A strawberry coconut refresher is a refreshing non-coffee iced beverage made with strawberry and coconut flavors. It contains no coffee but provides a cooling, fruity drink that is perfect for warm weather or as an afternoon pick-me-up.
The strawberry coconut refresher features blended strawberries, which gives it a sweet, tart flavor. The coconut adds a tropical twist and creamy texture. The beverage is accented with lime for a citrusy zing. The combination of strawberry, coconut and lime flavors produces a fruit-forward drink that is lively and bright.
The strawberry coconut refresher has become a popular menu item at coffee shops and cafes, served both hot and iced. It’s a lighter alternative to coffee drinks, providing a burst of fruit flavor. It’s also customizable, allowing people to adjust the sweetness level and ingredients to their liking.
Keep reading to learn more about the delicious strawberry coconut refresher, including its ingredients, recipe, nutritional information, variations and where to find it.
Ingredients in the Strawberry Coconut Refresher
The standard strawberry coconut refresher recipe contains the following key ingredients:
– Strawberry puree – Made from blended fresh or frozen strawberries. Provides the signature strawberry flavor.
– Coconut milk – Adds coconut flavor and a creamy, tropical taste.
– Lime juice – Brings a bright, citrusy note. Helps balance the sweetness.
– Cane sugar syrup or agave nectar – Sweetens the drink naturally.
– Ice – Cools the beverage for a refreshing sip.
Some variations also include:
– Condensed milk – Adds extra creaminess and sweetness.
– Vanilla syrup – Contributes a subtle vanilla undertone.
– Pineapple juice – Provides a complementary tropical fruit flavor.
– Ice cubes – Help chill the drink.
The strawberry puree is essential for the namesake strawberry flavor. Coconut milk gives the drink its creamy coconut component. And the lime juice adds tartness to balance the sweet fruit flavors. Sweetener like cane syrup brings out the fruit flavors and makes the beverage pop.
Key Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
| Strawberry puree | Provides strawberry flavor |
| Coconut milk | Adds coconut flavor and creaminess |
| Lime juice | Brings citrusy zing |
| Cane sugar syrup or agave nectar | Sweetens naturally |
| Ice | Cools the beverage |
The proportions of these main ingredients can be adjusted based on individual tastes and just how sweet, tart or creamy you want your strawberry coconut drink to be. Additional ingredients like condensed milk, vanilla and pineapple juice complement the core components.
Recipe for a Basic Strawberry Coconut Refresher
Making a strawberry coconut refresher at home is easy. Here is a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 1 cup strawberry puree
– 1 cup coconut milk
– 1⁄4 cup lime juice
– 2-3 tbsp agave nectar or cane sugar syrup
– 1 cup ice
Instructions:
1. Add the strawberry puree, coconut milk, lime juice and sweetener to a blender. Blend on high speed until fully combined.
2. Add in ice and blend again briefly just to break up the ice.
3. Pour into a glass and serve over additional ice if desired.
4. Garnish with sliced strawberries or a lime wedge if desired.
5. Adjust ingredient amounts to taste preference. Add more strawberry puree for stronger strawberry flavor, more lime juice for more tartness or more sweetener for a sweeter beverage.
6. Substitute vanilla syrup or condensed milk for extra creamy, sweet notes. Or add pineapple juice for a piña colada vibe.
Tips:
– Use fresh or frozen strawberries for the puree. Frozen will provide a thicker, chilled texture.
– Look for full-fat coconut milk for the richest flavor.
– Add ice gradually to reach your desired consistency and chill level.
– Garnish with strawberry slices, lime wedges or toasted coconut flakes.
– Store any leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors may mellow over time.
This easy strawberry coconut refresher recipe can be tweaked to suit your preferences. It comes together in just a few minutes in a blender. Sip this fruity, creamy beverage as a refreshing treat any time of day.
Nutrition Information
One of the appeals of the strawberry coconut refresher is that it provides more nutritional value than the average sugary soda or coffee drink. Here is some of the nutrition information for a 12-ounce strawberry coconut beverage made with the basic ingredients:
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 180 |
| Total Fat | 9 g |
| Saturated Fat | 8 g |
| Trans Fat | 0 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 25 mg |
| Total Carbohydrate | 24 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugars | 20 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Vitamin C | 45 mg |
| Calcium | 10 mg |
| Iron | 0.5 mg |
| Potassium | 300 mg |
As you can see, the beverage provides vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates and fiber. The nutrients come from the fruit and coconut milk. Compared to fruit juice or soda, it packs in healthier fat, protein and other nutrients.
The main drawbacks are the high sugar content from the fruit puree and added sweetener, and minimal protein. But overall, it provides more nutritional value than other chilled blended drinks.
Popular Variations
One fun aspect of the strawberry coconut refresher is all the possible ways to customize it. Here are some popular recipe variations:
Piña Colada Refresher
– Replace 1⁄2 cup coconut milk with pineapple juice
– Garnish with toasted coconut flakes
Creamy Strawberry Refresher
– Use 1⁄2 cup condensed milk instead of coconut milk
– Add 1 tsp vanilla extract
– Garnish with whipped cream
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry
– Add 2 tbsp cocoa powder
– Rim glass with chocolate syrup
– Garnish with chocolate shavings
Strawberry Banana Refresher
– Replace 1⁄2 cup strawberries with banana puree
– Garnish with sliced banana
Superfruit Refresher
– Add 1⁄4 cup acai, blueberry or mangosteen puree
– Top with granola and fresh fruit
As you can see, it’s easy to put your own spin on the basic recipe. Swap out ingredients like fruits, sweeteners and milks to make it your own. Top with whipped cream, fruit or crunchy granola for extra flavor and texture.
Where to Buy a Strawberry Coconut Refresher
While making this beverage at home is simple, you can also purchase it pre-made from coffee shops and cafes. Here are some places where you can buy a strawberry coconut refresher:
Starbucks
One of the most popular places to get a strawberry coconut drink is Starbucks. Their Strawberry Coconutmilk Refresher contains strawberry juice blended with coconut milk and real strawberry pieces. You can customize the sweetness level.
Peet’s Coffee
Peet’s offers a seasonal Strawberry Coconut Refresher. It features strawberry puree, coconut milk, lemonade and sliced strawberries.
Caribou Coffee
Caribou Coffee has a Strawberry Coconut Cooler with strawberries, coconut milk, lime and cane sugar. They also have a Piña Colada option with pineapple and coconut.
Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf carries a Strawberry Coconut Smoothee made with strawberry puree, coconut milk and pineapple juice. It’s topped with whipped cream.
Jamba Juice
Jamba Juice has a Strawberries Wild smoothie containing strawberries, banana, apple juice and coconut milk. You can request it with or without a juice or milk base.
Local Cafes
Many local coffee shops and cafes also have their own versions of strawberry coconut refreshers. Check the menu boards or ask the baristas about available custom beverage options. It’s a popular specialty drink to order and customize to your preferences.
The availability of pre-made strawberry coconut refreshers makes it easy to enjoy this fruity sipper any time a cooling break is needed. Customize your drink order to your ideal sweetness, creaminess and fruitiness levels.
Benefits of Drinking Strawberry Coconut Refreshers
Beyond the tasty flavor, there are some excellent benefits to drinking strawberry coconut refreshers, including:
1. Provides Antioxidants
Strawberries are loaded with disease-fighting antioxidants like anthocyanins and ellagic acid. These antioxidants can help lower inflammation and protect cells.
2. May Boost Immunity
The vitamin C in strawberries and coconut water has been linked to enhanced immune function and cell protection.
3. Hydrates
The liquid content helps replenish fluids, especially when served chilled on ice. This can aid physical performance.
4. Provides Electrolytes
Coconut water contains electrolyte minerals like potassium and magnesium that are important for hydration.
5. Increases Fruit/Veggie Intake
The strawberry puree adds a full serving of fruit. This contributes to daily produce recommendations.
6. Natural Sweetness
Sweeteners like cane sugar and agave provide sweetness from natural sources without artificial or chemical additives.
7. May Lower Blood Pressure
Compounds in strawberries and coconut milk/water have been found to reduce blood pressure levels.
8. Cooling and Refreshing
The icy, fruity drink simply provides a cooling, feel-good refreshment on hot days.
So in addition to tasting delicious, strawberry coconut refreshers can also enhance hydration, immunity and wellness when enjoyed in moderation.
Potential Drawbacks of Drinking Strawberry Coconut Refreshers
While strawberry coconut refreshers make a tasty beverage choice, there are a few potential downsides to consider:
– High in natural sugars
The combination of fruit purees and added sweeteners causes a high sugar load, which can spike blood sugar.
– Low in protein
Unlike dairy milk, coconut milk is not a significant protein source. These drinks provide minimal protein.
– Often high in calories
Some versions with added cream, sugary syrups or chocolate can rack up calories, which requires caution for weight management.
– Contains saturated fat from coconut milk
The coconut milk provides saturated fat. While not as concerning as trans or hydrogenated fats, this still needs moderation.
– Risk of foodborne illness from raw ingredients
Consuming raw eggs in drinks raises the very low risk of foodborne bacteria. However, major chains pasteurize ingredients.
To mitigate these risks, opt for unsweetened versions with fewer add-ins, watch portion sizes, and limit higher-calorie ingredients. Make sure ingredients are safely handled and pasteurized as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about strawberry coconut refreshers:
What’s the difference between a strawberry coconut refresher and smoothie?
Refreshers tend to contain more ice and liquid for a lighter consistency than thick smoothies. They also favor coconut milk rather than yogurt/dairy for creaminess.
Are strawberry coconut refreshers dairy-free?
Yes, standard recipes without yogurt, cream or ice cream are totally dairy-free, making them a nice option for vegans and those with lactose intolerance.
Can you make strawberry coconut refreshers gluten-free?
Yes, avoid thickeners with gluten and wheat like maltodextrin. Opt for natural juices and purees to keep them gluten-free.
Do strawberry coconut refreshers have caffeine?
Nope, there is no coffee or tea in these drinks, just fruit, coconut milk and juice ingredients, so they are naturally caffeine-free.
Are fresh or frozen strawberries better?
Fresh strawberries provide the most authentic, bright flavor, but frozen strawberries lend a thicker, frostier texture. Both work beautifully.
What can I mix with a strawberry coconut refresher?
Some tasty mix-ins include pineapple juice, mango, banana, raspberry, vanilla, almond milk, chocolate or espresso for a mocha twist.
Conclusion
The strawberry coconut refresher offers the perfect balance of sweet strawberry flavor and tropical coconut creaminess. It provides an energizing non-coffee, non-alcoholic beverage option ideal for cooling off.
With its nutritional perks like antioxidants, electrolytes and fiber, it promotes immunity and wellness. Customize your order or homemade version with mix-ins and toppings tailored to your taste. Sip this vibrant pink beverage at your next brunch or coffee break for a fruity, refreshing treat any time.