, resulting in a cocktail that's luxurious and flavorful. This creation is a perfect example of how coconut cream can bring harmony to a diverse range of ingredients.

Ingredients

Method

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well for 10-15 seconds or until the outside of the shaker becomes frosted
Strain into a chilled cocktail glass
Garnish with a pineapple chunk and serve
Go to recipe

8. Walnut Peach piña colada

This cocktail represents a delightful fusion of flavors, with peach and walnut liqueurs bringing fruity and nutty notes, respectively. The inclusion of coconut cream, alongside white rum and pineapple juice, creates a creamy base that enhances the drink's overall texture and imparts a subtle tropical flair. The result is an intoxicating mix that's both innovative and comforting, showcasing the ingredient's ability to complement and elevate a variety of flavors.

Ingredients

Method

Add all the ingredients together with crushed ice to a blender, and blend until a slushy consistency
Pour into a hurricane glass
Garnish with some peach slices and serve
Go to recipe

9. Painkiller

Not only does this cocktail offer a sumptuous combination of tropical flavors with its blend of pineapple and orange juices, but the coconut cream also plays a pivotal role in transforming the drink into a creamy, soothing concoction. The cream's richness perfectly counterbalances the citrus's zest, creating a cocktail that's both potent and gentle, with each sip transporting the drinker to a paradise of flavor.

Ingredients

Method

Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake well and strain into a highball glass over ice
Garnish with a sprinkle of nutmeg and serve
Go to recipe

10. Coconut White Russian

This cocktail revisits the traditional Russian spirit with a tropical twist. The combination of coffee liqueur and vanilla vodka provides a robust backbone for the drink, while the coconut cream introduces a smooth, velvety layer that entwines with the coffee's bitterness, resulting in a sophisticated, multi-dimensional cocktail. This drink exemplifies the exceptional way in which coconut cream can add depth and complexity to more traditional flavor profiles.

Ingredients

Method

Add all the ingredients into a highball glass with the ice
Stir and serve
Go to recipe

Conclusion

These top 10 coconut cream cocktails were chosen for their unique blend of flavors and popularity among cocktail aficionados.

Each cocktail showcases the ingredient's ability to elevate the drink to new heights, providing a creamy and tropical experience that delights the senses. Whether it's a classic Piña Colada or a creative twist like the Coconut White Russian, these cocktails represent the best that coconut cream has to offer in the world of mixology.

More info

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More about Coconut Cream

ORIGINS_HISTORY

What is the history or origin of coconut cream as a cocktail ingredient?

Coconut cream has its roots in tropical regions where coconuts are native, such as Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Caribbean. It has been used for centuries as a rich source of fat and flavor in local cooking and beverages. The utilization of coconut cream in cocktails, however, gained prominence with the rise of tiki culture and tropical-themed bars in the United States post-World War II. The invention of the Piña Colada in Puerto Rico in the 1950s popularized coconut cream worldwide as an essential ingredient for tropical cocktails.

INGREDIENT_SUBSTITUTIONS

Can I substitute coconut milk for coconut cream in cocktail recipes?

Yes, you can substitute coconut milk for coconut cream in cocktail recipes, but expect a lighter, less creamy consistency and a milder coconut flavor since coconut milk has a lower fat content. To achieve a closer consistency to coconut cream, you can refrigerate full-fat coconut milk and use the solidified part at the top of the can.

PREPARATION_TECHNIQUES

How can I make homemade coconut cream for my cocktails?

To make homemade coconut cream, take 4 cups of shredded unsweetened coconut, simmer it in 4 cups of water for about 25 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then blend it in a blender for a few minutes until it's smooth. Strain the blended mixture through a cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer several times until you get a thick and creamy liquid. This homemade version can be used in any cocktail recipe calling for coconut cream.

NON_ALCOHOLIC_VARIATIONS

What are some non-alcoholic drinks that can be made with coconut cream?

Coconut cream can be used to create delicious non-alcoholic beverages such as Virgin Piña Coladas, where it is blended with pineapple juice and ice; Coconut Cream Smoothies, mixed with a variety of fruits like banana, mango, or berries; and Coconut Milkshakes, where it adds a tropical twist to the classic milkshake. These drinks are perfect for those looking for creamy and tropical flavored refreshments without alcohol.

DIETARY_CONSIDERATIONS

Is coconut cream suitable for vegans and people with lactose intolerance?

Yes, coconut cream is suitable for both vegans and individuals with lactose intolerance. It is a plant-based ingredient derived from coconuts and contains no dairy or animal products, making it a great alternative to heavy cream for those following vegan diets or those who cannot consume lactose.