5-Ingredient Colombian Limonada de Coco

I still remember the first time I tried limonada de coco in Cartagena. The combination of tart lime and smooth coconut was so refreshing under that Cartagena sun!

Made with freshly squeezed lime juice, coconut, sugar, and a few simple ingredients, it’s a popular drink there and an easy way to bring a little taste of Cartagena to your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Tropical Coconut Limeade

• The blend of tangy lime and smooth coconut is both refreshing and delicious.
• It only takes 5 simple ingredients to make.
• Perfect for cooling off on a warm day or whenever you want a taste of the tropics.
• It’s an easy way to bring a little of that Cartagena flavor into your home!

What is Limonada de Coco?

If you’re a fan of coconut and lime, this drink will quickly become a favorite.

I’ve tried a few different recipes, but this one is my go-to! It’s refreshing with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.

Limonada de coco is always a hit, especially at BBQs and family dinners.

This tropical coconut limeade comes from the coast of Colombia, where coconut is everywhere, and it’s used in dishes like arroz con coco.

It’s smooth, easy to make, and only needs coconut, lime, sugar, water, and ice!

Ingredients and Substitutions

If you love coconut, you’re going to love this! After experimenting with different options, I found a combination that really works.

I swapped out regular sugar for condensed coconut milk and coconut puree, giving the limeade an extra boost of coconut flavor and a smooth, creamy texture.

Try it out, and let me know what you think!

Ingredients

• Frozen coconut puree – I love this Pitaya brand with individually packaged pureed coconut. I also love their frozen and individually packaged passion fruit recipe for a simple passion fruit juice
• Freshly squeezed limes
• Condensed coconut milk – Instead of condensed coconut milk, substitute sugar in this recipe. However, I discovered that using condensed coconut milk adds a unique coconut flavor
• Purified Water
• Ice – Use crushed ice for this recipe, or just regular ice cubes work
• Shredded Coconut

This recipe is dairy—and gluten-free.

If you prefer less sweetness or are following a low-carb diet, you can easily swap the sweetened condensed coconut milk for a sugar substitute, or skip the sweetener entirely and double the coconut puree for a more natural flavor.

Tips

You'll find several recipes that call for coconut milk, and that also works. However, I love the freshness of the coconut puree, it's lighter and refreshing.

I also prefer the flavor of condensed coconut milk rather than just plain sugar. It enhances that coconut puree flavor and blends deliciously with freshly squeezed lime juice.

Other Ways To Enjoy Coconut Limeade

This is a non-alcoholic recipe, but if you're having drinks, there's a quick and easy way to turn this into an alcoholic recipe. Add rum, either coconut rum or light rum, to the blender.

When adding rum, add a 1/4 shot per cup, based on your preference. In terms of teaspoons, add 1/2 teaspoon per cup, or adjust.

Note: Coconut rum will amp up the coconut flavor ideal for this recipe. Coconut rum can be found in local stores.

See Below for Detailed Instructions

Instructions For A Delicious Limonada de Coco Recipe

In a blender, combine a packet of coconut puree and freshly squeezed lime juice for each cup of limeade.

Add the condensed coconut milk and water, then blend for 5-7 seconds.

For extra coconut flavor, toss in some shredded coconut.

For a frozen version, add 2-3 ice cubes per serving, depending on how icy you want it.

Pour into a glass over ice, and garnish with a sprig of mint or a lime wedge.

Cheers!

Storage

Pour the mixture into a lock lid jar or a glass airtight mason jar. Then store in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days.

This is a perfect recipe to make a day before a get-together. When ready, serve with fresh mint and fresh ice!

What to Serve with Limonada de Coco

Limonada de coco is delish with snacks, appetizers, or dinner. Here are some easy appetizers to serve with it:

• Plantain chips with guac
• Arañitas de platanos
• Twice-fried plantains
• Yuca Fries
• French Fries
• Tater Tots

Coconut goes so well with fish or shrimp dishes. Serve this limonada de coco with something like chimichurri shrimp or wild Argentinian shrimp with chimichurri pasta.

Here are a few seafood options:

• Coconut Shrimp
• Roasted or Pan-Seared Salmon
• Pan-Seared Halibut or Cod
• Fish and Chips

If you’re in the mood for something other than seafood, it’s also great with chicken or steak. Try these:

• Beef, Chicken, Cheese, or Vegan Empanadas
• Grilled or Fried Chicken
• Roasted Chicken
• Chimichurri Steak Tacos
• Pollo Apanado (Chicken Cutlet)

In Cartagena, a traditional dish would include arroz con coco with raisins, pan-seared or grilled fish, sweet plantain, and a simple shaved salad. It’s often served with a small bowl of fish stew on the side—hearty and delicious!

FAQs

Looking to try more tropical drinks or explore other homemade juice recipes? Here are a few ideas to inspire your next meal:

Jugo de Maracuya

Jugo de Lulo

If you make this limonada de coco, I’d love to hear what you think! Drop a comment or give the recipe a rating—hearing from you always makes my day, and I do my best to reply to everyone. 

And if you snap a photo, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! I love seeing how your dishes turn out.