Coconut coffee is a versatile brew that tastes great, is 100% vegan, and could be healthier than a regular cup of Joe. It can be made in several different ways, with most brews offering sweet, creamy, tropical, and nutty flavors.
Read on to learn about coconut coffee, why it's so popular, and how to make the perfect cup…
☕🥥 For delicious, all-natural, coconut-flavored Vietnamese coffee, check out our best-selling Vietnamese Coffee 2.0 Coconut Latte.
What is Coconut Coffee?
Coconut coffee is a versatile beverage that combines coffee and coconut, offering a tropical flavor twist to your morning brew. There's not one specific beverage called “coconut coffee” — it can be made in several different ways.
The beverage can be made by blending freshly brewed coffee with coconut milk, adding coconut cream or oil, or infusing coffee with fresh shredded coconut. Coconut coffee can be tailored to your preferences. It can be served hot, iced, blended, or as a coffee smoothie — there are no strict rules.
Coconut coffee is popular for its creamy texture, tropical flavor notes, subtle nutty sweetness, and potential health benefits.
Varieties of Coconut Coffee
There are several ways to make coconut coffee. Each variation highlights the versatile pairing of coconut and coffee, offering something for every taste preference.
Here are seven popular coconut coffee variations:
1. Coconut Iced Coffee
Coconut iced coffee is a refreshing and indulgent drink made by combining freshly brewed and cooled coffee or rich espresso coffee with coconut milk or cream. It's served over ice in a glass and is perfect for hot summer days.
This beverage is light, creamy, and can be sweetened with sugar, syrup, or honey. The drink can be topped with frothed coconut cream and coconut shavings for extra texture.
2. Hot Coconut Coffee
“Regular” hot-brewed coconut coffee combines the warm, comfort of freshly brewed coffee with the tropical, nutty flavors of coconut. It blends the dark, bold flavors of coffee with the light creaminess of coconut milk or cream.
Hot coconut coffee can be sweetened with sugar or syrup and frothed to create a light milk foam for texture. This brew is an excellent vegan alternative to regular white coffee.
3. Vietnamese Coconut Coffee
Vietnamese coconut coffee is served cold over ice. This unique beverage is slightly different from regular coconut iced coffee because it combines strong, dark robusta coffee with coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk. The result is an indulgent, sweet, creamy iced coffee with a potent caffeine hit.
Vietnamese coffee is made using a phin filter — a traditional manual drip brewer designed for extracting the bold flavors from robusta coffee beans.
4. Coconut Latte Coffee
The coconut latte is a creamy, velvety coffee made by combining espresso with steamed coconut milk and cream.
It's a dairy-free twist on a regular latte that's both satisfyingly indulgent and aromatic. Coconut milk is relatively low in protein which can make producing a thick foam difficult with an espresso machine. Don't expect the exact same texture as a regular latte made with dairy milk, but do expect a delicious coffee topped with an airy microfoam.
5. Coconut Oil Coffee (Keto)
Coconut oil coffee combines freshly brewed coffee with a teaspoon of coconut oil and a dash of coconut milk. The brew is blended to create a creamy coffee topped with a white, velvety coconut foam.
This brew is keto-friendly and can be consumed to add healthy fat to keto or low-fat diets.
6. Coconut Cold Brew
Coconut cold brew coffee is similar to coconut iced coffee but it's made with a cold extraction rather than a chilled hot extraction. The result is a creamy, chilled beverage with a low acidity and a complex, delicate flavor profile.
Its naturally sweet and subtle flavor profile and chilled nature make it the perfect “pick-me-up” for a warm summer's day.
7. Coconut Mocha Coffee
Coconut mocha coffee combines the flavors of coffee, coconut, and chocolate. It's made by adding chocolate syrup to warm coconut milk before adding a shot of espresso or concentrated coffee.
This indulgent brew is perfect for cold autumn and winter evenings. It satisfies both chocolate and dessert cravings in one cup — making it the perfect option for an after-dinner treat.
The Health Benefits of Coconut Coffee
Coconut coffee is a trending beverage in the health and wellness space. When made with high-quality, natural ingredients, this unique brew may harbor a range of health benefits.
Here's how drinking coconut coffee may benefit your health:
1. Boosts Energy and Metabolism
Coffee is known for its caffeine content which is a natural stimulant. The caffeine in coffee enhances alertness and increases energy levels by blocking adenosine receptors in the brain [1].
Coconut oil contains medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), and so does coconut milk and cream in lower percentages. Unlike long-chain fatty acids, MCTs are absorbed directly into the bloodstream. They flow to the liver where they are metabolized into ketones — an efficient energy source for the body and brain.
Research suggests that consuming MCTs may increase thermogenesis (calorie burning) which, in turn, can improve metabolism, and aid in weight loss [2].
The combination of caffeine and MCTs in coconut coffee could benefit the body and brain through these actions.
2. Supports Brain Health
The MCTs found in coconut oil and coconut milk may also support brain health.
MCTs, which are quickly converted to ketones in the liver, are an efficient energy source for the brain. These ketones may be especially useful in aging people and those experiencing cognitive decline, as the brain's ability to efficiently use glucose as an energy source decreases with age [3].
Some studies have also associated moderate caffeine consumption with up to a 65% lower risk of developing Alzheimer's disease — a neurodegenerative disease that affects memory and cognitive function [4].
The combination of caffeine and MCTs in coconut coffee could work together to combat neurological decline and support brain health.
3. Provides Antioxidant Effects
Coffee is a rich source of antioxidants. Coffee beans contain compounds such as chlorogenic acids that protect the cells from oxidative damage [5].
Coconut oil also has antioxidant benefits, providing phenolic compounds and vitamin E — both of which act as antioxidants in the body.
Antioxidants are crucial in reducing oxidative stress, which is believed to speed up the aging process and potentially lead to chronic diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Regularly drinking coconut coffee could slow down the process of aging and prevent certain chronic diseases through the antioxidant effects of the coffee and coconut oil.
4. Aids Digestion
Drinking coconut coffee may aid digestion and promote healthy bowel movements.
Coffee helps promote peristalsis — the muscle contractions that help move food and waste through the digestive tract. This promotes regular, healthy bowel movements.
Coconut milk and oil possess antimicrobial properties due to the lauric acid content. This may help combat harmful gut bacteria while supporting the development of beneficial microbes.
Drinking coconut coffee alongside a healthy, balanced diet may improve digestive health by promoting efficient waste excretion and a balanced gut biome.
5. Keto-Friendly and Low-Carb
Coconut coffee made without sugar or syrup is keto-friendly and low-carb. If it's made with a spoon of coconut oil, the high levels of MCTs in the brew could provide lasting energy for those on a ketogenic diet.
Coconut coffee is packed with healthy fats and contains very few carbohydrates, making it the perfect breakfast option for people on low-carb, keto, or bulletproof diets.
Coffee made with coconut MCT oil and high-quality coffee can provide both short and long-term energy without spiking blood sugar. The caffeine in the coffee provides a fast-acting energy boost and the ketone-producing MCT oil provides a sustainable energy source for the body.
6. Promotes Heart Health
Coconut coffee may promote heart health through lauric acid — a type of saturated fat that's been shown to raise HDL (good cholesterol) levels. Coconut milk, cream, and oil all contain high levels of lauric acid.
According to research, this saturated fat could lower the risk of cardiovascular disease when consumed in moderation [6]. Coffee may also improve heart health by improving endothelial function and providing the body with antioxidants which reduce inflammation.
The combination of coffee and coconut cream, milk, and oil may be beneficial to the heart. However, it's important to note that the caffeine in coffee may have a negative impact on people with an existing heart condition.
7. Free From Dairy
Coconut coffee is free from dairy. For people with lactose intolerance or those following a vegan diet, coconut milk, and cream offers a creamy, dairy-free alternative for their morning coffee that's packed with nutrients.
Coconut milk contains a range of beneficial minerals, nutrients, and vitamins that people on plant-based diets may benefit from.
What Do You Need to Make Coconut Coffee?
High-quality coffee and coconut milk are the basis of most coconut coffees. In this recipe, you'll learn how to make hot and iced coconut coffee with basic ingredients. Feel free to adjust the brew and add your own elements — coconut cream, oil, and fresh coconut or spices and syrups.
Here's what you need to make a basic coconut coffee:
Tools Needed
- Coffee Brewer — Use your preferred brewing method to produce a strong cup of coffee.
- Coffee Grinder — The best coconut coffee is made with whole-bean coffee. A burr or blade grinder will help you grind the beans before brewing.
- Weighing Scales — Accurately measuring the coffee before brewing will result in a more balanced cup.
- Coffee Cup or Glass — Use a coffee mug or heat-proof glass to serve warm coconut coffee. Use a regular glass to serve iced coconut coffee.
- Stirring Spoon — You'll need a spoon to stir the milk into the coffee.
Ingredients
- High-Quality Coffee — Opt for a high-quality whole-bean coffee and grind it fresh before brewing.
- Coconut Milk — Select a natural, unsweetened coconut milk if you want to create a healthy brew.
- Water — Opt for fresh, filtered water for brewing the coffee.
- Ice (For Iced Variant) — You'll need some ice if you want to make coconut iced coffee.
- Sugar (Optional) — Add sugar or syrup to sweeten your brew.
- Coconut Oil — Add a teaspoon of coconut oil if you want to add healthy fat to the brew.
Coffee Recommendations
The type of coffee you select to make coconut coffee is down to you. Whether you select arabica, robusta, or a blend of both beans depends on the type of coconut coffee you wish to make. What's important is that you select a high-quality, whole-bean coffee and grind it fresh just before brewing.
Freshly ground coffee produces a more complex cup that tastes worlds better than pre-ground coffee. Using whole-bean coffee may also produce a cup with a higher level of antioxidants and three essential amino acids — glutamic acid, glycine, and aspartic acid.
- Arabica coffee produces a naturally sweet, smooth, bold brew. 100% arabica beans such as DaLat are perfect if you want a mellow coconut coffee.
- Robusta coffee produces a dark, bold, slightly bitter brew with a high caffeine content. 100% robusta coffee such as HaNoi is perfect for making Vietnamese coconut coffee.
- Arabica and robusta blends produce a well-balanced brew with the qualities of both beans. A blend such as Saigon OG is a versatile option for making a variety of different coconut coffees.
How to Make Coconut Coffee: Step-by-Step
This coconut coffee recipe is simple and can be completed in just a few minutes.
Here's how to make a basic coconut coffee:
1. Measure and Grind Your Coffee
First, measure and grind your coffee. We recommend an arabica and robusta blend for warm coconut coffee or a 100% robusta for a rich coconut iced coffee. However, the choice is yours.
The amount of coffee, grind size, and coffee-to-water ratio will differ depending on the brewing method you use. You can use any brewing method to make coconut coffee.
Check out these brew guides to learn different ways to make the coffee base for coconut coffee:
- French press
- Espresso machine
- Moka pot
- Aeropress brewer
- Hario V60
- Chemex coffee maker
- Drip coffee maker
- Instant coffee
2. Brew the Coffee
Next, brew your coffee using your chosen brewing method. Aim for a strong, dark brew — it will be diluted with coconut milk.
3. Pour and Sweeten the Coffee
Pour your brew into a coffee mug or heat-proof glass.
Add sugar or syrup to sweeten (if desired) and stir.
If you're interested in coconut coffee as a “health drink,” consider adding a small amount of coconut oil. This healthy fat helps neutralize the acidity of the coffee and could help aid digestion. Making the brew with coconut oil (and no sugar) is also a keto-friendly way to add some healthy fat to your diet.
4. Add Coconut Milk
Add the coconut milk. Aim for a 2:1 ratio of coffee to milk. Adding cold coconut milk will create a brew that's at drinking temperature. If you enjoy piping hot coffee, consider heating the coconut milk in a small pan or kettle before adding it to your coffee.
5. Stir and Serve
Stir your drink to combine the coffee and milk. You may also lightly froth the brew with a milk frother or fine whisk to produce a light, airy foam on top.
6. Add Ice (Optional)
Coconut coffee tastes great warm, but it tastes even better cold (in our opinion).
Making coconut iced coffee is simple. Using the recipe above, make your brew but cool it before adding milk.
Pour the cooled brew over ice in a glass, add the coconut milk, and enjoy.
FAQs: Coconut Coffee
Want to learn more about coconut coffee and other similar brews?
Check out the answers to the frequently asked questions below and head over to the Cafely Blog.
1. What’s the Best Coffee for Coconut Coffee?
The best coffee for coconut coffee is high-quality whole-bean. Robusta coffee works particularly well because the sweet, tropical flavors of coconut milk balance out the bold, dark flavors of the coffee. However, arabica and smooth blends also work — which you choose is up to you.
2. How Much Caffeine in Coconut Coffee?
The amount of caffeine in a cup of coconut coffee varies depending on a variety of factors. The type of coffee used, the coffee-to-water ratio, the brewing method, and the volume of coffee all affect the caffeine content. An average 8 oz (240 mL) coconut coffee can contain anywhere from 60 to 180 mg of caffeine.
3. What is Vietnamese Coconut Coffee?
An authentic Vietnamese coconut coffee is an iced beverage from Vietnam. It uses strong robusta coffee prepared with a phin filter. The robusta brew is combined with coconut milk, sweetened condensed milk, and ice to create a sweet, creamy, indulgent coconut iced coffee.
4. Can You Make Coconut Coffee With a French Press?
Yes. You can make coconut coffee with a French press. Simply brew a strong coffee using your press, pour it into a cup, and combine it with coconut milk or cream. Add sugar or syrup to taste and enjoy.
5. Can You Steam Coconut Milk With an Espresso Machine?
Coconut milk is relatively low in protein, which makes it difficult to steam. You won't be able to produce the same thick, velvety texture as whole milk, but you can produce a microfoam with coconut milk.
If you want to steam coconut milk with an espresso machine for making coconut lattes or cappuccino coffee, steam the milk in a pitcher and pour it into the coffee immediately. Doing this will preserve the microfoam and make sure it settles on top of the brew rather than going flat.
6. Is Vietnamese Coconut Coffee Vegan?
Traditional Vietnamese coconut coffee is not vegan. Alongside the vegan coconut milk, the beverage calls for one to two tablespoons of sweetened condensed milk (dairy). However, if want to recreate some of the best vegan coffees available today, you can make Vietnamese coconut coffee vegan by replacing the sweetened condensed milk with sugar or syrup.
7. Should I Add Sugar to Coconut Coffee?
You can add sugar to coconut coffee to sweeten it. However, coconut milk is naturally sweet and you may find it's good enough to satisfy your sweet tooth.
8. What Dairy-Free Milk Can You Use for Coffee?
You can use a range of different dairy-free milk to cream coffee. Coconut milk and oat milk work particularly well with coffee but almond, soy, rice, and pea milk can also be used.
9. What is Butter Coffee?
Butter coffee is a beverage that's made by blending coffee and butter. The result is a creamy, high-fat brew that may be beneficial to those on a keto or low-carb diet.
10. Can You Make Coconut Coffee With Cold Brew?
Yes. You can make coconut coffee with cold brew for a light, chilled, milky beverage with a low acidity. To make coconut coffee with cold brew, simply combine a cup of strong cold brew coffee with a dash of coconut milk or cream.
References
- Ribeiro, J. A., & Sebastiao, A. M. (2010). Caffeine and adenosine. Journal of Alzheimer's disease, 20(s1), S3-S15.
- Hill, J. O., Peters, J. C., Yang, D., Sharp, T., Kaler, M., Abumrad, N. N., & Greene, H. L. (1989). Thermogenesis in humans during overfeeding with medium-chain triglycerides. Metabolism, 38(7), 641-648.
- Cunnane, S., Nugent, S., Roy, M., Courchesne-Loyer, A., Croteau, E., Tremblay, S., ... & Rapoport, S. I. (2011). Brain fuel metabolism, aging, and Alzheimer’s disease. Nutrition, 27(1), 3-20.
- Juby, A. G., Blackburn, T. E., & Mager, D. R. (2022). Use of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil in subjects with Alzheimer's disease: A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, crossover study, with an open‐label extension. Alzheimer's & Dementia: Translational Research & Clinical Interventions, 8(1), e12259.
- Nguyen, V., Taine, E. G., Meng, D., Cui, T., & Tan, W. (2024). Chlorogenic Acid: A Systematic Review on the Biological Functions, Mechanistic Actions, and Therapeutic Potentials. Nutrients, 16(7), 924.
- Kumar, U., Christopher, V., Sobarani, D., & Sastry, N. (2014). Lauric acid as potential natural product in the treatment of cardiovascular disease: a review. Journal of Bioanalysis & Biomedicine, 6(5), 37-39.
