Chinese Banquet Coconut Milk Drink
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 5 minutes
Total time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Country of Origin
China (Hainan Style / Popularized nationwide)
Description
A copycat of the beloved, smooth canned coconut milk beverages omnipresent at dinner tables across China. Unlike thick, rich culinary baking coconut milk, this table-style beverage is light, milky, perfectly sweetened, and highly refreshing, designed to cut through grease seamlessly.
Presentation & How It's Eaten
Served at room temperature or slightly chilled in clear glassware. It is a staple communal beverage passed around large round banquet tables during festive family meals and wedding feasts.
Ingredients
1 cup pure, unsweetened coconut milk (canned variety, shaken well)
2.5 cups filtered water
3 tbsp granulated sugar (or smashed white rock sugar)
1/4 tsp pure coconut extract (optional, for that iconic canned aroma)
A tiny pinch of salt (to round out the sweetness)
Step-by-Step Directions
Combine Liquids: In a medium saucepan, combine the 1 cup of unsweetened culinary coconut milk with the 2.5 cups of filtered water, whisking thoroughly to completely eliminate any separation.
Dissolve the Sugars: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the sugar and the tiny pinch of salt into the liquid.
Warm Gently: Heat the mixture for about 3 to 5 minutes, stirring continuously, just until the sugar crystals have completely melted into the drink. Do not allow it to come to a boil.
Aromatize: Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the coconut extract (if using) to lock in that sweet, nostalgic aroma reminiscent of iconic Hainan commercial brands.
Filter for Silkiness: Pour the warm mixture through a very fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth into a glass pitcher to catch any tiny unmelted fat solids, ensuring a completely flawless, silk-smooth mouthfeel.
Serve: Allow the beverage to cool down. Serve it at room temperature for an authentic banquet experience, or store it in the refrigerator to serve chilled if preferred.
Cooking Tips
Never Boil: Be extremely cautious not to overheat or boil the beverage during Step 3. High heat breaks down the natural fat structure of coconut milk, causing the drink to split, curdle, and develop an unsightly oily film on top instead of remaining unified and milky.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimated per serving)
Calories: ~110 kcal
Total Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 5.5g
Cholesterol: 0g
Sodium: ~25mg
Total Carbohydrates: 13g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 0.6g
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