If you are making a recipe that calls for coconut water but you are all out, no need to worry. There are a number of great substitutions for coconut water you can use no matter what you are making.
Coconut water is used in multiple ways from baking, to cocktails, to drinking straight up. And if you need a coconut replacement for any reason you have multiple options to choose from.
In this article we will not only show you which substitutes are best, but how to use them.
So what are the best substitutes for coconut water?
The top coconut water substitutes are maple water, aloe Vera water, birch water, coconut extract, watermelon water, oat water, or shredded coconut.
So if you’re grocery store doesn’t carry coconut water, or you just don’t like the taste, there are multiple great alternatives you can use. Not let’s see how to best use each of these substitutes so you know what to use in your recipe.
Best Coconut Water Alternatives
Coconut water is a popular ingredient used in cocktails, mocktails, smoothies, and other beverages.
It can also be found in numerous baked dishes. So when using another ingredient in place of coconut water you must use a replacement that works for your intended use.
Coconut Water Replacement for Beverages
Whether you are making a tropical mixed drink, mocktail, or drinking straight, coconut water can be replaced. The key to substituting coconut water is using an ingredient that is similar in texture with a flavor that goes with your recipe.
Maple Water
Maple water is a flavorful coconut water alternative that goes well in most any beverage. It comes from the leftover sap when maple syrup is made.
The flavor is subtle so that it won’t overpower the other flavors in your drink. It also is a great coconut water alternative for drinking as is.
Maple water is an excellent option when making frozen beverages, mixed drinks or a fall punch.
Maple water can be found in most grocery stores and is located near the coconut water. It can also be made by adding a few drops of maple extract to water. If making your own, start out with a few drops and add more until desired taste is achieved.
Aloe Vera Water
Not the most well known alternative on the list, aloe vera water (or juice), is an excellent coconut water replacement for summertime beverages. It has citrus flavor with a touch of bitter aftertaste making it a great combo for pineapple, orange, or lime based drinks.
It can also be drank straight up making it a versatile coconut water sub. Aloe Vera water can be located at many local or specialty grocery stores. It is made by blending the inside of the Aloe Vera leaf with water and then filtered.
Birch Water
Birch water can be found at most specialty grocery stores or online from numerous retailers. It is the product of Betula tree sap and it offers a subtle, sweet flavor that is ideal for mixing in all types of beverages.
It’s light flavor also makes it a great option for drinking straight. Birch water is a popular alternative for those who just do not enjoy the flavor of coconut water.
Try birch water in your next mixed cocktail or fruit punch. It is great in summertime drinks.
Watermelon Water
Watermelon is one of the best substitutes for coconut water in frozen and mixed drinks. It offers a sweet flavor and is pink, making it a fun addition to any beverage.
Watermelon water has a more pronounced flavor than the other options on the list so be sure to use it with ingredients that pair well with watermelon such as peach, pineapple, and mango.
Watermelon water also works great as a standalone drink. It is refreshing and sweet and makes a great addition to a picnic or cookout.
Best Coconut Water Substitutes for Baking
Coconut water is not only used in beverages. It is also a popular ingredient in many baking recipes. If you are all out of coconut water use one of the following alternatives in your recipe.
Shredded Coconut
One of the best ways to replace coconut water in a baked recipe is making your own with shredded coconut.
It’s incredibly simple to do and won’t take long to make.
Add six cups of water to a pot and bring to a boil. Add three cups of unsweetened shredded coconut to the water and boil for about 10 minutes.
Remove from heat and strain out the shredded coconut, leaving just the water.
This will produce a subtly flavored coconut water that is perfect for baked dishes. You can go as high as a 1:1 coconut to water ratio for a stronger coconut flavor.
If you wish for a sweeter coconut infused water, add a touch of honey or table sugar to taste.
Coconut Extract
Coconut extract is a potent way to add coconut flavor to a baked recipe. It’s simple to use and works in all types of baked dishes.
Add a teaspoon of coconut extract to desired amount of water and mix. Add more extract if you want a stronger coconut flavor.
Then simply replace your coconut water with the coconut extract mixture.
Oat Water
Oat water is a great coconut water alternative. It is simple to make and the ingredients are likely already available in your pantry.
Take one cup of rolled oats and add them to a bowl with 8 cups of room temperature water.
Allow the oats to soak for 20 minutes.
Place oat and water mixture in blender with 1 cup of condensed milk.
Blend until mixture is liquid. Now you can use your oat milk at a 1:1 ratio in place of coconut milk in your recipe.
Extra Option: Coconut Milk
Coconut milk does not make a great substitute for coconut water alone. It is significantly thicker than coconut milk so a litter alteration is needed before using it in a baked recipe.
Take one part coconut milk and two parts water and mix together. The water will thin out your coconut milk making it a workable alternative to coconut water. Coconut milk does have a stronger flavor than coconut water, so the additional water will also cut the flavor down to a more appropriate level.
This option will work in a pinch, if no other alternatives are available.
What are the best coconut substitutes in cooking?
Whether baking or cooking on the stovetop, the best coconut water substitutes are birch water, shredded coconut, coconut extract, and maple water.
When baking use either shredded coconut boiled in water, or coconut extract mixed with water.
When cooking on the stovetop go with either maple water or birch water.
You can learn more about each of these replacements above.
What are the best substitutes for coconut water when making a smoothie?
If you are making a smoothie that calls for coconut water, there are a number of substitutes you can use that taste great.
You can use infused water such as birch water, watermelon water, or maple water.
You also can go with a coconut milk, almond milk, or oat milk. These will add thickness so you may want to adjust how much dairy milk or yogurt you use.
Another great alternative to coconut water in smoothies are fruit juices. You can use orange juice, pineapple juice, lemon juice, apple juice or any other favorite.
How to make coconut water taste better?
If you are drinking coconut water straight and just do not enjoy the flavor, there are some great additions you can use to improve the flavor.
If you are looking to add a touch of sweetness honey or granulated sugar works well. Add a teaspoon per couple cups of coconut water.
Adding fruit juice can also create a great flavor. Citrus fruit, berries, and melons pair well with coconut water.
You can even use whole fruit by adding it with your coconut water to the blended and mixing until well combined.
Can you substitute coconut milk with coconut water?
Coconut milk is thicker and more flavorful than coconut water. If using coconut water in place of coconut milk you will need to add heavy cream to achieve the correct thickness.
Add heavy cream until it is the appropriate thickness and then add it to your recipe at a 1:1 ratio.
Can you make coconut water?
You can get your own coconut water from young coconuts. Simply cut your coconut and pour out the water.
You can also make coconut infused water with shredded coconut as above. You can also add coconut extract to water for a similar texture and taste to coconut water.